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Strange: In the end, UT could have been Georgia
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With four minutes, 41 seconds on the scoreboard clock Saturday night, Tennessee and Georgia huddled at their respective benches during a media timeout.
Maybe they didn't notice the mass exodus in the stands. It was a 20-point game, the outcome long since determined. A lot of Tennessee fans had seen enough.
I'm not knocking anyone for leaving early. That's their call.
But I can better understand the ones who stayed until the end.
Tennessee basketball, men's edition, has it going on right now.
At tipoff, there were 21,099 folks who came to Thompson-Boling Arena to be a part of what coach Bruce Pearl has wrought in his nearly three years here.
An 85-69 win over Georgia - and it wasn't really that close - by a third-ranked team before another sellout crowd.
That's 27 consecutive homecourt wins. That's five consecutive 20,000-plus crowds.
"I think we need to enjoy every moment and enjoy every game and realize this is a neat time to be a Tennessee basketball fan,'' said Mike Hamilton.
Hamilton, of course, is the men's athletic director. This time three years ago he was agonizing over what to do about Buzz Peterson.
Hamilton agonized right up to the last day, then made the call to jettison Peterson in hopes of taking the program to a higher level.
In hindsight, hiring Pearl looks like the greatest administrative move in the history of UT athletics.
The Vols have been a phenomenon since virtually the opening tip of Pearl's first game. They're on their way to a third consecutive NCAA tournament.
Attendance, national media attention, donors and the facilities they fund, you name it. Everyone has stepped it up.
But make sure you stop and smell the roses, Tennessee fan. Enjoy the moment. It didn't have to turn out like this.
It could have turned out like, well, like Georgia.
Not to pick on the Bulldogs or their coach, Dennis Felton, an honorable man who has many indications of being a fine coach.
But Georgia is a relevant yardstick. The Bulldogs, SEC East neighbors, were in the house Saturday night. We got a look at the state of their union.
Felton is in his fifth year at Georgia. This loss leaves him 69-69.
His teams have been to two NITs, no NCAA tournaments. Attendance at Stegeman Coliseum is such that tickets are available for UT fans by the busload to come on down when the Vols visit. That's exactly what happened two years ago.
To be fair, Felton has had some tough luck. He dismissed Takais Brown and Mike Mercer, two of his best players, before the season. His best signee, Louis Williams, went directly to the NBA three years ago.
Pearl, on the other hand, has transfers like Tyler Smith and J.P. Prince come knock on his door wanting to get in on the action.
In the postgame session, I asked Felton's take of the current state of Tennessee's program. He declined.
"I'm not interested in assessing their program,'' he said.
Asked to assess his own, he offered two quiet words: "Steady climbing.''
Steady doesn't exactly describe the climb at Tennessee since Pearl arrived. Meteoric would be more like it.
"We need to realize,'' said Hamilton, "the way the change took place and the success we've had so quickly is not the rule in college athletics.
"It's the exception. I've been around long enough to realize that.''
I wonder if everyone does.
Fans are entitled to leave with five minutes to go in the game. They bought the ticket.
I can remember in the 1990s, late in an SEC game, when a UT player drove to the basket only to have an opponent swat his shot all the way over press row.
As he smacked the shot away, the opponent exclaimed, with perfect timing, "Get that (stuff) out of here.''
His words rang out loud and clear. It was that quiet, the crowd that sparse.
Of course, back then they hadn't all left early. They hadn't come in the first place.
It's different now, night-and-day different. I can understand the ones who stay until the buzzer.
They must remember how it used to be. They must appreciate how it is.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by LargeOrange on January 27, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great article Mike. Very carefully worded to make a good point with out showing up GA and their coach more than necessary to make your point. CBP has done a fantastic job not only coaching these kids, but also selling BB at UT to UT fans in his first two years. His program is selling it's self now and he is able to reap the support it fosters. It truly is GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!
Posted by yemmusdarb on January 27, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I seriously think we have one of the weakest home crowds in the SEC. They seriously need to do something to extend our student section closer to the court. I really like how Duke let's their student section go along the side for the first few rows rather than sticking them behind the goal somewhere like we do. The student section is our only hope to make noise. The rest of the people in Thompson Bowling are old and sit on their hands too much. GET LOUD ALREADY!!!! Did you see what Kentucky's home crowd did to us??? Yes, they had a MAJOR hand in that loss... Pearl said it himself. Geez, leaving with 5 minutes left doesn't show support for the team. Neither does sitting on your hands unless it's a 1 point game with 2 seconds left. BE LOUD THE WHOLE TIME!! MAKE TBA A SCARY PLACE TO PLAY!!
Posted by VolPowers on January 27, 2008 at 2:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmm...we haven't lost in almost two years at home. Frankly, that kind of qualifies for "scary place to play" status. It's interesting you make that kind of comment after this particular article by Strange, as it shows you clearly weren't around for the dark days of UT Basketball. If you think our current crowds are weak, my lord you clearly are a newbie to UT Hoops!
I'm impressed with the article Mike. I too, find myself scratching my head at fans cruising for the door early. I want to be a witness to as much of this as I can, as if I leave early the other shoe is going to drop and we'll all be magically transported to TBA, circa the Georgetown NIT game where every fan in attendance fit in the first three rows around the court. Hell, I almost got T'd up by the ref that game, since we were practically sitting on the bench with the players. We truly have been blessed by this meteroic rise, and I for one want to see every second of it.
Posted by AllVol on January 27, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great article . . . .
Posted by dash727 on January 27, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Strange you are dead on target. Another fine article that shows you are the best writer at the KNS. Last night was typical but at least we were winning. People were leaving in the Ole Miss game long before Tyler Smith's winning shot. The loge and sky boxes in TBA, like the east club seats at Neyland have been a financial boon to the athletic department but are filled by social elitists that in general could care less about cheering and more about being seen. Notice every game how many are partially filled and involved in the game. TBA may be a very tough place to play but that is because of the talent on the Vols and their fast paced pressure style of play. The band, cheerleaders, dance team etc are exceptional but for the fans the highlight every night is the "kiss cam." The students are not immune either, they want better seats but don't fill up what they have every game. In the 70's, students would camp out overnight for tickets at Stokely. Last night was an embarrassment how many bailed out early. There is no real deep support or appreciation by many and are the first to be critical. 16-2 and we don't even fill it up on a Saturday night against one of our most hated rivals. With the talent in the Atlanta area we are fortunate Georgia can't get it together. What entertainment, to bad so many don't take advantage of the possibly best basketball experience in Tennessee history.
Posted by james on January 27, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yemmusdarb- I go to a lot of games in KY's Rupp and their fans, by far, are worse than ours. They sit quietly and watch. I think Vols fans are pretty loud in comparison. However, when TN comes knocking, the crowd changes. They hate the orange. They yell for UK and against the Vols. Watch any other game and its not the same (except maybe Louisville). Our preformance there this week gave the crowd plenty to yell about. When you play Rupp (or Summitt) you better step up your game. The Vols didn't and a 7-9 team beat them. Get fired up for "Bama & State. Go Vols
Posted by pdhuff on January 27, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
volpowers 2:36 a.m. - True, interest in this incredible team seems tepid at times.
Kinda like my wife when I start talking about odd oggs or Normandy landings or Dale Jones. Just not interested!
Beat Bama.
Posted by VolnDothan on January 27, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a fantastic article. Nothing more to say.
Posted by Gustoly on January 27, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good read M.S.
Posted by eb502us on January 27, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dash727, you must be either new to reading the KNS or new to reading Mike Strange articles. When it comes to factual content like this article, it's not a difficult article for anyone to write. However, if you've ever read one of Mike's articles when he "tries" to analyze football or basketball strategy, the man is completely out of his realm. Clueless would be a better word. A "sports" columnist he is not.
Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 27, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just because the crowd is better than it used to be doesn't mean that it is good. Sure there are over 20k people there, but what good does it do. Duke only has 9k and look at them.
The crowd was the reason we won the Texas game last year, but that is pretty much the only game it has made a significant impact.
I believe our winning streak at home has as much to do with the opponent's home court advantage being taken away. Last year our freshmen played horribly in the last five minutes of a game on the road.
I agree completely with moving the student section to the bottom deck, at least half of it is in the upper deck. Sure, some boosters will be unhappy, but excitement brings ESPN, brings exposure, brings money. Or maybe I'm just a little self serving seeing as that I'm a student myself.
Posted by cazfree58 on January 27, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with alfrizzle - just because we have the numbers in TBA doesn't mean it's a good crowd. It is very quiet at times, was especially quiet during the Ohio State game. Last night was better but to see the mass exodus with 6 minutes left in the game was terrible. I don't get it and it's not just the games where we are up by 10+, it's during the close games too. I paid for my tickets and I get every minutes worth, always staying for the BP Show afterwards, shaking hands with the coaches, congratulating the players that come out to sign autographs. THAT is what a true fan does...shows support...win or loss. Does anyone realize that Chris Lofton's parents are at every game? Driving back and forth to Maysville in the same day/night most times. Those parents and the other players parents that get to all or most of the games appreciate the support we give their sons. You don't get that if you are leaving with time left on the game clock to get to your cars, to beat the traffic after the game! Hang around a bit, meet the players and/or the parents and get your money's worth and call yourself a REAL fan. Thanks Mike G for bringing up this topic. It needed to be written.
Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on January 27, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I haven't been to a game this year but last year I went to the Texas, UK, and FL games. The crowd was into every one of those games.
I do agree that the students should get the court side seats along the benches like at Duke. Of course I would also like to see the students get the seats behind the visitor’s bench at football games too. I'm just a big proponent of intimidation and nobody does it better than the students.
Posted by cazfree58 on January 27, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW - I correct myself... Mike S...thanks for writing the article.
Posted by doctorvol on January 27, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, if the students had courtside seats, and they routinely filled them, enthusiasm would be great. This, however, will not happen. In order to raise $$ to build TBA in the'80s, donations were made with an understanding, if not a contractural agreement, that the associated seating would be secured perpetually. Coach Pearl has known this since BEFORE he signed on. We just need to all be thankful who have such seating and exercise the associated responsibility and GET LOUD OFTEN!
Posted by jeffersongavol on January 27, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone know the current status of CBP's contract? Years remaining, amount, etc. It's time to give him a new 10-year deal or lifetime deal and make it very difficult for him to leave. If he stays 15 years or so, I honestly believe he will be mentioned with some of the greats in college basketball (Coach K, Bobby Knight, etc.). He will be a legend at UT, like Pat Summit is. Please take of this Mr. Hamilton.
Posted by pdhuff on January 27, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jeffersongavol: 2:20- believe that one has to hug Hamilton to qualify for extended years ala SC game in pig.
By your moniker, is jefferson county anywhere near Jackson County Ga or Jefferson where the 1/2 mile race track was? Relatives had a interest in the race track until sold to Hooters.
Posted by martinvolfan on January 27, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alright Big Orange Nation lets start getting louder! TBA is pretty quiet on TV and in person.
Posted by reasonablevol on January 27, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i have been going to games for years. At the 3 minute mark people start leaving (regardless of the score or who is winning or losing). This has been going on since the Wade Houston days! If we are up 1 or down 1, people still leave early with 3 minutes to go. PETHETIC. I don't leave football or basketball games until the fat lady sings (regardless of the score). Fans have already forgotten how it used to be and their expecting our success to remain for the next 20 years. FAIR WEATHER FANS :<
Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 28, 2008 at 5:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
burntorangeVOLffle -
Those games were by far the best it got if you exclude the Memphis game. That one was silent after we got up by 30.
There hasn't been a game this year that can even begin to compare. Heck, UK and Duke get psyched up for Gardner-Webb... DOH!!!
Posted by ORANGEAND2 on January 28, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my thing has always been since i attended games when i was a youngster. it always kidda bothered me when people left games early. whether winning or lossing big,i always stayed until the final buzzer or cap gun in neyland. that,along with wearing orange sportswear after a loss was a true test or show of support!! i've also noticed the ones who leave early are the first to complain,call for a coaches head,you know>><<GO VOLS!!>>
Posted by murrayvol on January 28, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
reasonablevol: You are a bit unreasonable if you expect the masses to follow your (or anyone else's) lead regarding appropriate time of departure during a game. You're part of a mob and at times they will be disappointing and unruly. They also want to beat the traffic, get a beer, have a smoke, listen to the postgame, or whatever floats their boat.
Being a consummate front runner, I like sticking for blowout wins.
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