Hopson says UT 'right thing'

Associated Press

University Heights Academy'sScotty Hopson drives the ball against the pressure defense of Lexington Catholic's Zach Peffer during the opening round of the boys Sweet 16 state basketball tournament in Lexington, Ky., March 19, 2008.

The Tennessee men’s basketball team capped the most successful season in its history with the top recruit of coach Bruce Pearl’s career.

Scotty Hopson, a Parade and McDonald’s All-American who’s rated the No. 9 player in the country by Rivals.com, announced Tuesday he’ll play for the Vols.

Hopson, who can sign on April 16, the first day of the spring signing period, said he’ll enroll in classes this summer and play in the Pilot Rocky Top League.

“I committed to Tennessee today because it felt like the right thing for me,’’ said Hopson, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound shooting guard from University Heights High School in Hopkinsville, Ky. “I’ve always liked Tennessee growing up.’’

Hopson, the first McDonald’s All-American to commit to the Vols since Vincent Yarbrough in August of 1997 and the first of Pearl’s career, is projected to start at shooting guard.

“I hope so, but I know I’ll have to work hard for all of my minutes,’’ said Hopson, who averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds per game last season. “I talked to Chris (Lofton) and he was real honest with me in telling me what to expect and how tough it’s going to be.’’

Hopson originally committed to Mississippi State and was still considering the Bulldogs after re-opening his recruitment last fall. Louisville, Cincinnati and Kentucky were the other schools Hopson was considering.

“Tennessee is about three-and-a-half hour from us, and I wanted to see him play,’’ said Jeanette Hopson, who spent Monday and Tuesday touring the UT campus with her son. “After spending the past two days walking around here, everything just seemed to fit.’’

Hopson also fits perfectly into the Vols’ plans, as they’re losing the SEC’s all-time leading 3-point shooter in Lofton and will need some scoring punch.

UT also loses high-energy scorer/defender JaJuan Smith on the wing and steady point guard Jordan Howell.

The Vols have taken care of those spots, too, having already signed Renaldo Woolridge to play the wing and recently receiving a commitment from point guard Daniel West.

Woolridge, a 6-8 athlete from North Hollywood, Calif., is the son of former NBA great Orlando Woolridge and is expected to share minutes with J.P. Prince and redshirt freshman Cameron Tatum.

West, a 6-1 point guard, is expected to compete with fellow Michigander Ramar Smith for the starting spot after leading Saginaw to the high school championship as well as the No. 4 ranking (USA Today) in the country.

The Vols also have added 6-10 post Phillip Jurick to the mix. Jurick, from East Ridge High School, adds muscle to the front line.

UT sophomore forward Tyler Smith has said he’s considering entering into the NBA draft if he is projected high enough, while rising senior forward Ryan Childress is mulling his future after seeing his playing time reduced as a result of a foot injury he suffered earlier this season.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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