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Hopson has message for UT fans: I'll always be a Vol

NBA veteran Buckner says stage set for Hopkinsville's next star

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 12:50 a.m., April 23, 2008
Updated 12:50 a.m., April 23, 2008

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. - Scotty Hopson smiled when asked about recruiting rumors circulating on various Internet message boards the past few days.

Some said Hopson put off signing his scholarship papers for a week because Louisville made a late push or that Kentucky had gotten involved.

Hopson, who scored 21 points in the Jordan Brand Classic last Saturday, said the signing was delayed on account of his travel to and from the New York City all-star game.

"I don't even read message boards, because they are just opinions, not facts,'' said Hopson, who reaffirmed Tuesday his commitment to UT from earlier this month and will sign with the Vols today. "The Tennessee fans can't believe that stuff. I will be a Vol, I am a Vol, and I'll always be a Vol.''

A press conference will take place at 11 a.m. EDT today in the tiny University Heights Academy gymnasium to make it official.

For Hopson, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds per game, today's signing ceremony isn't about building suspense or soaking up glory.

It's about celebrating his future with classmates at University Heights, which range from pre-school through 12th grade

Randy McCoy, who took over the University Heights program this season, said Hopson's influence in the school is immeasurable.

"We've got 31 seniors here and 325 students total, and every one of them knows who Scotty is,'' McCoy said. "I get mad when I read some of that on the Internet that he has an attitude or whatever.

"It's just not true. Since I've known him, it's 'yes sir,' and 'no sir.' You'd never know he was a McDonald's and Parade All-American if you saw him walking the hallways.''

That's the way Minnesota Timberwolves guard Greg Buckner said it's supposed to be for University Heights athletes.

Buckner, a Hopkinsville native who played at Clemson before spending the past 10 years in the NBA, traveled the same path as Hopson, leading University Heights to Kentucky's overall state title in 1992 as a sophomore.

"Scotty has a bright future, but he's got to know college will be a lot different,'' Buckner said. "There will be some growing pains, and how he reacts is what will make him.''

Tuesday night, a pricey Mercedes outside the University Heights gym was a giveaway that Buckner was back home for some pickup basketball.

Hopson had the chore of guarding the muscular NBA veteran, while Buckner matched up against him on the other end.

Hopson's explosive first step got him past Buckner on more than one occasion, but Buckner didn't make anything easy, fouling Hopson hard a couple of times.

"All the younger guys around him will kiss his butt,'' Buckner said. "But I came up through here playing with the older guys, and they showed me the way. He needs somebody to kick his butt.''

Buckner's interest in his hometown is admirable: he sponsors a youth basketball league in Hopkinsville that requires youth attend life skills classes in order to play.

"This isn't about me,'' Buckner said, asked about the league. "This is about Scotty. It's going to be his day. He has a bright future, and a lot of talent.''

Dick Weaver, the University Heights athletic director, agrees.

"Scotty's the best high school player I've seen,'' said Weaver, reeling off names of a dozen other Division I players University Heights has produced over the past 15 years. "But Scotty's a great kid, that's the main thing. I know he originally committed to Mississippi State, and they'd put a lot of time into him since his sophomore year.

"But the way I see Tennessee playing, this is really better for Scotty.''

Hopson, who was named the Associated Press' Kentucky Boys High School Player of the Year on Monday, said changing his pick of schools was hard, even more difficult when Louisville, Kentucky, Texas, Cincinnati, Mississippi State and Georgia were still coming to see him.

"The other people had to realized I had to do what was best for me,'' Hopson said, almost apologetically. "Tennessee is a great school, and with two of its best players leaving, I'll have a chance to be an impact player if I work hard.

"It's just a more successful situation for me.''

Hopson has yet to see a game in Thompson-Boling Arena in person, but he has watched the Vols on television.

"I just realized I could be a part of all that,'' Hopson said. "I want those same fans cheering for me.''

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       41 Comments

Posted by utchris2003 on April 23, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Any betts on his birtlekamp nickname?

Hoppy? Mickey D's?

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 23, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Word up, these message boards start too much drama!!

Posted by LargeOrange on April 23, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I will be a Vol, I am a Vol, and I'll always be a Vol." Enough said. Welcome home Scotty. You have joined an elite group of BIG ORANGE loving people who live it everyday, win or lose, lose or win, always a VOL. Welcome aboard.

Posted by fullbackless on April 23, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scotty "I got Hops Son"

Posted by VOLS85 on April 23, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That could be one of the greatest comments I have heard in my four years of attending UT...this kid is going to solidify any doubts about this program in the long run. Thank you Scotty, you make me proud

Posted by KHVOLFAN on April 23, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its great to hear this from Mr. Hopson.I will be a VOL, I am a VOL, I will always be a VOL! Scotty! I live in London, Ky. and I will tell you this, You will love being a VOL and playing in Knoxville. I have been a die hard VOLS fan for many years now and it just keeps getting better. You will love TBA and the BIG ORANGE NATION, I will look forward to cheering you and the VOLS on to a great season next year and on. GO VOLS! where is AIRFORCE ONE?

Posted by alfrizzle097 on April 23, 2008 at 3:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You fools keep saying that he will solidify the program long term? Is one year long term?

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebask...

Posted by pdhuff on April 23, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome aboard young man. Sign the papers.

What a concept, Pearl. Recruiting for need!

Posted by 87UTVOL on April 23, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was at a meeting when Ohio State's coach was asked if it was worth him being 'one and done' to have Greg Oden. He said, of course it was. Ohio State would not have been near as successful that one year.

So, even if he's one and done, we want Scotty at Tennessee. I'd think Scotty will get a lot of pub on his signing today. Also good for the Vols.

Posted by wjackson on April 23, 2008 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why the tood alfrizzle? You have to understand that the long run gets helped by all the publicity surrounding this kid. And if he lives up to expectations, Tennessee will have a great year and get even more publicity and better recruits. And the cycle of success starts. Some will be one and done. Some will not. But we will get better players.

Posted by redstickvol on April 23, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Couldn't agree more wjackson. Also we must remember that the NBA is still deciding whether or not to force kids to stay in college for TWO years before they declare for the draft.

BTW. Anybody know when that is supposed to happen?

Posted by TurboFan on April 23, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Red, last I heard, decision was to be this year but not effective till 2011. Thus no effect on Scotty.

Posted by GerryOP on April 23, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Scotty Hopson, welcome to The University of Tennessee. And thank you Bruce Pearl!

Posted by ImAllVol on April 23, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't really care about him being a Vol for eternity....I just wish we could have him for more than one year.

Posted by volfan on April 23, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Beam me up, Scotty!

Posted by bshone on April 23, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He's a man, Bob!

Posted by houvol on April 23, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Something is wrong with me today. I agree with everyone. Have a good day. Go Vols!

Posted by drwfocus on April 23, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

McCoy said. "I get mad when I read some of that on the Internet that he has an attitude or whatever.

All you negative A-Hole posters picking up on this???

Posted by GreerVol22 on April 23, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

87UTVol is spot on. Bruce has brought us into the big boy leagues. I'm hoping this breeds more Parade AA's, and with that comes the posibility of losing them early. UNC has been doing this for years...and I say they have been fairly successful.

Posted by RockyTop1 on April 23, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This one seems to have a BIG ORANGE heart! That's what we need!! Welcome Scotty and GO VOLS!!

Posted by Einstein on April 23, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Beam me up Scotty.

Posted by Einstein on April 23, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Star Trek phase "Let's go to warp speed Mr. Scott" will now become "LET'S PLAY AT WARP SPEED SCOTTY."

Posted by King53 on April 23, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

also glad to hear his coach dispell the rumors about him having a selfish attitude and that he is putting off signing so he can get more attention and have a big press conference, etc. If this kid has his head on straight, he will make a difference next year. Welcome Scotty!!

Posted by Lofton4three___MONEY on April 23, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The NBA's current CBA expires in 2011, when the 2 year requirement would be able to take effect, so we'll get a few more years of one and done before we get two and done (doesn't quite have the same ring...maybe two and through?).

But, as was stated, this isn't even decided yet.

Hope he's as classy a kid as advertised when he gets to K-town.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 23, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Scotty Hopson can live long and prosper. And remember when you are driving the lane it is OK to pass becasue the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

I look forward to seeing him play next year, does anyone know if his father is Dennis Hopson that used to play for Ohio State and the Bulls in the NBA?

Posted by UTfan4life on April 23, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome aboard Scotty. UT faithful (most everyone on this site) welcomes you with open arms. Lets go win the SEC, and who knows maybe a trip to the final 4.

Posted by GerryOP on April 23, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After a second reading of the article, I detect a serious flaw in his character and development -- he doesn't read message boards! ;>}

Posted by UTfan4life on April 23, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Im excited about next year as well. Here is what I project our starting lineup will be, also including the reserves.

PG- Ramar Smith
SG- Scotty Hopson
SF- JP Prince
PF- Tyler Smith
C- Wayne Chism

(Now here is what im excited about, we have loads of depth)

Brian Williams (C)
Phillip Jurick (PF/C)
Cameron Tatum (G/F)
Daniel West (PG)
Duke Crews (PF)
Ryan Childress (F)
Renaldo Woolridge (G/F)
Josh Tabb (G)
Steven Pearl (F)

Posted by UTfan4life on April 23, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Scotty will stay 2 years then head to the NBA, where I project him as a top 10 pick.

GO VOLS!

Posted by johnlg00 on April 23, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Glad to hear this testimony on Scotty's attitude and character. If everything works out as we all hope, this could be the start of a whole level of UT recruiting. We have to know, however, that it should mean not only the ability to compete at the highest levels of the game but also the uncertainty of continuing to recruit at that level and not having years to know and love "our" guys. We need to be conscious of the fact that we are leaving the era of the four-year player behind. I am convinced that this current "one-and-done" era is the worst of all possible worlds for both players and college programs, but I think we will be stuck with it for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, I would like to see the baseball system adopted for all other college sports. Under it, the truly exceptional player could go pro right out of high school, but if he is not drafted as high as he hopes, he can sign with a college, whereupon he cannot go pro for three years. As with any other major change, there are lots of pros and cons, but the current system is ultimately unsustainable.

Posted by BADGES0413 on April 23, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We have had top name recruits in the past that were ranked high coming in(King, Ellis, Houston, Harris, Yarbrough et al), we just need to keep the momentum of signing Hopson going. Keeping Pearl for the next 20 years should take care of that.

Posted by DSaVol on April 23, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WHEW!!!! My inside source - you know, that friend of the TBA usher - was dead on! Some of you may want to learn to read though - saying welcome on a message board to a guy that doesn't read them is a bit comical isn't it???? UTfan4life - did it take you long to figure all that out???? You need to take a valium man! And scratch Childress, he isn't likely going to be around next year.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on April 23, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Scotty Hopson traveling at Warp Speed blew past two Memphis defenders and buried a shot that ended any chance Memphis had of a comback.

Coach Pearl said the shot killed Memphis with the same effect a Photon Torpedo would."

Posted by UTfan4life on April 23, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just saying what it will look like..GO VOLS

Posted by justisiscumin on April 23, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love it when a Mumphus or Bluuuu fan gets on here and tries to make the one year and done claim...I hope he is a one and done! If he is we will be in the finla four next year! If he is that good he will be better than Bernard King which is more than a mouth full of ribs and cole slaw! Eat your heart out Kitty Cats, whether your blue and gray or blue and white, get used to getting made into an orange tabby! We're here to stay!!!!!!!

Posted by wagee12 on April 23, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl is leading the University of Tennessee Men's Athletics department back into the national spotlight. What a great day for UT. Rocky Top now has a legitimate national power in a major men's sport again!

Posted by murrayvol on April 23, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

justis: Being one and done does not make him better than Bernard King.
UTfan4life: You left out Tanner (the Fat Lady has sung) Wild. When he plays, Vols win....big.
DSaVol: Saying welcome to nonreaders is but a small contribution to the comedy found here daily.

If you want visceral comedy, check out the Kentucky boards and their reaction to the "Hopson Situation."

Posted by ballewville6 on April 24, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think scotty will play for atleast 2 seasons ,not every great player is a one and done type unless he is number 1 pick overall or atleast lotteryif money isnt a factor with his family he may play 3 or 4,some like to graduate and play collage,its better to play 3 or 4 years in collage an be an all american than to ride the bench like rodney carney and alot of others.now if he comes in and scores 25 points a game with 7 boards and 5 assist that may translate to instant starter for nba,there are so many great players and so few teams and the players from overseas come in older and more ready to contribute unless you are a koby are garnette and others and they still sat for a year or so learning,like greg oden he played for portland but he is a boy in a mans body and he is slowand still needs work ,but i sure am happy to have scotty at ut it will help the team out badly from losing loften and jujuan who were both great and a nice jordon howell who was not good enough to have a scolership.but a real nice kid

Posted by General_Watermelon on April 25, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have always loved fritters, I will always love fritters, and I am eating fritters right now.

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