The Tennessee men’s basketball team provided a post-game show like few others, staying two hours after its 86-73 victory over UNC-Asheville on Wednesday to sign autographs for the fans.
“It’s good to be able to do this for the fans,’’ said sophomore Tyler Smith, who was among the last to leave Thompson-Boling Arena. “They support us, so we need to support them.’’
Freshman Brian Williams agreed.
“I definitely have enjoyed this,’’ Williams said. “These are the people that help us win. I’m glad they were willing to stay this long.’’
Vickie McClellan said she wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“This is tremendous for us; it’s one of the main reasons we came to the game,’’ said McClellan, a UT graduate. “I know these young men are tired and they want to shower and go home, but this has been an early Christmas present for my son.’’
Matt McClellan attended the Vols’ basketball camp and had been looking forward to getting the autographs, Vickie said.
“This was definitely worth the wait.’’
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Comments » 20
tnvols12 writes:
GO VOLS: What a great thing this was for the players and Coach Pearl to do. It makes me proud to be a VOL fan. At this time of year this was a great gift. MERRY CHRISTMAS to the VOLS and everyone in the VOL nation.
shopsports#273141 writes:
Are Tn fans seeing more or less games now that all has been moved to Sports South?? I am in South FL and have not seen one thing...not men, not women, nada....since going to Sports South. They show FL hockey here when UF isn't on. Is anyone else very disappointed with the Sports South move? Where is anyone seeing the Vols on TV? I see no coaches shows I used to get on CSS either.
Volchaz writes:
I live in Nashville, and we didn't receive the UT game either. I would've loved to see that huge 7'7' kid.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Thank goodness my cable system here in NC carries SportSouth. Otherwise, I listen to the games on the internet. Oddly, though, SS has BY FAR the worst picture of any channel on my system. They carried lots of Braves games, and it was IMPOSSIBLE to see the baseball. I also tried to watch the Vol football replays, which was only marginally better. Luckily, a basketball is bigger(;-). Since my system doesn't carry CSS, I'm happy SS carries the Vols now, but I feel ya', shopsports!
vegasvol writes:
No tv here.
volchiq writes:
shopsports, that is really crappy. The weird thing is, the UF game was on directly after the UT game. I watched it on SS, but it was also on the local MyNetworkTV channel too I think. It is bad when we get it twice and others in the south can't even get it once.
volchaz that guy was unreal! The guys on the bench were laughing at Williams trying to guard him on an inbounds. :)
Love you Bruce and crew! Go Vols! Beat Xavier!
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
All of the SS games are available on ESPN's Full Court package, either online or on whichever cable provider is carrying it. I have Dish Network, and the game was on there. I have no idea which other cable providers carry ESPN FC.
AlpharettaVol writes:
Everytime I think that Bruce Pearl cannot come up with another way to further solidify he/his team in the community, he does it again. It is impossible to be critical of the way he conducts this program. Wish I had a son who could play for him.
vol98 writes:
i live in georgia...sportsouth is great...see all the games. I thought Lofton was going to light it up last night (like 7-9 or something). i guess you get spoiled when you think he is going to make every shot.
Pops writes:
shopsorts, if you really want to watch the vols play, you could always go to a sports bar, and request the game there
DooleyNoted writes:
Pearl is running a first class team. Building a strong team and strong men. Keep it up Bruce. You are doing things the right way.
Colliervol writes:
Nice touch for the players to do that.
On the lighter side, Ramar and Wayne tried to sign but couldn't hit the paper.
Vol_In_Ohio writes:
The only way I think I can get FoxSS is to go with satellite, and I hear too many negatives about it. Not only do I want the Vols, but I also need to get the Braves now that they are off TBS and mostly on FoxSS. Any other non-locals have a solution other than a dish? I guess there is ESPN GamePlan (two sports will make that a little $$$), although I don't know if I can get MLB on digital cable.
I was thinking about hitting the Xavier game in Cincy, but it is sold out and tickets look pretty pricey. Should be a tough envirnoment and good test on Saturday.
CoverOrange writes:
Vol in OHio. A friend of mine was able to secure a ticket for me for Xavier game for only $26. Just got to find my way there. Hopefully BP and Company will stick around after the game there.
Marc, if your Fox and Hound is anything like the one we have here in Dayton, I would pay an extra $100 to stay home. Terrible place.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
In Alaska if you have Dish and Fullcourt Pass, you see almost all the games. King Kong appeared to dunk without leaving the ground.
DieHardVolunteer33 writes:
I have DirectTV and get SportSouth and Fox Sports Net on the basic plan. I would reccomend DirectTV to anyone. Getting the NFL network is worth it for the Draft Combine alone. Randy Smith does a great job on SportSouth but the picture is always pretty low quality.
bleed_orange writes:
I already warned my wife that I was watching a little basketball tomorrow. Starting with #4 Georgetown 8-0 at #2 Memphis 9-0 at 12 on ESPN, the #12 VOLS 10-1 AT #24 Xavier 8-2 at 2 on ESPN, Florida 11-1 at Ohio State 7-3 at 4 on CBS, #5 Texas 11-0 at #10 Michigan State 9-1 at 6:30 on ESPN 2, & finally TN St at #17 Vandy 10-0 at 8 on ESPN 360. I would like to find the Ole Miss at Clemson game on TV some where. Does anyone know if it is on? It looks like Xavier is a good FT shooting team. So, we don't want it to come down to that. They look alot like us. Except we play alittle faster scoring about 10 more points a game, but fewer Rebounds a game. The Big Orange has more steals & more Assists a game. It should be a great game. We will have to have good pressure on the ball. They have a good back court. It goes with out saying that we need a good shooting night from Chris, Jajuan, & Jordan.I think Tyler, J.P. & Brian we will also need good all around games from to beat Xavier on their home court. GO VOLS!
JDS
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I hear ya', bleed_orange! Saturday may be the best overall hoops day of the year until the first weekend of March Madness. Got my beer and popcorn laid in, the wife will be out shopping, and I'll be in hoops heaven! Now it gets serious. Xavier in Cincy will be a chore, but I think we can take 'em. Gonzaga looked a lot bigger and stronger the other night than I thought they would be. They lost a close one to Oklahoma (in OK City), but they will be tough at home. Now is the time for the Big Orange to step up. GO VOLS!!!
bleed_orange writes:
That's right johnlg00. It doesn't get any easier from here on out. The next 2 games will be like playing Vandy & FL on the road in the SEC. TN has the bench to play with anyone anywhere at anytime. They just need to step it up a few notches. Rebound, Hit FT's, Press, Steal, Pass, Score & WIN! GO VOLS!
JDS
Gustoly writes:
Coach Pearl, his staff and the players hit a home run on this one. Is there any doubt why the BB program is growing in the hearts of Tennessee fans everywhere. We may one day be known as a "basketball school". Because our BB program is headed in the right direction unlike our FB program which is stale and slowly sinking.
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