Login | Member Center | Contact Us | About Us | Site Map | Archive | Alerts/Photos | Subscribe to the paper | knoxnews.com

Home › Men's Basketball

Vols go long distance for Woolridge

Son of former NBA star says UT on the rise

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 02:18 p.m., October 18, 2007
Updated 12:20 a.m., October 19, 2007

The Tennessee men's basketball team proved as adept at connecting from long distance in recruiting as it is on the court.

Renaldo Woolridge, son of former NBA great Orlando Woolridge, phoned coach Bruce Pearl on Thursday afternoon to make a verbal commitment to attend UT.

"Tennessee is where I felt the most comfortable,'' said the 6-foot-8, 200-pound Woolridge, who chose the Vols over Georgetown and Southern Cal. "It's a program on the rise.''

Woolridge is considered by many recruiting analysts to be a player on the rise after averaging 20 points and eight rebounds at Harvard-Westlake High School near his hometown of Sherman Oaks, Calif.

"Any time you can get a kid who is on his way up as a prospect, who has NBA genes, and has great character, it's a really big deal,'' said Dave Telep, the top recruiting analyst for Scout.com. "Woolridge is still growing into his game, and he has a high ceiling of talent. This gives Tennessee a lot of momentum.''

It also serves a major need, as 3-point shooters Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith and Jordan Howell are all seniors.

Woolridge led his high school league in 3-pointers made, connecting at a 35 percent clip.

"A lot of people tease me about my shooting range, because I actually shoot a higher percentage from further out,'' Woolridge said. "I've already started adjusting to the (3-point) line being moved back. I've been practicing from NBA range.''

Woolridge was the leading scorer for his Belmont Shore AAU team, which won the Reebok tournament in Las Vegas this past summer.

"Our team wore orange,'' Woolridge said, "so I know I can play well in the color.''

Pat Jackson-Woolridge, Renaldo's mother, said she knows her son will mesh well with the college students and community in Knoxville.

"Being a Southern woman, I've raised my children in that way, so those warm Southern ways will not be unfamiliar to them,'' said Jackson-Woolridge, who grew up in Mansfield, La., near Shreveport and received her teaching degree from Northeast Louisiana, now Louisiana-Monroe.

"I encourage all of my children to find the place that works for them.''

Renaldo's older brother, Zach, is a senior at Princeton majoring in operations research and financial engineering.

Renaldo's sister, Tiana, is a 6-1 freshman on the Harvard-Westlake varsity basketball team.

"My daughter's favorite part of the trip was eating ribs at Pat Summitt's house on the visit,'' Jackson-Woolridge said about the Lady Vols' basketball coach. "I think those were the best ribs I've ever had.''

Obviously, there was more to the UT visit than catered ribs and a football victory over Georgia on Oct. 6.

"The people there are real genuine, and I got a feel for that and it felt like home,'' Woolridge said. "The academic support was very good. I feel I'll be building upon what I've accomplished in high school.''

Woolridge, 17, also has been impressed by SEC basketball.

"I know the SEC is a real hard working and hungry conference,'' he said. "I worked out with Glen Davis and some LSU players, so I got a feel for what SEC basketball is like.''

Woolridge worked out with the former LSU star in Houston while training with his 6-9 father.

"He puts me through some workouts,'' Renaldo said, "and he's there as a big body when I work on my post moves.''

Orlando Woolridge played 13 seasons in the NBA (1981-94) after being drafted with the sixth pick in the first round of the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.

Woolridge, who played on Notre Dame's 1978 Final Four team, was a teammate of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson during his NBA career before taking his family to Italy for the final two years of his pro career. He coached the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks in 1998 and 1999.

That might explain how Renaldo first became acquainted with the Vols.

"I'd known about the Tennessee women's basketball program for a while,'' Renaldo Woolridge said. "Then the men's team reached the Sweet 16 last year, so I could see it becoming a powerhouse.''

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       53 Comments

Posted by Ironcity on October 18, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If he is anything like his father, he will be a stud for Pearl. Great pick up!

Posted by volchiq on October 18, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is great! I hope that basketball players stick with their verbal commitments better than some of the football players seem to.

Posted by 66cheVolet on October 18, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great News!!! Welcome to Big Orange country Renaldo!

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 18, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! What a GET for the program!

If he's anything like his Dad, this guy will spend his career WAY above the rim.

And didn't he have two classmates we were recruiting? And didn't they all say they were going to come as a package to whatever school they chose?

Bruce Almighty...

Posted by thevol on October 18, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome, let's hope that he became good friends with Chris Singleton and Elliot Williams, and they soon follow him here. This has the potential of a great recruiting class. Pearl is the man.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on October 18, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Pick up!!! Remember basketball players have a early signing period, he'll be able to sign soon

Posted by hiresanders on October 18, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His Dad was an All American at Notre Dame and enjoyed a long career in the NBA.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 18, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, indeed...CHRIS AND ELLIOT: if you want serious MINUTES immediately and a real chance for CHAMPIONSHIPS, start packing for K'town.

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 18, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His Dad was a great player but was also into the "lettuce". Keep it clean kid, the Ag campus can't supply everyone U know.

Posted by marc_ash on October 18, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets not forget about Jurick. This kid is the real deal...locally from the Chatt area and ready to produce early. A big post presence but still needs to put on some weight. Course, he's got a year to beef up. With Williams on board this season and Jurick coming next year, we will have some big bodies to bang around in the post.

HOpe you guys got your season tickets locked it!!! Should be a great one!

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 18, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jwray, I'll bite, what's the drug they don't test for?

Posted by texan on October 18, 2007 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jw,
Be careful what you say about those guys up in KY.
"You might finally be having a swan year in football, but we both know that is a fluke. Enjoy it while it lasts UK."
They are probably saying the same "swan song" thing about UTBB. Remember they may be clueless about hiring coaches but they can be as slick as their name implies (KY) when it comes to winning basketball games in the long run.

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 18, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jwray, thats strange
the NBA colletive bargaining agreement says in section 8

(c) Penalties.
Any player who (i) tests positive for marijuana pursuant to Section 5 (Reasonable Cause Testing), Section 6 (Random Testing), or Section 14 (Additional Bases for Testing), (ii) is adjudged by the Grievance Arbitrator pursuant to Section 5(e) above to have used or possessed marijuana, or (iii) has been convicted of (including a plea of guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to) the use or possession of marijuana in violation of the law, shall suffer the following penalties:

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 18, 2007 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jwraymond,

Are you a moron or something? What is this talk of Pearl being a "God"?? Woolridge is not even a Rivals top 50!! Big Whoop. He would be a bench player for Florida and a student manager for Kentucky.

I think you (and Pearl) must be intimidated by Kentucky....you keep mentioning them. Every person who knows anything about basketball knows that Kentucky will be back to their National Championship calibar sooner rather than later and the mighty Florida Gators have just reloaded for another run. Oh yeah, don't forget that once Lofton is gone....the vols are gone too.....back to their LOSER ways. Pearl is simply riding this boat to a hopeful NBA job.

Enjoy the dream your living in....the alarm is about to go off.

Posted by bricker865 on October 18, 2007 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AFOne...sounds like you are paranoid when you're visiting an opposing team's fan website to see what they are posting. If the NBA is so appealing why didn't Donovan go there??

Posted by bricker865 on October 18, 2007 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

www.renaldowoolridge.com

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 18, 2007 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Air, I have just discovered someone to dislike intensely for all eternity. Thanks.

Posted by RocketVol on October 18, 2007 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Mr. Hamilton and thank you Coach Pearl. So Mr. AD, you got one more in ya?

Posted by 3rdtenn on October 18, 2007 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is only one God and he doesn't live in Knoxville lets don't be stupid about God

Posted by Plasticman on October 18, 2007 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Airforceone is a little envious to me.Face it jet man, Tenn. is the new powerhouse of SEC basketball as long as BP is coach. He has raised a program from the dead in basically 1 1/2 years. Lofton is a great player and will be missed after this season, however, with BP as coach and the talent that he is recruiting will keep the VOls at the top of the SEC.I know that's hard to swallow for KY fans.

Posted by Bigger_Al on October 18, 2007 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl is on a roll. This doesn't suck.

AirHeadOne does, though.

Posted by Bigger_Al on October 18, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can't spell "Suck" without UK...

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 18, 2007 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bricker,

Okay,,,,just a little fun with jwraymond, although I do not like it when people make references of Pearl (or anyone for that matter) being "God". There is ONLY ONE God, and I'm sure he would not like this either.

Being realistic now....I think barring any injury to Lofton, Tennessee should have a fantastic year. My prediction is a solid sweet 16 team and possible Elite 8 if things fall in the right place. A final four could happen, but it would be extremely difficult for even the very best teams. It takes perfect execution every night out, along with some good breaks to go your way.....still not impossible however.

I think that Florida will be a pretty good team---not near Final Four quality though. Kentucky is a mystery at this point(IMO). They have some very solid senior leadership and if the reports out of Lexington about Patrick Patterson are even half true....they will be a legitamate threat to win the SEC. Word is that he brings more to the table than Morris did---even as a freshman.

Whatever, it should be a fun year to watch SEC basketball.....hands down the best conference in the country.

Posted by Phowell23 on October 18, 2007 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne...grow up. The God comment was just an enthusiastic poster and excited UT fan. UT fans have been waiting a long time for this type of excitement that Pearl brings and if a poster refers to him as a God then please don't make yourself look silly and post what you posted. We are all laughing at you not with you.

Posted by bricker865 on October 18, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne...that made a lot more sense this time. I can understand the "God" reference offending people (it doesn't me, but understood anyway) but I didn't know that was the point in the previous post. I don't think the "God" thing is made to offend anyone though, but I understand in a way. Hopefully it'll be a fun year in the SEC overall. I'm not worried about 5 or 10 years from now. I'm going to enjoy this year.

Posted by jclowers on October 18, 2007 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you think this is his way of influencing Elliot Williams, hopefully they became good friends during their visit together. I'm sure they respect each other and here's Woolridge commiting before Williams announces his pick. Hopefully, Williams will see this and want to be on the Pearl bandwagon. Good pick-up for Tennessee, Woolridge must have met Bruce Pearl and thought, that's going to be my coach!

Posted by Phowell23 on October 18, 2007 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many scholarships do they have to give out in this class? Could Williams and Singleton both come board? Remember all three visited on the same weekend...and all three watched TN destroy GA that Saturday in Neyland Stadium. I have a feeling we get all three if scholarships allow.

Posted by BluetickBlues on October 19, 2007 at 1:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we get all three I'll kiss your butt. Well maybe not yours but Pearl's at least. We get those three recruits and we win the SEC the next 3 years easily. Can't wait to stomp a mudhole in the kitties hind ends in football and basketball. I have never seen a more arrogant, obsessive, and openly delirious fan base in my life.

Posted by andy112382 on October 19, 2007 at 2:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That confirms that your analysis on things, more often than not, doesn't mean much CRVol. Bruce Pearl is a great coach and from what I can tell I great guy, but no one ever comes close to being a god, there is only one God, and like I said no one comes anywhere close to that. But he sure does have the Vols basketball ridin' high, go vols!!!

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 19, 2007 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

crvol, You are truly one mixed up person. There will come a day that even you will know the truth....count on it.

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 19, 2007 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BlueTick,
Do you really think that TN can win the SEC for the next 3 years "easily". If you beleive that, then you are not being realistic....just hopeful.

The vols are good, but not great. They still have a long way to go....good recruiting helps, but the Kentuckys and Floridas are getting recruits too....the 5-Star kind. What do you think life will be like without Lofton next year? Do you recall how TN did when he was out injured last year? This is when Pearl will be truly tested...with his own recruits.

Posted by 55Vol on October 19, 2007 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForce One.... why according the all-knowing CRVol...it will be easy. The god on the sideline will will it and it will happen, with or without Lofton, Crews. etc. Why according to CRVol, who needs the team?? the god can do it all by himself..... ....Talk about orange-colored koolaid mixed with lettuce....geez.....
CRVol...ignorant? you are blind...

Posted by LazhilUT on October 19, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BRUCE PEARL IS THE MAN!!!!!!

TIME TO START CHOOSING WHICH ROAD WILL BE RENAMED AFTER HIM!!!

Posted by BornaVolDieaVol on October 19, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Cal, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas, Illinois and Boston College have expressed interest in Woolridge." Pretty good victory for the Vols over some other good basketball schools.

Posted by Phowell23 on October 19, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like we may also have a great women's basketball recruit in 3 years.

As far as which road to name after Bruce Pearl...I kind of like Pearl Lane...or Pearl Way. Or "I OWN FL Drive".

Posted by jlange on October 19, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trust he understands team play better than his father.

Posted by thevol on October 19, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your reputation precedes you CR. It's an accumulation of all the stupid things you have said. You are now the anti-vol for everyone on this board. But,I know you enjoy the antagonist role, so have fun, it will continue.

Posted by Hunter on October 19, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol - Mark Twain is quoted as saying "It's better to keep your mouth shut and people to think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

Jurick is getting lost in the mix, probably because he is a Ryan Childress type of player. Wait, that's a good thing.....

Let's don't get too distracted here boys and girls - it's Bama week! I hate Bama. You should, too.

Posted by mtoms1272 on October 19, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols! I can't wait till BB season. Thanks Coach Pearl for coming to UT.

Posted by marc_ash on October 19, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, its not possible for anyone to guage whether or not this UT team is good or great. At this point, all indication leans towards improvement from last year with only the loss of Bradshaw.

The addition of Smith to the Vols is staggering. All returners and Smith coming into the mix along with Prince after the first half of the season will leave us 7-8 deep easily.

The Vols have a good chance at winning a lot of games, however getting talent in Knoxville doesn't mean it will stay there. Florida was stacked for 2 years and lost the whole team to the top half of the draft. The key will be getting kids in consistently, which is highly likely.

The good thing about Pearl is that he loves Tennessee. Coaches at UT tend to stay here if they have support, and Pearl does. Believe me, if UT makes it to a final 4 or wins a championship, Pearl won't be going anywhere for a very long time.

Posted by 55Vol on October 19, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol.....subjective??? takes one to know one...you win this one for sure!!

Posted by LazhilUT on October 19, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as we keep on recruiting, who cares if they leave after a season? As long as they perform well while they're here, I don't care.

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 19, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To Bigger Al...

Yeah Yeah Yeah....you can't spell "suck" without "UK". Well you can spell "Loser" with "volunteers" too. You can also say that "nothing sucks like a big orange". Be original next time!!

We can play this game all day. What I would like to know is your take on how Tennessee would handle another Lofton injury? Or what do you think will be the impact that Tyler Smith may bring to the mix? What are your ideas about running a 1-3-1 versus a 2-3 this year? Who do you like out of the west?

I am not a Tennessee fan, but I do appreciate good basketball and the views from opposing fans as to what they see.

I am a Kentucky fan and honestly I see weaknesses for them this year....no inside game unless P.P. makes a big input. Florida is going to have a difficult time with the talent they have this year too....just a bit inexperinced IMO.

What do you think??

Posted by thevol on October 19, 2007 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdown- Actually if I had the power to "shun someone from Volnation", it would be you. I actually like having CR on here. When he talks football objectively he knows what he is talking about and he is funny sometimes. If we all agreed how much fun would it be?

This is Bama week and I will turn my angst towards them until next week. Wasn't this a basketball article anyway? We usually all get along for those.

Posted by bleed_orange on October 19, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said TouchdownTN. FL made winning the SEC look easy last year, but look they went on to win the National Championship again. I think the SEC is the best conference in the nation. Some people may say ACC, Big East, Big 10, Pac 10, or Big 12, however, you cann't say that anyone in the SEC cann't beat you on a given night. The SEC last year had 7 out of 12 teams that won 20 games or more and only 1 team that had a losing record which was South Carolina at 14-16. The ACC had 9 teames with 20 wins and 2 teams with losing records. The Big East had 8 teams with 20 wins and 3 teams with a losing record. The Big 10 had 7 20 game winners and 3 teams with a losing record. So, I would say the ACC might be the best basketball conference, but the SEC is right on their heals. I would love to see a SEC vs ACC preseason games. Maybe FL vs NC, TN vs VA, Vandy vs Maryland, KY vs VA Tech, Miss vs BC, MSU vs Duke, GA vs GA Tech, ALA vs Clem, ARK vs FSU, Aub vs NCST, LSU vs Wake, and SC vs Miami. It would be interesting - the SEC would hold their own. GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 19, 2007 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTn,

Excellent take on the Vols. I have to agree on Tyler Smith---he is a champ. There is one intangible that Tennessee had last year that I wonder where it may come from this year...and that is the Dane Bradshaw element. He really was the heart and soul of that team. I always thought he brought a level of toughness that carried the team through some difficult moments.

I think that TN is going to have to develop a stronger inside game to go deep in March. Most of the pieces are there---barring any injuries or suspensions.

I am not so sure about Florida this year. I know they are not going to be near the team they were the past two years, but they will sure be a consideration in the conference picture. I think Kentucky is a big question mark. They have some key leadership with Bradley and Crawford and enough guards to last a lifetime. What they don't have is an inside game. I look for them to run a 3 or 4 guard setup most days. Reports on Patterson are that he is an incredible player. Stevenson on the other hand does not seem to impress me at this point as being a big factor.

As for the rest of the conference. I have not had the chance to review the west yet---too busy enjoying Kentucky's once in a millenium football success!! I cannot wait to we get the season going though. I would love to see more games betweeen the SEC and ACC...just to shut them up over there.

Posted by Hunter on October 20, 2007 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, CRVol, I am an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, meaning I actually went to class, learned about life and art, and have a college degree. I also graduated with honors, thus my knowledge of famous quotations and literature extends beyond the "Fulmerisms" and other drivel that you spew. Here's guessing you dropped out of Cocke County High in the 11th grade (for the second time) and bash the Vols out of sheer jealousy of those with a better lot in life. Is that a sufficient rhetort to your oh-so-clever post? Yeah, I understand - you can't spell or pronounce half of those words. Life's too short to hurt your brain....

Posted by Hunter on October 20, 2007 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry to you other posters - Bama has me on edge! Coach Pearl has fulfilled my childhood dreams of a winning basketball program. Dad and I watched the games together in the Dyron Nix, Mark Griffin, Ian Lockhart days.....it was ugly, but it was fun!

Posted by utchris2003 on October 20, 2007 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now if we can just get Elliot Williams out of Memphis. He is supposed to declare his intentions the first week of November according to the CA. Picking between UT, Memphis, Duke, and UVA

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 20, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To utchris, Some of the statements I have read from those who know a bit about Williams, indicate that he will most likely choose Duke. Of course stranger things have happened this year too!!

Posted by utchris2003 on October 21, 2007 at 1:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have heard from several close to the situation that the kid may really be torn. Apparently Pearl has made a great impression on him and he would have an opportunity to compete for a starting role with the departure of Lofton.

I believe his girlfriend just committed to UTC, maybe the distance will help us!

Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Username:

Password:
(Forgotten your password?)

Your Turn: