It's off to Miss. State for Gordon

"I was going to commit to them and I really liked Tennessee," Gordon said on Monday from Oak Hill Academy. "But I kept reading about them wanting Tyler Smith (of Giles County), and that he was going to be the man.

"I knew C.J. (Watson) was coming back and Chris Lofton, so where was I going to fit in?"

Apparently, the answer is Starkville, Miss.

Gordon chose to visit Mississippi State this past weekend and confirmed he plans to sign with the Bulldogs on Wednesday.

"I'm dead set on Mississippi State," Gordon said. "I've still got a little academic work to do in getting my grade-point average up, but I'm going to work hard to make sure I get it done."

The 6-foot-3 guard was named a second-team Parade All-American and helped lead Oak Hill to a 34-2 record this season.

"Mississippi State lost three seniors at my position and they showed me that's the place I need to be," Gordon said. "I know Tyler and he's a cool guy and a good player, but (new UT) coach (Bruce) Pearl just seemed to want him in the program more than me."

Gordon hasn't qualified academically, but the former Nashville Glencliff player was obviously high on UT's wish list.

He originally was scheduled to visit Knoxville this past weekend, but Tennessee coaches asked Gordon to reschedule because of some Saturday morning testing the senior had to finish.

Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury stepped in and visited Gordon on Wednesday at the Mouth of Wilson, Va., school. Stansbury then visited with Gordon's mother in Nashville later Wednesday night.

That same day, Pearl was in the Nashville area visiting Brandan Wright of Brentwood Academy and Smith at Giles County.

Tennessee apparently had used all of its allotted contacts with Gordon prior to Pearl's arrival.

"When he first got there he said he would come see me (last Wednesday), but he didn't and then didn't call me until Thursday to say they had used all their contacts," Gordon said. "I think they're using that as an excuse."

Tennessee coaches can't comment on the Gordon situation since he is still unsigned.

Smith, a 6-7 forward from Giles County, already has signed with Tennessee, but wavered after the Vols' recent coaching change.

He averaged 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, four assists and three steals this past season.

Smith was a three-time Mr. Basketball finalist and helped Giles County to a 28-7 record as a senior.

Area fans wanting to make a road trip can watch Smith play in the adidas Derby Festival All-Star game in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday. Smith is then expected to meet with Pearl again sometime next week.

Mark Burgess covers Tennessee men's basketball and may be reached at 865-342-6277.