King for a day: Longer if UT wishes

Bernard King basked in an emotional ovation Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena as his No. 53 was retired at halftime of the UT-Kentucky game.

It was a long-awaited reunion for a star who had been distant from the program since he left after the 1976-77 season.

"I've certainly had an interest in the program,'' King said. "I just haven't been here for the last 30 years.

"I'm going to do everything moving forward that I can to support the program and to assist it any way.''

King had been back to the campus where he and Ernie Grunfeld fueled the "Ernie & Bernie Show" from 1975-77 just one time, to play in an NBA exhibition game in the 1980s.

King, who turned 50 in December, lives in Atlanta with his wife and 8-year-old daughter, who joined him Tuesday night.

"Life is well and good for Bernard,'' he said.

As to why it took three decades to reconnect with the program where he became three-time SEC player of the year, King demurred.

"They never asked,'' he said with a chuckle. "That's all you had to do was ask and I'm back.''

Tennessee fans were clearly elated that he was back at long last.

King was treated to several ovations at halftime as the No. 53 banner was spotlighted in the rafters.

King was also elated to see some of his old teammates, some for the first time since they won the SEC title in 1976-77. That team was introduced during a second-half timeout.

"It's not really about me tonight,'' King said. "It's about my teammates that I played with.

"Really, it's about honoring them as well as honoring (coach) Ray Mears. It honors the accomplishments we had as teammates.

"It's not only about Bernard King. It's about all of us.''

Mears, who is in fragile health, met with King before the game and joined him at mid-court for the ceremony.

A number of former teammates and friends greeted King when he arrived at the arena. He embraced Mike Jackson, Johnny Darden and Rodney Woods, among others.

The most celebrated of his teammates, Grunfeld, joined King during the halftime ceremony.

"The 'Ernie & Bernie Show' is back,'' King told the cheering crowd.

The two former New Yorkers have remained fast friends.

"The greatest chemistry I ever had with any basketball player on any level was Ernie Grunfeld,'' King said.

"We never once had a rivalry between the two of us. It was the 'Ernie & Bernie Show' and we enjoyed that.

"What we accomplished here at Tennessee will connect us for life.''

UT coach Bruce Pearl was instrumental in coaxing King back to campus. King spoke to the Vols several hours before tip-off.

"I told them they should enjoy this time in their life,'' he said. "It's only going to come around one time.

"They should play the game with passion, with unselfishness and with team chemistry. Make it something special and leave it all out on the floor so they'll never have any regrets.''

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.