The Real Deal

Moments like that can be awkward and unnerving. Spencer, Tennessee's sophomore forward, wasn't bothered in the least. Lord knows, she's used to putting her heart and soul into her self-expression.

"It wasn't hard at all,'' Spencer said. "I want people to know where I'm coming from.''

Her Lady Vols teammates know the place well. They have a name for Spencer's origin: "Sidville." The population is one.

One free spirit who dispenses hugs like a politician does handshakes.

One who recently ran through the "T" at an empty Thompson-Boling Arena in celebration of a mundane pick-up game.

One who proclaimed herself the "shot chaplain" after giving teammate Brittany Jackson the following advice: "Shoot it up. Shoot it into heaven."

When former teammate Ashley Robinson admonished Spencer during practice last season by asking "Sid, where's your defense?'' Spencer pointed to a random spot on the court and replied, "It's not over there.''

Say what?

"They tell me I'm on another level,'' Spencer said. "My own cloud.''

Getting from there to here has taken some time and understanding. What's now viewed as charming was once considered unusual or worse.

"We didn't know if she going to stay here,'' teammate Shanna Zolman said. "She was off to herself. I didn't know her.''

These days, Zolman refers to the same Spencer as "one of the best friends I've ever had.''

Zolman was with her buddy on the Dominican Republic trip. She and Spencer, who goes by the nickname "Sid," were roommates and workout partners throughout the summer.

"I've told her that I admire her for her boldness,'' Zolman said. "Her ability to talk to people.''

Oh, so it's boldness, not weirdness. Funny how the perception of a teammate has changed.

Spencer has watched with amusement her transformation from oddball to great communicator. She stayed her spontaneous course, even as her teammates jokingly questioned whether she had Tourette's syndrome because of her "random outbursts.''

This wasn't an act. It certainly wasn't an affliction. Sid was simply being Sid.

"It's been a growing process,'' Spencer said. "I think now more than ever, I'm going to be myself. People love you when you're truthful, honest and real. I try to be real.''

If only Spencer knew how much growth the process has involved.

Lady Vols center Tye'sha Fluker has friends in most sports on campus and a social life she described as "great'' Yet she's had talks with assistant coach Nikki Caldwell about trust and opening up to her basketball teammates.

Unbeknownst to Spencer, she has been Fluker's interpersonal guide.

"I've learned that by watching Sid,'' Fluker said. "I haven't told her that. It's all about when you get in a new group, trusting that you can be yourself and they'll love you for who you are.''

Fluker shouted encouragement to her teammates during a recent team workout. Spencer's echo was evident.

This season, the group is really new. There are seven freshmen among the 15 players. Two of them - Candace Parker and Alex Fuller - are dealing with serious knee issues that have arisen in the past month.

Since passing a bottle of rum around the locker room is out as a mixer, something must serve as a substitute. Or someone.

"I remember her as the first person who came over and acted like I wasn't new,'' freshman Sybil Dosty said.

And who might that be? Here's a clue: She has her own cloud.

"She made me the best brownies ever when I had my surgery,'' Parker said.

The same person strikes again.

Given the team's makeup, Spencer thinks that she has a "ton" more responsibility this season. She doesn't need to put so much weight on herself. Just keep the random outbursts coming.

"I don't think I will be like this forever,'' Spencer said, "but there will be an element of it.''

She'll always be from "Sidville."

Dan Fleser covers Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288 or fleser@knews.com.