Humphrey scores away from court

Humphrey, who set Florida's single-season record with 113 3-pointers last season, including a school postseason record 22 during the NCAA tournament, returned to Maryville High School in May for Lee Humphrey Day as part of a hero's welcome.

"It was a lot of fun and it was real special to me,'' said Humphrey, who despite his success has maintained his Opie Taylor disposition.

But as much fun as the spoils of a national championship have been, Humphrey has also found a way to have fun making an international impact with his religion.

Humphrey, for the second consecutive year, has traveled overseas with SportsReach, a nonprofit Christian Ministry group that uses athletics to spread the gospel.

Humphrey went to China two summers ago with the program and went to Brazil to play club teams and visit schools last year.

Humphrey's team, coached by former Kentucky standout Kyle Macy, included Kentucky's Bobby Perry, Ole Miss' Todd Abernathy, Georgia's Steve Newman and Billy Humphrey and Vanderbilt's Derrick Byars.

"We played one game in Brazil outside in 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity,'' Humphrey said. "That was pretty different.''

Robby Speer, the director of Sports Reach, said Humphrey brings great intangibles to the group off the court as well as on it.

"Lee is one of the most phenomenal people that I've ever met in my life,'' Speer said. "The best way to describe, being a dad, he would have every qualification you would want to marry your daughter. You love him as an athlete, because he plays so hard and he never plays around.

"But he's also such a charismatic guy, and you can see his Christian faith lived out with who he is.''

Many Tennesseans bemoaned former UT coach Buzz Peterson not granting Humphrey a scholarship, even if it appears that it has worked out in the best interests of both parties.

The only consolation UT fans have been allowed is the Vols' sweep over the Gators last season.

"My buddies give me a hard time, saying we have to beat Tennessee some time,'' Humphrey said. "But I wouldn't trade the national championship for two wins over them.''

Perhaps not, but it's safe to say Humphrey would like to have a game against the Vols where he can score in double figures. Humphrey was 1-of-5 shooting for three points in UT's 80-76 win in Knoxville and 1-of-5 shooting with two free throws for five points in the Vols' 76-72 win in Gainesville.

That was by design, according to UT forward Dane Bradshaw.

"He was on our radar,'' Bradshaw said. "But I think it's safe to say he's happy where he ended up and I wouldn't trade places with him, either.''

Florida coach Billy Donovan said he understands how Humphrey could struggle against his home-state school.

"It's kind of like me when I was at Providence, I remember as a player I'd come back to St. John's and never really have that type of game I'd like at their building,'' Donovan said. "There's probably a lot of emotion for him surrounding that game because he's been around that program so much and a lot of family and friends come to watch.''

Humphrey doesn't seem to be too bothered with his performances against the Vols.

"I don't think it was too much emotion or trying too hard,'' he said. "I just haven't played them too well. Last year I had a couple of shots that were big at the end. Some go down, some don't.''

In the grand scheme of things, it's just one game against one state school for a player who has gone international.