Champions aren't born, they're developed.

With most of the same players from last season, the Tennessee men's basketball team has embarked on a championship-type run. I've said it before, a true champion succeeds when the chips are down and prior to this season, there weren't many who believed first-year coach Bruce Pearl would have this talented, but unproven band of ballplayers achieving as they are.

Among those taking notice, SEC commissioner Mike Slive, who witnessed first-hand the revival of Tennessee basketball when he attended UT's win over Auburn. Slive will be unable to attend the SEC tournament because he is on this year's NCAA selection committee. Listening to him talk, you get the impression he can't wait to show off this new and improved version of the Big Orange in the Big Dance.

He believes Pearl's approach to the game is not only good for Tennessee, but for a league not earning the respect afforded to some of the nation's other conferences.

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton's decision to bring in Pearl already has paid off big dividends and no where is that appreciated more than in the Tennessee locker room where right before our eyes champions are being made.

Rick Russo is sports director for WVLT Volunteer TV Sports Overtime.