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Strange: Final Four is not just a dream

By Mike Strange (Contact)
Originally published 08:50 p.m., February 16, 2008
Updated 08:50 p.m., February 16, 2008

ATHENS, Ga. - If Dennis Felton tries to fall asleep by counting sheep, probably every other one is an orange sheep.

The Georgia coach once again Saturday had to stomach doing his postgame radio show with an audience of several hundred Tennessee fans in Stegeman Coliseum.

Vol fans go on the road now. They heed coach Bruce Pearl's plea for witnesses. They especially love coming to Georgia, where tickets are readily available.

So Tennessee had all the best of it again Saturday. The Vols got an SEC road win, 74-71, and afterward, they got the victory party.

But Georgia had one magic moment Saturday. And for all the buzz around its program at the moment, it was a moment Tennessee can't replicate.

At halftime, Georgia welcomed back its 1983 Final Four team for a 25th anniversary celebration.

Hanging an NCAA tournament championship banner in your building is the ultimate in college basketball. There's only one winner per season, but three other teams at least get to bask in the proximity to the crown.

At, say, Duke, Final Fours are old hat. For a program like Georgia, a Final Four might be a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Judging from the smiles and cheers Saturday, it still carries clout after 25 years.

For Tennessee, it's been a none-in-a-lifetime proposition.

But that could change soon.

Half the 12 SEC programs have a Final Four in their history. Kentucky, Florida and Arkansas own NCAA titles. Georgia, LSU and Mississippi State have at least been part of the sport's ultimate weekend.

Vanderbilt, Auburn and Alabama have all topped out in the Elite Eight, one stop short of the Final Four.

That leaves Tennessee, Ole Miss and South Carolina on the lowest rung of the postseason ladder, the Sweet 16.

A year ago in San Antonio, the Vols were a couple of seconds from the Elite Eight. Had they hung on to beat Ohio State, they would have faced a Memphis team they had beaten earlier by 18 points for a berth in the Final Four in Atlanta.

Pearl took that Sweet 16 loss hard because, as he said at the time, you never know when you'll get that close again.

As it turns out, the Vols might get real close again this year.

At 23-2, 10-1 SEC, with six regular-season games to play, Tennessee is going back to the dance.

If they stay on pace, the Vols will even go as a No. 1 seed, a first for the program. Worst-case scenario is probably a No. 2 seed. In short, the path to at least the Sweet 16 will be favorable.

Then, you're 80 minutes away from the Final Four.

Pearl doesn't want to talk about that now. He shouldn't.

"We can't think about that,'' said sophomore Tyler Smith, "because if we did, we wouldn't get nowhere.''

Pearl said Saturday he's thinking about an (outright) SEC regular-season championship: "Something that hasn't been done in 41 years.''

First and foremost, though, he's thinking about how his team played Saturday and, more important, how to get it to play better Wednesday against Auburn.

Tennessee didn't look like a Final Four team Saturday. But it didn't have to. It won an SEC road game. For this day, that was accomplishment enough.

"I'd like more consistency,'' said Pearl. "I'd like to be playing better.''

So would Chris Lofton, who carried the Vols in the second half. A senior, his collegiate clock is running out fast and he knows it.

"We really haven't played our best basketball yet,'' said Lofton.

A Final Four isn't required to judge this Tennessee season a success. But it's tantalizing. On Tennessee's good days, it looks doable.

So picture this:

On a Saturday in the year 2033, a Lofton with salt-and-pepper hair and his teammates, some balding, a couple with potbellies, come back to Thompson-Boling Arena. They bask in the cheers and point to that Final Four banner they hung 25 years ago.

If it can happen at Georgia, it can happen at Tennessee, too.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.

       52 Comments

Posted by Hunter on February 16, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How about "and they point to that National Championship banner!" It can happen - if we peak at the right time, it WILL happen.

Posted by peerlessvolfan on February 16, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A reason to keep on living!!!!! (Even if I would be 89 years old in 2033!) Go Vols!

Posted by ncvol17 on February 16, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Off we go to Texas

Posted by Musicman74 on February 16, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is very doable this is by far the best team that Tennessee has ever had. They just have to take it one game at a time, and not think ahead. They need to just think about Auburn, and not overlook them or they may be in troble.

After Auburn, then they need to think about number one Memphis. Tennessee should be ranked number 3 going into that Memphis game. This Tennessee team could win the National Championship, if they work hard and take it one game at a time.

GO BIG ORANGE!!!

Posted by pdhuff on February 16, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I prefer to think about the Auburn Tigers.

Posted by bricker865 on February 16, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pot bellies. Makes me want to go work out! lol

Posted by DMSVOL on February 16, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is so much work left to do and so much more of the season to complete that the only thing that matters is the "W". A road win in the SEC is not easy, regardless of the opposition. However, it is important for the fans and for the team to realize the opportunity that exists. This team can reach heights never before dreamed of at out school. Follow your direction, live the dream and FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS. Go VOlS, Beat Auburn!

Posted by Plasticman on February 16, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THis team definitely has what it takes to be a Final 4, if not a National Championship Team. They have not peaked yet, which is good. I didn't see alot of defensive intensity today, but I think come tourney time, they will be 110% focused and give it their all every game. That's what it will take to get to the Final 4. I hope our PG's (R. Smith and Howell) start playing better. Would like to see Ramar dish the ball off when he penetrates instead of forcing bad shots. Keep the Faith!!

Posted by budd on February 16, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope for a natioanl championship team but regardless, thanks guys for a great season thus far. I just feel like there is some more to come.

Posted by pjhaddix on February 16, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Peerlessvolfan, I was counting, too. I'll show up if you will. pj

Posted by txsvol on February 16, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Y'all Come! Y'all Come! And plan on taking a Championship banner back home! What a way to "Remember the Alamo!" Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by jevolball7 on February 16, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Auburn,easy win;Mem.,50-50 on their floor;Vandy,tough win on the road,I hope;KY,utter blowout;FLA,tough road win,I hope;SC,blowout....That's 28-3 going in to the SEC tourney,approx. What does anyone else say???

Posted by rbatten9 on February 17, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

4-1 in SEC games from here on wins the SEC!

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 17, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee has not won the SEC outright with no tie since 1967. Winning the SEC outright must be goal #1. Think Auburn next Wednesday, Vanderbilt the following Tuesday, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina..... Memphis - shouldn't even be playing them - a meaningless distraction. Think SEC.

Posted by volssam on February 17, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a pair of tickets to the UT-Memphis showdown next Saturday I'm thinking of maybe selling......Anyone interested?

Posted by oldorange on February 17, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fun part of college basketball is when the team you grew up pulling for is competitive. For me, that is the fun part of watching the Vols play. Due to their record each of us feel they can win any can they play. I have went to Las Vegas for the 1st week of March Madness for the last 20 years and doubley enjoy it when tennessee is in the dance. i am a bit to old to get wrapped up in telling the team what htey must do to win but enjoy the ride as much or more than the kids who do so. We even have a guy here pimping tickets to the Memphis game........lol.

Go VOLS!!!!!

Posted by eb502us on February 17, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ditto oldorange, I've been going to the first week of March Madness since 1985 and will be there again next month. It's exciting none the less but with the Vols in it, it's that much better. I'll be wearing my Orange in the sports book at Ceasars (where I'm staying) and the Palms, where my friends, UL fans are staying. See ya there!!

Posted by eb502us on February 17, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh one more thing, leave the wife at home :)

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 17, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Although making a Final Four is great, there is nothing like winning a National Championship. Having personally witnessed Kentucky win 3 of theirs, I can tell you that there is no other feeling like it on earth...even for the fans.

Tennessee has a very good chance at doing something special this season in the tournament. They are improving on their post play, which is encouraging and it will be essential for making any kind of deep run. The other part of their game, which could be their downfall, is free throw shooting. I think there are more games won and lost at the free throw line in March than any other time of the season.

If Tennessee concentrates on playing good fundamental basketball they will be okay. As fun as playing flashy playground basketball can be in front of a home crowd, that wont cut it on a neutral floor in the later rounds of the tournament.

My prediction is an elite 8 for the vols this year. Which is not too bad.

Posted by VOLstuckINky on February 17, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Airforce,

Did you go riot in the streets of Lexington and turn cars over with the other UK idiots after those NC's?

You won't be doing it any time soon.

Your playground comments make you look even more stupid. UT is the most unselfish, team oriented , well coached BB team I have seen.

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 17, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volstuckinKY...you should count yourself lucky to be in Kentucky where you can at least go by Rupp and see a National Championship banner....take your pick, we have SEVEN of them.

So...mr basketball. Tell me about tennessee's "game"? I never mentioned "selfish". I am talking about some of the ill-advised shot attempts and assist attempts (ie. the little off the backboard number that got taken away) that tennessee makes in trying to be flashy instead of fundamental.

That kind of stuff wont get you anywhere in the tournament but out. Of course I don't expect a moron like you to know this because you HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A FINAL FOUR.

As I stated, tennessee has a chance to do something special this year. Personally, I do not see them making the Final Four, but an elite-8 with this team would be a very nice accomplishment.

Posted by jforte on February 17, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceNone

I hope to see at you TBA the first weekend in March so you can sniff the closest thing to a Final Four your mildcats will see this year. PAYBACK IS COMING!!!!!!!!

Posted by nodadeel on February 17, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A national championship is attainable by this Tennessee team and it wont come down to making free throws.It will come down to Lofton and Jujaun in a five game streak of being in the zone shooting 3 pointers because there is no better tandem in the country.

Posted by vol1994 on February 17, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by volssam on February 17, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a pair of tickets to the UT-Memphis showdown next Saturday I'm thinking of maybe selling......Anyone interested?

-----------------
IF you are serious then i would love to take my 5year old son if price is affordable!

Posted by vol1994 on February 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssam- Please email me at johnlisam@bellsouth.net
with your price and seat location
for the UT - Memphis game.

Posted by peerlessvolfan on February 17, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pj, it's a date--CU in 2033!

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 17, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nodadeel, I guarantee you that Pearl understands the importance of free throw shooting and fundamentals in a tournament.

jforte. At least I know what the smell of victory is like. Do you? NO!!! We have SEVEN National Championships...how many do you have? Oh lets see....ZERO!! We have 13 Final Four appearances...how many do you have?....oh, another ZERO!!! We have 31 Elite Eight appearaces....how many do you have? Your tournament record is 11-16....yeah, I'm impressed.

Face it, you can't talk to me about being a proven champion because you have NEVER BEEN ONE. Pat Forde said it best...Kentucky "has seen more glory then tennessee could muster in 6 lifetimes".

Enjoy this year...its the best it is ever gonna get for tennessee....and still, it wont be enough. So long loser.

Posted by icecream on February 17, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have what it takes to win it all. We also have what it takes to go out in the second round. It's really up to the seniors on this team. How bad do you want it guys?

Posted by icecream on February 17, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team will hang a banner of some kind. And in my lifetime their the best UT team that I have seen. Thanks Chris & JuJuan the two guys that everybody overlooked, but would give their right @#* for right now.

Posted by bmaples on February 17, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all -- AF1 was trying, I think, to be somewhat complimentary. No need to trash his halfway-extended hand.

As for his comment about Tennessee's men's basketball record: he's right. We've not made a final four, nor an elite eight. Until we do, fans of other schools get to gloat. (Although, AF1, your last comment was moving toward more goat than gloat.)

To the point of the story -- depending on the matchups, I think this team has a good chance of making the Final Four. I also think it has a good chance of not even making the Elite Eight, depending on the matchups. All of this is not unique to UT; it's true for about 12 other teams around the country.

Example: a few years ago Louisville made the Final Four. That team had many strong points and a few weak ones. They had great matchups up through the Sweet 16, then played one of the hardest-fought games I've ever seen to beat West Virginia. In the Final Four, they finally met a team that matched them strength-for-strength, and had a few more strengths as well (Illinois).

Frankly, this year's Vol team looks to me to be a little better than that Louisville team. However, if they meet a team with a stronger inside presence AND a few great defenders to shut down Lofton and whomever, it could be a long night.

They should win the regular season SEC. They should either win the SEC tourney, or come in second. They should be no lower than a #2 seed in the NCAA. They should make the Elite Eight, which would be a first. Depending on the matchup, they could make the Final Four.

Let's just enjoy it, a game at a time, just like the team has to play it a game at a time. Go Vols -- beat Auburn!

Posted by splinterdand on February 17, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stevefrommemphis, the Memphis game is not a meaningless game IF Tennesse can pull off a win. That would put a one seed in their hip pocket. AirForceOne, I prefer solidly-played basketball to flashiness myself, but wasn't that 1990 UNLV team pretty flashy? As for the stupid comments about Tennessee being a loser program. Bruce Pearl isn't going anywhere anytime soon. UT now has better facilities than UK. Even if UK gets back to where they should be, get used to Pearl and company kicking your can on a regular basis.

Posted by bricker865 on February 17, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AF1, it's like 2 individuals posting. You seem interested in one and suddenly oversensitive in another. You can live in the past if you wish. The present and the future are what matters most (I will say this for our football also). Evidently you have a lot of extra time on your hands to waste time in another team's sports forum. I actually think most of us pull for Kentucky when they get deep into the tourney and stuff like that but it's idiots like you that make me start wavering.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 17, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's not forget about Auburn, guys! They are playing with "house money" right now. They have no realistic chance to make it to the Big Dance, so they play with nothing to lose. I know Ole Miss has inexplicably fallen off since they played us, but Auburn controlled the game from start to finish yesterday AT Ole Miss. They are a quick, streaky, loose team that could take us if we, contrary to CBP's warning, overlook them on the way to Memphis. GO VOLS! TAME THE TIGERS (both sets)!
BTW, AF1 is pretty civil until you provoke him. It is just a fact that UK has it all over us when it comes to bball history. Until we do just ONCE what they have done dozens of times, a little humility might become us. In case you've already forgotten, they DID beat us THIS year. I expect us to get them back double at TBA, but I won't crow about it until AFTER we've done it.

Posted by murrayvol on February 17, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bmaples: Good post. I'll take your advice...one game at a time. Alas, I'm not quite as forgiving of AFuno. When visiting this board representing UK, UF, etc. you need to be cool or you will get bashed. And you'll take heat from a few even if you're reasonably civil i.e. 99Gator.

I would ask AFone 2 questions:
1) How many UT seasons were canceled as a result of fixing games? A: None-UK has one. Where's that banner?
2) How many UT players have been banned from the NBA for the same offense.
A: None-UK had several of the Fab 5 accorded that distintion.

UK has had the best basketball team money can buy forever. They bought players before it was cool. They were still having poorly packaged wads of cash popping open as late as 1989(destined for Chris Mills). If AF has a brain larger than a walnut he knows all the above and a helluva lot more is true. And if you don't believe me ask Gen. Bob Knight.

We may not have the banners (yet) but we don't have the baggage either.

Posted by murrayvol on February 17, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Apologies for the typo in distin(c)tion. Carry on!

Posted by volssam on February 17, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol1994 --
Do you have an e-mail address?

Posted by volssam on February 17, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RockytopJeff --

I am getting auto-blocked by your e-mail as Spam.....

Posted by jawbreaker on February 17, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I now have two reasons to live until I'm 83--to see a manned landing on Mars, and to see those Vols return to hang that banner! Here's hoping that if only one happens, it is this group of Vols celebrating their success.

Posted by SFOrange on February 17, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, we should acknowledge the possibility--because this is the best UT has EVER been (record wise) at this stage in a season. But when I look at Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, Memphis---these teams seem to play a "crisper" brand of ball---executing consistently and often winning going away. UT has only had a few games in which they were clearly superior. The Orange is winning no doubt. But can we see clear to San Antonio?

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 17, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good grief....if you cant have a little banter back and forth, then what fun is any of this?? I certainly do not take any offense to what gets thrown at me...I actually look forward to reading the posts. Some of you guys (and gals?) come up with some zingers.

In all seriousness though, I think that this season presents one of the better opportunities for Tennessee to make a good run. Do I think they can win it all? At this point, No. They have not shown a prolonged and consistent post game and their free throw shooting can be suspect.

The bright side of this for the vols is that they can overcome many of their deficits by jumping on teams early and forcing the tempo. If they get into a slower paced low scoring game, then the possibility of being won or lost at the free throw line exists. Statistically, that is not a strong suit for tennessee. History has shown that poor free throw shooting teams do not do well in the NCAA Tournament.

This should still be a good March Madness for Tennessee. At this point though, I just dont see them as a Final Four....more likely an Elite 8. This could change however if they can maintain some of the recent improvements in post play and get a few breaks along the way.

Okay now, lets have some fun on here.

Posted by Vol_Fan_4_Life_615 on February 17, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Im 29 and have been a die hard Tennessee basketball fan since i heard my first John Ward broadcast back in 90. I watch Alan Houston light up the SEC for a team that won only a hand full of games, including ending his career at the hands of Kentucky by 60. I made it through O'Neil, Greene, and Peterson with very little hope for the future.(Had some hope when we had Black, Yarbourgh, Hathaway, and Harris and all those guys, but turned out to be false) Now I set down to watch a game knowing that the Vols will win the game, no longer do i hope. This season has been very special to me as it has to all Tennessee fans. I see us cutting down four sets of nets. They are focused on the first set of nets in the SEC regular season champs.(4 more wins) then the tourny, the regional, then the national. Bruce's boys get better as the season goes on and right now they are one the 3 or 4 best in America and still jelling. As for the Memphis game, I cant wait to watch the game. Win or lose I think our Vols will put on a show that the rest of College Basketball will have to respect.

Posted by pdhuff on February 17, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Airforceone - Vanderbilt.

Posted by cjraney on February 18, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00-
Maybe you didn't catch AF1's comments on here after the loss at UK. I will certainly give it up for UK's performance that night but AF1 was "shouting" like a 6 yr old and in the same breath saying the UT game doesn't matter to UK fans. Observe his immediate recital of the UK history lesson when a couple posters remark about the Vols chances in K'ville.

UK BB history is still just history. In sports, the present-day is paramount, just ask any of the fans on here calling for Fulmer's head. Currently, every Wildcat fan would love to trade places with Tennessee. AF1 is like jock itch: annoying and never a welcome visitor.

Posted by volmattna on February 18, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLSAM email me with the information on those tickets to the memphis game.
mlitton01@yahoo.com
Thanks,
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!

Posted by anthony on February 18, 2008 at 3:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

we were there 41 years ago, in the middle of old melrose starting a panty raid, when the game was over and we had beat Miss State.

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 18, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was a freshman at UT when UK last won a title. Big deal. UT won a FB title in '98 and that seems like eons ago. Not many people talk about that anymore because so much time has passed. Flash forward to 2008: UK is slipping and has been for years. Tenn is rising. One game doesn't change that. I can't wait for March 2.

Posted by VOLS85 on February 18, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, VOLS85, the eternal optimist for all UT sports, must be pessimistic, just for today...

It is unbelievably difficult to win the national championship, and to see Florida do it two years in a row is something you won't see again any time soon. For that I credit Donovan. However, having one great season does not mean you are going to win the national championship.

If you are looking at consistently talented teams that just can't get over the hump, look no further than KANSAS. They haven't had a 10 loss season since 1999-00, and they NEVER win the NC. Final Fours, high rankings, Big 12 championships are all old hat. I think it would be a fantastic achievement to get to the final four.

Don't get me wrong, I really want a NC, and I think this team has the talent and depth to do it, I just hope they hit their stride at the right time and pull it out.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by trl_x on February 18, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Although an a$$, I think AF1 is right about the prediction...Elite 8 is as far as we go. Unless we can somehow become more dominant in the paint, the Final Four is out of reach. It's no coincidence that the Final Four teams have good/great guard play AND good/great inside play. I see us as great at the former and average at the latter. There will be at least one game in the tourney when the 3's won’t fall. That’s when you have to be able to pound it inside.

But it just shows what Coach Pearl has done for the program.

Elite 8 not good enough. LOL.

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