Tony Harris loved his time at Tennessee.
“I feel like we revived the program when I was there,” said Harris, who played point guard for the Vols from 1997-2001. “During our era, from 1997 to 2001, we went to four straight NCAA tournaments and paved the way for what is there now.”
As for why the Vols were so successful in those years, Harris says it was the talent.
“Man, we had guys all over the court who could play, like C.J. Black, Vincent Yarbrough, Ron Slay, Jon Higgins and Isiah Victor,” Haris said. “Even if one guy had an off night, there was so much talent that we always found a way to get it done.”
Harris was recruited by Kevin O’Neill, but never played for him.
“He sold me on the Tennessee program and what it could become. When he left, Coach (Jerry) Green picked right up on my recruitment and I stuck with my word. I have no regrets about any decisions I made regarding my basketball career.”
Harris’ career has taken him all over the world since his days at Tennessee.
“I’ve played in minor leagues, the CBA, in Spain, Italy, Germany and the developmental league. I’ve played a lot of ball over the years, but it’s over now. I decided last year that it was time to get on with my life.”
He’s getting on with his life mainly because of a 3-year-old girl named Tony Desiree.
“She’s the light of my life,” Harris said. “She’s the reason basketball ended for me. I just couldn’t take being overseas knowing that I was missing her growing up. It took a real toll on me, so I made a tough decision. She already has a basketball in her hand. Right now we’re working on follow through. She’ll be an undersized runt like me, but she’ll be good.”
As far as what Harris is doing now, he’s about to go back to school.
“I think I lack about 40 hours to graduate,” he said. “Coach (Bruce) Pearl has been great with helping me get back in school and getting my degree. I want to coach, so I need to get my degree to be able to do that. I don’t know where I want to coach, I really haven’t thought that far ahead, but I know that I want to.”
When I bumped into Harris, he was sitting in Pearl’s office to visit about school and basketball.
“I told him that he was 10 years late,” Harris said. “That man is incredible. He cares about the former players like no one else ever has. He makes us feel like we’re important to the program. And, that system he runs. … Man, I wish he would have been coaching us when we had all those guys here in the late ’90s. We would have had a blast in that system.
“The most impressive thing about Coach Pearl is that they play fast, but they are also so disciplined. The way you see their discipline is in the shots that they take. Yeah, they take a bunch of long 3 pointers, but they’re all good looks. There is no hesitation in the players. When they see a good shot, it’s going up. If you can play at that high of a tempo, and still take that high of a percentage of good shots, you’re a well coached basketball team.”
As far as Harris’ time at UT, there are a few memories that stand out above the rest.
“I guess the best memory was beating Kentucky twice my sophomore year,” he said. “That was unheard of, that we had a chance to do that. We had some fun. I remember an alley oop to Isiah Victor in the game against Kentucky at Thompson-Boling. I could just throw it somewhere around the basket and he was going to go get it and throw it down.
“We also had a lot of fun having water gun fights with the football players on campus. We all had those super-soakers. They would spray about 50 feet. Well, we would be on campus and would spray the football guys, and they would spray us. The problem was that we were getting other students wet, so the campus police put a ban on the water guns.”
Harris was a misunderstood player at times at Tennessee. What could never be misunderstood about him was his competitive fire and the success the program had when he was running the show.
“I know that the program is having great success right now,” Harris said. “I just hope no one ever forgets the run we had, because it was a pretty good one.”
Mark Packer hosts the Locker Room, presented by Parkwest Medical Center, on Sunday at 10 p.m. on MyVLT2.
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Comments » 43
tigervol9802 writes:
I remember the Florida game in the 00-01 season that Tony singled-handedly won. During OT, Teddy Dupree was guarding him and got a bit too close and Tony Drew back his hand like he was going to backhand him. I laughed until I hurt. We ended up winning in doube OT I believe. One of the most exciting games I've watched at TBA.
Seems he's matured a lot. I'm glad Coach Pearl is reaching out to former players like him and helping them his their degrees.
alfrizzle097 writes:
Harris was never misunderstood. He just had a bad attitude.
Still, I don't begrudge him the opportunity to get his degree. Good luck to him.
CrankE writes:
I remember Gary Lundy ripping into Tony Harris. Too injured to play, yet well enough to charge off the bench into a brawl on the court. Glad to see him finishing the degree though. (Does that help UT on the APRs?)
murrayvol writes:
Glad to see Pearl bringing the guys that played back and making them feel welcome. That's one key to building a program that will stand the test of time. It would've been quite a show if Pearl had coached Tony and his crew. I wish Tony good luck with the degree and the parenting. Looks like he's making some good choices.
Ironcity writes:
If only he could have been 5 inches taller. Was a shoting guard in a point guard body. Good luck with your degree 40 hours is a lot.
eb502us#225637 writes:
I remember Tony as quick and talented, but having a bit of an attitude. I"m glad to see he's matured to the point of coming back for his degree. Kudos to coach Pearl for bringing "family" back to the UT program.
Timbo writes:
Tony, I loved how you played the game. Thanks.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Tony Harris was the BOMB! Watching him when I attended the University was incredible..and thanks for the memories.
CoverOrange writes:
Maybe one of his classes will be in history of UTBB. DeVoe beat Kentucky three times in one year, I think the first year of the SEC Tourney (1982?).
THE_VOL writes:
Tony Harris and misunderstood should never be used in the same sentence. Unless of course one is referring to how Tony Harris misunderstood his obligation to attend class and get a degree. How in the hell does someone go to college for 4 years and end up 40 hours short????? That's nearly 3 semesters! And he was in summer school every year too!!! I guess Jerry Green was a real stickler for academics eh? And for this clown to take ANY credit for ANYthing happening now is ludicrous! He and his band of thugs paved the way for absolutely nothing in this program or this University. Good luck on getting that degree and the rest of your life but your record at UT leaves MUCH to be desired Mr. Harris.
thethommyb writes:
Hey, yall,
As a Memphis boy and a UT fan, Tony Harris drove me crazy. Before I moved to K'town, I was furious with him for avoiding the Tigers (in what were some tough times for them). As a Vol, I loved his fearlessness. He brought toughness and tenacity, if not consistently sound decision making, to UT at a time when Green's Vols really needed it.
BigUn writes:
Didn't care for Harris much when he was here, but I like hearing that he is putting his daughter first above athletics and is going back to school to get his degree.
wyomingvol writes:
Go Tony. A spark that stayed.....
rccheek#205272 writes:
The Tony Harris that I remember put up big numbers and great effort in games that were "routine" but disappeared in the "big must win" games.
tennisvol writes:
Good luck to Tony on getting that degree.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
“I’ve played in minor leagues, the CBA, in Spain, Italy, Germany and the developmental league. I’ve played a lot of ball over the years, but it’s over now. I decided last year that it was time to get on with my life.”
VERY NICE TONY GOOD LUCK
jimbo37918 writes:
Tony Harris was a joke he ran the team and Jerry Green come on he would shoot 30 three pointers and he might make 4 Tony Harris would not even make third string on Pearl's team people let the truth be told Tony Harris was out for Tony Harris and no one else GO BIG ORANGE
shaymous writes:
BFLYNN2
AMEN on your comments to THE_VOL, and to you Tony Harris, the best of wishes, and kudos to Coach, for taking the time to help you get there, not many would.
volfan73120#211815 writes:
I agree with bflynn2 and plasticman. Good posts guys.
CoverOrange writes:
What was "borderline racist"? Oh, I see, he doesn't like Green people.
iowavol writes:
BFlynn2, don't understand what the borderline racist, but spot on with the rest of your comment. the-antivol definitely has a different view of history than most of us. Tony Harris was the real deal and no, he wasn't only about himself. Did he have problems, yes, but he supported his team, especially when attacked. I remember his quick first step - dang he could leave a guy standing flat footed. I'd love to have one or two or three of those guys on this team. A Ron Slay or CJ Black in Pearl's system - awesome.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
“I’ve played in minor leagues, the CBA, in Spain, Italy, Germany and the developmental league. I’ve played a lot of ball over the years, but it’s over now. I decided last year that it was time to get on with my life.”
VERY NICE TONY GOOD LUCK
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
tigervol9802:
there was another game, at UF, where Tony fouled our. Dupree was shoorinf ft's, and Tony was making rhe 'choke' morion (hands x-ed at his neck and laughing). Vitslr ripped him for thst onr.
some fans female dog, but he had that cocky sryle you need somerimes.
will always remember that UNC game where Forte brought UNC bac. all Slay had ro do was get the ball to CJ and we mosr likely win....sigh....
daxvolfan writes:
Pretty awesome that Pearl is close to the players that were here before he ever was. Even the ones that some fans or media didn't/don't like. We have a great person and coach in Pearl. I hope he stays here until he retires.
Also good to here that Tony is getting his degree. Sounds like he has matured alot, but haven't we all since that age!!
Good luck Tony and Go Vols!!!
VolPowers writes:
The responses on here are symbolic of the divide between East Tennessee and Memphis. Like it or not, that divide does exist partly due to racism. Regardless, I'll supoort Tony because he's a Vol, especially considering he spurned his hometown team to come play in orange. Not many do that if you haven't noticed, so it's up to you to decide if he's earned your respect. Sure he did some dumb things while he was here, but he was a kid, and his coach was a mental midget so how in the world can you hold that against him? Good luck with your degree and with raising your daughter. And kudos to Coach Pearl for yet again demonstrating what makes you the man for Big Orange Country.
TommyJack writes:
40 Hrs. ??? Sheesh
netvol#217448 writes:
Way to go Tony. Thanks for the entertainment while you were there. I drove 2 hours one way to get to watch the team. I really wished you could play now, but I am really proud of you and what you are doing with your life.
A Vol fan for life!
Coach_Joe writes:
I would like to know how THE_VOL's comments were so off mark. He raised a good question. How does someone go to school 4 years and still need 40 hours to get their degree?
Mr. Harris did bring a lot of excitement back in those days. I myself liked watching Ron Slay more than any of them.
I also think that none of those guy's helped paved the way for our current coaches or players. It's just that Coach Pearl has a heart for seeing people succeed.
Do these comments make me a racist as well, bflynn2?
volcutie1998 writes:
The_Vol I have to agree with the undisciplined part. I was in school when the above mentioned clowns were in school. I saw them all drunk at a party the night before a conference game. As much as you guys like to trash CFP, he would never allow something like that to happen.
CoverOrange writes:
Concerning 40 hours. Maybe he changed majors once or twice. Especially since it has been 6 years and he's decided he doesn't need all those classes in nuclear engineering to be a coach.
What degree do you need to be a coach?
jhayes1911 writes:
Lazhil-Haislip and Slay are personal friends and you have not heard the last of either of them. Google them before you call them a bust or lazy. Haislip is making 3-4 million tax-free dollars than you ever will!
jhayes1911 writes:
Haislip is on his way back from Spain to the League, he won dunk contests and all. Slay is doing very well also. Those boards aren't worth a phooey and don't tell the real deal. You know Slay's half brother is Ramon Foster #78 and Rodney Carney that use to hoop for Memphis now with the 76ers...
mloaks#222092 writes:
Knocking Green lacks class. Shame.
dfreeman writes:
Tony Harris was also involved in several domestic disturbances on campus with his girlfriend at the time wasn't he? I think that and some other things that made KNS are how he gets labeled a thug!! It has nothing to do with "race"!! I loved watching Tony Harris play basketball!! He was amazing fast, and when he was on he was unbeatable!! His playing basketball and his record off the court are two different issues. Again not EVERYTHING is about black and white. I hate hearing that word anytime someone has a differing opinion about something. I am thrilled to read about a mature Tony Harris. The one I just read about and the one that played for UT are two different people. Give me Chris Lofton now and Tony Harris then, and I'd take Lofton everyday and twice on Sunday!! Racism is thrown around very easy these days, and although it does exist it doesn't make every opposing opinion a racist remark!! I can also tell you that jerry Green was as guilty in how he let his players run around in the program with no discipline! That and his sorry attitude toward the fans are the reason he isn't here anymore!!
volcutie1998 writes:
jhayes are you one of those "boys" that live off of pro players that eventually get them in trouble a la bad newz kennels.
dfreeman writes:
Jhayes I thought Slay was a beast while he was here!! His attitude was all on the court and it worked well with how he played!! I hope all the best for him!! His intensity was perfect for Pearl ball!!
jacksonvol writes:
I remember him as a thug, but at least he was OUR thug.
budrhon writes:
We ALL make mistakes in life. We all have to grow up and mature. It's good to see Tony pursue finishing school. Yeah 40 hours is a lot, but I saw where Broadway Joe Namath is pursuing his last 12 hours and how long has he been out of school? It amazes me how folk remember you as you were and not what you're trying to be. Take care of that little one and get your degree Tony.
jhayes1911 writes:
volcutie: no I am not one of those "boys" I am a "man" that has his own career and my own money ma'am!!! Are you one of those "groupies" that got dropped off on the curb when one of those guy's went to the League? That's all the response you get for that ignorant message.
dfreeman: Slay was a beast while he was here but didn't get the pub he deserved. He was an All-American his senior year on a bad team.
letshave1more writes:
40 hours??
orangebass writes:
I remember Lundy's cheap shot at Tony, he was a coward and a poor excuse for a sport writer. Glad he is no longer writing.....welcome back Tony !!!
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
I was standing on the court when East beat Bartlett in the sub-state finals at Bartlett. He threw up a shot, and the ref called it a 3-pointer. That ended the game 63-62. The trouble however, is that the shot was a 2. I was 20 feet from him when he went up, and I watched his feet. It was a 2. But he got credit for the 3 and the win. Sad day for the Panthers.
But I'm not saying Tony was a bad player. If it weren't for him, East would have never been where they were. He was amazing to watch, if only for one game.
hdav06#387651 writes:
My mom passed away 3 years ago and Tony was one of her favorite players. I think she would have adopted him, but only to lecture him. He didn't hear them but she gave a lot of lectures to the TV or radio when he would start to show some attitude she didn't like.
Good Luck Tony !! Hope to watch you coach someday!
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