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Hopson signs this morning
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. - The lights shined bright in the packed University Heights Academy gym, and the fans stirred in anticipation of Scotty Hopson's next move.
All Hopson needed was a basketball in his hands to feel right at home. Instead, he had an ink pen, which he used Wednesday morning to sign a letter of intent to attend the University of Tennessee.
"It's a relief,'' said Hopson, the first McDonald's All-American recruit of UT coach Bruce Pearl's career and the sixth in program's history. "It's time to relax and enjoy the rest of my school year. I'm excited to come to Knoxville, but I know I'll miss home.''
Many of the 325 University Heights students, ranging from preschool to the 31 in the senior class, wore orange T-shirts with "Blazers love UT/Scotty'' to the signing ceremony and Hopson had his number (32) retired.
Hopson, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, is the crown jewel of the Vols' recruiting class. He joins 6-11 center Phillip Jurick, from East Ridge, 6-1 point guard Daniel West of Saginaw (Mich.) High School and 6-8 wing Renaldo Woolridge, from North Hollywood, Calif.
Hopson is rated the No. 5 overall player in the Class of '08 according to Rivals.com, Woolridge is No. 53 and Jurick is No. 68.
West is not ranked in the top 150, but he made his mark by leading Saginaw to back-to-back state championships in Michigan's largest high school classification.
"There's good balance to the class,'' Pearl said. "Just look at how far Tennessee basketball recruiting has come.
"Scotty, obviously, is a guy who will have an impact. It's hard for me to downplay his potential. The timing couldn't be any better.''
Hopson couldn't be any more needed with UT losing Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith to the pro ranks. He averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds in earning Kentucky's Associated Press player-of-the-year honor.
A boyish-looking 18, Hopson merely smiles when asked about the pressure to perform this season.
"Over the years when I've had that kind of pressure, I've never folded,'' said Hopson, who scored 21 points Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in the Jordan Brand Classic all-star game. "I just take it in stride. I usually do my best when the lights are on and thousands are in the stands.''
Hopson has two high school exhibition games left. He'll play in the Kentucky-Indiana all-star games June 13 (Indianapolis) and June 15th (Louisville).
Knoxville can see Hopson up close on June 16 when play begins in the Pilot Rocky Top League at Bearden High School.
Pearl expects UT fans will be in for a treat when they see the USA Today third-team All-American.
"Scotty will get a little stronger, but he has his quick-twitch fiber and muscle and he moves very fast,'' Pearl said. "He's very explosive. He has great lift, he plays over the rim and he can create off the bounce. People are going to be excited.
"This is a big one; it breaks a door down for me, my first McDonald's All-American, a guy with a lot of visibility.''
UT recruited Hopson much earlier in his career, but Pearl said he and his staff were disheartened when Hopson verbally committed to Mississippi State.
"But we ended it cordially, and I think he appreciated the fact we let him go with integrity,'' Pearl said. "When he didn't sign (in November), deciding he may have made his decision prematurely, we jumped back in with both feet.''
Hopson said he still remembers Vols' assistant Jason Shay making the first contact for UT after one of his AAU tournaments. The second time around, Steve Forbes was the point man and Tony Jones and Pearl joined in.
"The whole staff recruited him, because we wanted him comfortable and at ease with all of us,'' Forbes said. "A lot of things came together; us having a great year, our style of play, our arena renovations, our fan support and the TV exposure.''
Forbes said other teams recruiting Hopson - Louisville and Kentucky, most notably - had the same sort of things going for their programs.
"I think it all came down to relationships,'' Forbes said. "The trust we had with him, his mother and his coach.''
University Heights Academy coach Randy McCoy, who guided the Blazers to a 30-5 record, agreed.
"Number one, Coach Pearl and his assistants did a great job of letting Scotty know from the beginning that he was the guy they wanted,'' McCoy said. "The second factor was Scotty could go in and continue to play a style is conducive to him getting better.
"I also think him staying closer to home was a factor - they didn't want to go too far away from Hopkinsville.''
"Hop Town,'' as it is known to the locals, is approximately 235 miles from Knoxville.
Hopson will make the drive to enroll in classes at UT at the start of June knowing what awaits him.
"I don't know if anybody looks forward to conditioning,'' he said, "but in the end it makes you better so I'm looking forward to pushing through it with my new teammates.''
Hopson said he hopes Vols' forward Tyler Smith will be around for another year.
"He's a great player and a really good person,'' Hopson said. "I hope he comes back, but even if he goes, I think this is a team that can compete for the Final Four.''
Pearl said as much as he expects from Hopson, fans need to remember he has big shoes to fill.
"You can't overlook the fact that we lost No. 5 (Chris Lofton), and that's a guy whose jersey will be hanging in the rafters one day,'' Pearl said. "I don't care what freshman you sign, you can't ask him to do what Chris Lofton did as a senior. But I expect him to do a lot.''
Sixth in the Mix: Hopson, whose nickname is "Scotty Hops,'' is the sixth McDonald's All-American to sign at UT and the first since Vincent Yarbrough (1998-2002). Other Vols with such prestige were Tony Harris (1997-2001), Charles Hathaway (1996-2001), Allan Houston (1989-93) and Doug Roth (1985-89).
Great Heights: Hopson is the second scholarship player at UT from University Heights Academy, joining former Vol Isiah Victor.
Other notable University Heights players who have signed Division I scholarships include: Sergio Luke, St. Johns; James White, Harvard; Darren Alloway, Stanford; Harold Swanagan, Notre Dame; Ravi Moss, Kentucky; Andre Buckner, Duke; Greg Buckner, Clemson; Lamont Barnes, Temple and Tyshwan Edmundson, Hopson's teammate, who has offers from St. John's, Dayton and Western Kentucky.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 90
utvol008 writes:
Welcome Scotty!
Volunatic writes:
Whew!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Ending the B.S. speculation.
Welcome to the family Scotty! Great choice!
Brama writes:
GO Vols Stay around longer than 1 yr!
CoverOrange writes:
Beam us up Scotty...to the final four.
volboy81#211803 writes:
Cat fans must be seeing red (or would it be orange!)
VolCane7979 writes:
Freaking awesome. Can we skip to basketball season?
bowerst#242774 writes:
This guy is class. A great talent and a great young man. The Sports Page radio show had fantastic coverage before, during and after today's announcement. Vol fans never had anything to worry about. As usual, a bunch of opposing fanatics were trying to cast doubts on this kid. There's one reason: He is going to take UT to a whole different level.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Mr. Hopson! We've been looking forward to this day for a long time.
cjraney writes:
No Coach Gillespie, your not drunk, the whole state of Kentucky is actually turning orange.
CoverOrange writes:
On second thought, maybe the Mr. Scott from Star Trek isn't such a good allusion. His most known phrase was "I con't do it, captain, we haven't got the power." (how do you type in a fake scottish accent?)
Even if Hopson is one and done, that gives CBP a one year bridge to recruit/develop someone else to play SG.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Paul Pierce is a bad comparison, and to say he's more developed would also be a stretch. You sound like you coached Paul Pierce in HS or something....
From what I've seen of Scotty (McD's, Jordan Brand, highlight reels on Youtube, and 3 full high school games he played in), I'd compare his offense more to a young Scotty Pippen. He seems to glide and sometimes seems like he's playing "lazy" or slow but he's just really fluid and clean with everything he does. He's got nice ups and a clean jumper, but his 3 pt shooting (especially when they move the line back this coming season) will need work for him to be considered a polished player or "developed".
His stamina (seemed to get tired when he did play hard for most of the game), his motor (maybe he just didn't think he needed to try hard in high school and will step it up in college, but watching him in 3 full games... if he wasn't involved in a play or fast break he cut himself down to a walk up the court), defense (has the tools with length, quickness, and a really good instinct but needs to commit as much on D as he does with offense), and free throw shooting (should be around a 75% FT shooter, but that's average) are the weakest parts of his game. So I don't see him as more developed than Paul Pierce when he came out of HS, but I would say he is a far better penetrator, slasher, and jump shooter inside 15 ft.
overatedvols writes:
"looks very similar to what kansas had this last year."
In your dreams Brownie
fullbackless writes:
I second the "BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!!!!
bshone#598776 writes:
Welcome, Mr. Hopson, to Big Orange Country!
Now stay Tyler, stay!
cjraney writes:
Dear overrated,
Do we really have to point out the huge similarity between the Mighty Vols and the Nat'l Champ Jayhawks? ummmm......scoreboard loser.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
brad, excellent post.
I'm glad we got the kid, but fans get WAY ahead of themselves. We are looking a bit weak from 3-point land, I think.
Next year's team will have to crash the boards, play D, and win ugly, IMHO.
Tell you what, after watching Derrick Rose, I can say that to have a great dribble-drive, pullup game is a pretty good game to have. Memphis survived cold shooting by everyone else becasue Rose could ALWAYS be counted on for big buckets (caveat, I didn't watch the NCAA NC game, didn't really care).
When you look at out lineup next year, you see a LOT of mid-level, athletic players. I still would not mind having a designated 3-pt guy, as in WKU or Butler -style player.
VOLS85 writes:
overated,
Do you not get it? You are not wanted here, you offer no intelligent insight, and no one wants to listen to your pointless banter. UT fans came on your site IN FEBRUARY, for probably no more than a week, because your boys got beat (your fans would have done the same thing to us, if you could have finished the job and won). IT'S ALMOST MAY, go away, we've heard enough of your lack of knowledge as means of "payback". The only thing you're paying back is the impression that Memphis fans are sore losers, bitter, and dumb. You're a sad, sad individual.
GreerVol22 writes:
joy and rapture!
knoxnewsuser writes:
If he plays in the Rocky Top League, they will have to turn people away because the Gym will be totally packed. This coming season will be the most anticipated season ever.
MrBamSeydu writes:
UTfan4life: I did compare, I did watch the games, you're saying Hopson has more all around game than Paul Pierce and that is ridiculous. Noone would agree with you, sorry.
navyvolinva writes:
I heard that West is turning a lot of heads as well. We should be the deepest team in the nation next year.
overatedvols writes:
Vols85 my feelings are totally crushed now. To know i'm a sad sad individual..it hurts. I'll go and get some counseling and try and get over it.
Still, just to think that some people don't like my neutral stance on things...amazing.
By the way, I noticed you got in your insults before expressing your desire for me to leave. You are correct UT fans came on our site for no more than a week but that was only due to the big choke loss of your boys. They just couldn't get the job done. Vandy was too much. It was then that the Vol fans strangely disappeared. They returned in force after the national champ. game. Still, if my unbiased insights are not welcome i'll certainly go away. Crushed that i'm not wanted on here but....gone. Then you guys can do the rah rah Tenn. without any reality checks. When comments are made such as.."we will win the national championship next season" or "nobody can beat us" These comments will go unchecked. No counter-point, no argument. I'm afraid all the people on here will then believe it and actually be expecting these things next season. They'll be in for a major letdown. I just try to keep things real. I realize i'm underappreciated but I feel I have been doing you all a good service. What thanks do I get, insults thats all.......
navyvolinva writes:
whats the deal with tyler smith?..Is he going or staying?
eduardo writes:
Take that kitty kats! You stole a few from us during the Pilino years. Now It's our turn! Maybe you go find some faxes to get some of your past players eligible. Fans of big blow keep talking about what a bum Hopson is. It'll come back to haunt you! Overrated memphis mistake, tigger high stick it.
murrayvol writes:
It'll be one or the other navyvol. Lots of opinions but nobody knows at this point.
overatedvols writes:
"Reminds me of a more overall developed Paul Pierce."
"Hopson has a more all around game than Peirce"
You see, this is exactly what i'm talking about. Somebody has to keep it real here. A rookie straight out of highschool and he's already better than Pierce. The Vols are really gonna be something next year..wow..
BADGES0413 writes:
Tyler is supposed to have a press conference in the next few days to announce his decision. His NBA evaluation is back according to Coach Jones, but Jones would not share the results when I heard him on the radio this morning. I would take Hopson as a Paul Pierce type player, even the way Pierce played as a freshman in College. Lineup and Depth looks good the next 2 years since Childress is our only Senior (if he stays).
bowerst#242774 writes:
With the 3-point line moving back, there won't be as many guys who can hit 40 percent like Lofton did. I think Tennessee will be like most teams and rely less on the three. But I am excited about our ability to slash to the basket. Hopson is a great natural athlete and Pearl & Co. will teach him the things he needs to continue to elevate his game. My bet is he will be here two seasons, and he will polish his game and build up his body.
CoverOrange writes:
Overrated, "neutral stance"? Since when have you offered "reality checks" or "counter points"? As for arguements, yours have mostly been unsubstantiated, rather fodder to start one.
As for moron Vol fans that go to Tiger sites and talk trash, all schools have such fans and are deplored by the real adults. Like bad apples there are only a few but they muck it up for all of us. Do you really want to lower yourself to that level?
Reality checks are welcome, provide one with substance and we'll talk. Use 99gator as an example. Even AirForceOne raised his level.
cjraney writes:
overrated-
Thought you already said your final goodbyes here? I understand why you can't stay away, that orange just gets in your blood. Besides, no matter what you say, little bros always follow their big bros around. Go on now lil' bro, the grown ups are talking.
AllOrange3 writes:
Hey OveRRated
Look who just moved ahead of your precious Tyreke Evans on Rivals new top 150. Oh yeah I think it says Scotty Hopson at #5. What do you have to say about that?
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewran...
jimr07 writes:
allorange3--don't encourage that jerk. he is looking for a village somewhere in the world that wants its own idiot.
Huntingdonvol writes:
Any word on the young man from Memphis just wondering havent heard since pre Mphiss game?Good luck youn man you made the best choice of your youn life!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgGNkW...
Huntingdonvol writes:
Check this ^^^^^out the kid can play d also!!!!
murrayvol writes:
WD40:
"Do you really want to lower yourself to that level?" I'm afraid he's already there my friend.
littleorange writes:
Welcome Scotty......Look forward to seeing you in orange...Best of luck.
MrBamSeydu writes:
UTfan4life: I've seen 3 games of his on tape, watching a game live isn't the same because you can't rewind etc. But even if you've seen all his games, you really don't need that much visual to get an opinion on someone's pros, cons, and to be able to compare them to someone else.
I respect your opinion as far as saying he PLAYS LIKE Paul Pierce or even Latrell Sprewell, I can see why you'd say he reminds you of them a little bit... but you were saying he's a BETTER and more rounded player than a guy who's a star in the NBA??? I just can't let that out of my mouth. That is just ridiculous. You can compare his game, but don't say a kid who hasn't graduated high school yet is a better version of someone who's already proved they can compete at the highest level.
I still say he's more Scotty Pippen'ish than both of those players, just because of his quiet attitude on the court and how he looks like he's gliding at all times.
Huntingdonvol writes:
The dunk in Mcdonalds All American game on espn!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc_Ql0...
overatedvols writes:
littleorange i'm sure he'll be in orange soon enough. One of those orange jumpsuits that you see the guys picking up trash along the highway.
Marcie_Ash our runnerup banner is better than the "Only the sweet 16 again" banner that will be flying at Tenn.
Brownie, i'm sure we'll still be better no matter who we lose. There's just such a big difference in talent between the two programs.
AllOrange3, what do I think about hobson being rated higher than EVANS now. Well, I haven't bothered to look but I think you didn't bring it up that EVANS had been rated higher than hobson before. So why now? Also just how does that work? The season is over now and so what do they do, go back and kind of say..you know.. that hobson.. i think he was better than EVANS after all. I'm going to redo that ranking. Shouldn't that list kind of stay the same when the season is over.
Ok, guys it's been fun. Really really fun actually but i'll leave your site and give you rah rah fans full control from my neutral observations. All I can say is that this site is going to get awfully boring with all your "that recruit is the best basketball player in the history of the world" "Bruce is the most magnificent coach at any level, nba, college, highschool elementary, special olympics..he's the best"
Try and resist the temptation to head over to the Memphis site and post trash..oh.. I know it's not anybody on here. It's the other bad fans (yea right...huh marcie_ash).
See you next season or should i say beat you next season. Get your star recruits ready. They'll need to be. It's going to be nasty.
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
WELCOME, WELCOME , WELCOME , YOU THE MAN
overatedvols writes:
Ahh..Marcie..you bring me back. I had gone into retirement guys so blame your marc_ash. Actually he's one of the reasons i'm over here to begin with. He registered on the memphis site the night the tenn-memphis game ended and posted 85 times over a 3 day period..all trash talk.
As far as your expertise on the rankings game. Do you really think it should matter when they play these 'for fun games' where the object is to try and slam the ball as many times as you can and defense can be nonexistent.
Hobson, Hopson, JP, PJ...irrelavant.
It's nice to be back again.
jdcdjc#246285 writes:
It just keeps getting better and better. Go Vols.
rclarkvols#224537 writes:
I have seen Hobson play and you all have the comparisons all wrong. You are about to see what Vincent Yarbrough would have become if Bruce Pearl had coached him. Scotty Hopson at this point in his career reminds me of Vincent Yarbrough. Tons of potential but very laid back. He will be all world when Bruce gets through with him.
MrBamSeydu writes:
rclarkvols: You lost all credit with your 4th word. If you can't get the guy's name right, you might as well not say anything. We've all seen him play. Noone wants to hear the name Vincent Yarbrough. He was over-rated. We're hoping Hopson is somehow under-rated.
VolCane7979 writes:
66-62.
rclarkvols#224537 writes:
I don't think Vincent Yarbrough was overrated. He was under coached. Sorry for the misspelling
invisiblekid writes:
Overrated, you have offered to retire your trite posts more than George Foreman. Objectivity and neutrality have nothing to do with you posting here. Apparently, you still feel the need to meet out your "revenge" by posting here due to some mean old Vol fans who lacked class and hurt your feelings on a Memphis site.
WD40plus and MarcAsh, just a suggestion, but it's my experience that you shouldn't waste much time trying to make reasonable points with the guy. When it comes to 5th grade name-calling, he's a champ. When it comes to an intelligent discussion, he falls short much like the Tigers.
TK writes:
Welcome Scotty! It will be nice for UT to have some size at guard. I bet last year will be the last year you see Bruce start 3 guys 6'-2" or less.
murrayvol writes:
invisiblekid: Well put.
But we really should have some serious pity for overated. How would we feel if all we had to look forward to was CUSA matchups? Now that's a scary thought.
TopTenn writes:
Our depth next year may present some problems. Wooldrige,West,Hopson, Chism, Jurick,and the Smiths will be awesome.
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