A challenging Tennessee men’s 2008-09 basketball schedule includes 15 dates in Thompson-Boling Arena and an equal number in less-friendly environments — some of them unusual stops for the Vols.
Included in the lineup are both of last year’s NCAA tournament championship game opponents, Kansas and runner-up Memphis.
“The schedule is designed to send a message to our players that we have confidence in them to play against the best in the country,’’ said coach Bruce Pearl.
“We do not want to put them in a position that, when we start the SEC part of the schedule, they feel overwhelmed. I want them to feel prepared.’’
Television and tip-off times will be announced later.
After exhibition games against the University of Indianapolis and Tusculum, the Vols open the season Nov. 15 at home against Chattanooga.
Only three of the first nine games are in Knoxville.
The Vols play Kansas for the first time on Jan. 3, in historic Allen Fieldhouse.
They also make their first appearance in Murfreesboro since 1988, their first appearance in Orlando since 1990 and their first appearance in Philadelphia since 1998.
Tennessee scheduled a non-SEC game in Nashville’s Sommet Center for the fourth consecutive year. This time it’s Marquette in the SEC/Big East Challenge.
The Challenge is a double-header, the night’s first game matching Vanderbilt against South Florida. Tickets are $60 and $45 and are available from UT.
The Vols play Louisiana-Lafayette for the fourth consecutive year. Gonzaga visits Thompson-Boling on Jan. 7, a return match to UT’s win in Seattle last year.
The Old Spice Classic at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando on Thanksgiving weekend guarantees three games. The bracket hasn’t been set.
A heavyweight field includes Gonzaga, Georgetown, Maryland, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Siena and Wichita State.
Memphis visits Knoxville on Jan. 24 to launch the only three-game home stand of the season. LSU and Florida also visit that week.
New to the home schedule from last season are UT-Martin and Belmont.
The Vols play Temple in Philadelphia for the first time since 1945. UT experienced no brotherly love in a 1998 loss at St. Joseph’s.
UNC-Asheville and 7-foot-7 Kenny George return to Knoxville on Dec. 3.
The SEC tournament will be held in Tampa, Fla., for the first time, from March 12-15.
The schedule includes at least 14 games against teams that made the NCAA tournament last year. The Old Spice field also includes four NCAA tournament teams.
Renewal forms for season-ticket holders must be returned by Aug. 11. Any season tickets that remain will go on sale Sept. 3. Remaining single-game tickets will be available in October.
John Currie, executive associate athletic director, said UT “did our best to keep the 300-level season tickets and family-plan tickets as low as possible.’’
The 300-level tickets are $160 for the season. Individual game tickets in the 300 level will be $10 for non-conference games and $15 for SEC games, Memphis and Gonzaga.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
UT basketball schedule
Date Day Opponent Site
Nov. 3 Mon. Indianapolis (exhibition) Knoxville
Nov. 7 Fri. Tusculum (exhibition) Knoxville
Nov. 15 Sat. UT-Chattanooga Knoxville
Nov. 18 Tue. UT-Martin Knoxville
Nov. 21 Fri. at Middle Tennessee Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Nov. 27 Thur. 1-Old Spice Classic Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 28 Fri. 1-Old Spice Classic Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 30 Sun. 1-Old Spice Classic Orlando, Fla.
Dec. 3 Wed. UNC Asheville Knoxville
Dec. 13 Sat. at Temple Philadelphia, Pa.
Dec. 16 Tue. 2-Marquette Nashville, Tenn.
Dec. 20 Sat. Belmont Knoxville
Dec. 29 Mon. Louisiana-Lafayette Knoxville
Jan. 3 Sat. at Kansas Lawrence, Kan.
Jan. 7 Wed. Gonzaga Knoxville
Jan. 10 Sat. at Georgia* Athens, Ga.
Jan. 13 Tue. Kentucky* Knoxville
Jan. 17 Sat. South Carolina* Knoxville
Jan. 20 Tue. at Vanderbilt* Nashville, Tenn.
Jan. 24 Sat. Memphis Knoxville
Jan. 28 Wed. LSU* Knoxville
Jan. 31 Sat. Florida* Knoxville
Feb. 4 Wed. at Arkansas* Fayetteville, Ark.
Feb. 7 Sat. at Auburn* Auburn, Ala.
Feb. 11 Wed. Georgia* Knoxville
Feb. 14 Sat. Vanderbilt* Knoxville
Feb. 18 Wed. at Ole Miss* Oxford, Miss.
Feb. 21 Sat. at Kentucky* Lexington, Ky.
Feb. 25 Wed. Mississippi State* Knoxville
March 1 Sun. at Florida* Gainesville, Fla.
March 5 Thur. at South Carolina* Columbia, S.C.
March 8 Sun. Alabama* Knoxville
March 12-15 SEC Tournament Tampa, Fla. Raycom & CBS TBD
March 17 NCAA Opening Round Game (Dayton, Ohio)
March 19 & 21 NCAA First & Second Rounds (Greensboro, N.C. / Kansas City, Mo. / Philadelphia, Pa. / Portland, Ore.)
March 20 & 22 NCAA First & Second Rounds (Boise, Idaho / Dayton, Ohio / Miami, Fla. / Minneapolis, Minn.)
March 26 & 28 NCAA Regionals (Boston, Mass. / Glendale, Ariz.)
March 27 & 29 NCAA Regionals (Indianapolis, Ind. / Memphis, Tenn.)
April 4 & 6 NCAA Final Four (Detroit, Mich.)
Key
1-Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Fla.) - Georgetown, Gonzaga, Maryland, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Siena and Wichita State
2-SEC/Big East Challenge (Nashville, Tenn.)
* Southeastern Conference Game
All Times Eastern & Subject to Change
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
NCAA Tennessee 83 - Ohio 68
Vols' spring practice wit…
NCAA Tennessee Lady Vols 75-4…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 196
Lofton4three___MONEY writes:
We're Detroit-Bound!
BBBBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
bcbobcat82 writes:
I wish they would stop scheduling games on Wednesday night. I buy season tickets but I cant go to 6 SEC games because they schedule them on church nights. Why not play on Tuesday night?? I love the VOLS, but God has done a lot more for me than Bruce has. GO VOLS!!!!!!!! (stop playing on Wed night!) ITS ALMOST FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!
pammyvol1000 writes:
First of all, I wish Chris Lofton the best. He is a #1 class act and I absolutely love him and what he did for TN..
Go BP.. Let's get to that final 4 this year!
pf_fan writes:
Beating Mempiss was not an upset
ut_volfan#205651 writes:
Wed/Sat is the best way for the games. Church on Wednesday is overkill, and not necessary. Most don't even have it anymore. Sunday is just fine by me.
rabidvolfan writes:
I'd like to see us lighten the schedule some. All these big games aren't good for the team in March. I think they just got tired both physicaly and mentaly last year by the post season. Kansas played the 66th toughest schedule and got a 1 seed. We played the toughest schedule and got put in NC's region inside their state. If we aren't going to get respect for our schedule, what's the point?
warriorman86#667191 writes:
come on ut volfan don't judge bobcat on his religious schedule. It's not like YOU have to go to church on Wednesdays. But I do agree those are best days for games.
Waldorf writes:
Only two Super Tuesday games?
What a slap in the face!
Oh well, my guess is 5 conference games in CBS this year.
Agent_Orange writes:
Vol Basketball IS a religion.
In Bruce we trust.
TopTenn writes:
Another tough schedule. Looks good to recruit for 09,10 and 11.
peerlessvolfan writes:
I live in the Metro Detroit area and I can't wait to welcome my beloved Vols here next April!!!!!! GO VOLS, Y'ALL!!!!!!!
bcbobcat82 writes:
When the church doors are open....I want to be in Church because I love it. I really enjoy basketball too and would love to see them stop scheduling games on Wednesday nights.
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
hdhurst writes:
I am with you bcbobcat82...
Nothing above serving GOD. I love the VOLS as much as anyone, but I don't believe serving GOD should be looked as a "overkill." I say this because this world turns further away from the LORD everyday. This isn't a religious post, just a fact. There is always something turning our attention and energies away from HIM, that's why I think we should hold Wednesday nights sacred. But, on the other hand, no one ever accused UT athletics as being a heavenly entity. GO VOLS, but keep the LORD in your life.
FWBVol writes:
I agree bcbobcat82 and hdhurst, we need to keep the main thing the main thing and church on Wednesday is more important than hoops.
Years ago the SEC played Saturday, Monday and Wednesday nights on a regular basis, which was completely warped.
There are so many games being moved to Tuesday for ESPN and other networks, it seems it wouldn't be that big of a deal to move more games to Tuesday night. You still have two days between one game and three days between the other that way. But it won't happen.
It is an impressive scheduled though and we can make it through this gauntlet we'll be ready for the NCAA tournament.
FatherVol writes:
Well, I know everyone expects me to validate Bobcat and HD, and I do. I had to give up my football season tickets last year becaue I have more important things to do on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. There are priorities one sets for oneself, and Bobcat and HD have chosen the better way. With that said...GO VOLS CRUSH EVERYONE!
cjraney writes:
In which religion is Wednesday considered the Sabbath?
UTvols12342000 writes:
you religious guys need some honesty.
If you really believed, then you wouldnt be wasting your time on a sports board. You would be doing missionary work, feeding the homeless, taking care of kids, etc. You would take the money you spend on any game ticket and help the elderly. There is church somewhere everynight of the week. Gods time is not sacred on just wednesday and sunday. If you truly believed, you would sell all you have and follow him everyday. Not just to look good on wednesday and sundays, IMO.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
UTvols12342000 3:46 am - That harpoon went in near the blow-hole. Well said.
camoman270#222859 writes:
utvols12342000, you need some help! u r clueless!
bobbarbilly writes:
Joshua 24:14-15. Church time.
ut_volfan#205651 writes:
Just convert to Catholicism and you can go every day of the week; but instead of having to go at night, you can go to Mass in the morning.
Problem solved! :-)
IPOrange writes:
UTvols12342000 - spoken like a true nonbeliever with absolutely no understanding of what Christianity is all about. You should quit while you're behind.
murrayvol writes:
And here we go merrily down the Hallelujah Trail.
Pardon us Lord while we digress.
UTvols12342000 writes:
IPorange-
I don't know what Christianity is all about. I would never claim to understand God to that degree.
However, here are some quotes from the bible you say you believe.
Matthew-Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Luke- And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
18:20: Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
18:21: And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
18:22: Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
18:23: And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
18:24: And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
18:25: For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
and also, to call me a non-believer for expressing that no one does enough for God is very judgemental.
"Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged."
I could find more verses to back my original statements.
sorry for the religious diatribe, I just can't stand the sunday-and-wednesday-only, 10% tithing, I-do-enough holy rollers.
God Bless
the last religious thing from me.
Tennisajoke writes:
For all you dumb tennessee fans who do not think having players from your program go to the NBA is a big deal, it is. Kids want to be able to get to the next level like Memphis has been able to do. They don't want to end up like Pearl's players who struggle to make summer league teams and that is why you will ALWAYS trail Memphis in the recruiting circuit. Here is a quote from an AAU coach expaining that. "Right now, Memphis is one of those schools that a lot of kids across the country want to play at because of the style of play, the success, guys playing at the next level,"
And for those of you who don't think its important that the tigers made it far in the dance and "they are just the first loser," well you are wrong too as here is another quote for another AAU coach: "Every kid wants a chance to get down the road in the Big Dance, and Memphis' track record speaks for itself. They recruit hard. Recruiting is up to the guy out their working, and Memphis is working. Whoever puts in the most work gets the kid."
I rest my case.
murrayvol writes:
UTvols12342000: Amen.
longtimefan writes:
so Tennessee should change their schedule so you guys can go to church? i've missed many games because of work. football and basketball. come off that (better than thou attitude) God loves everyone, not just the ones that go to church on wed. go to church, record the game, watch it when you get home. believe it or not, THE WORLD DOESN'T REVOLVE AROUND YOU!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Love the tough schedule. Without getting into the religion debate, Wednesday is the best night for the mid-week games b/c it gives the team the maximum # of days to rest between games. I think that playing early in the week after the Memphis game is the main reason we lost to Vandy. Well, that and the home cooking Vandy got anyways. The trade off the that, IMO, is that playing on short rest is great preperation for the tourney.
I aslo like the way the writer worded this also:
"Included in the lineup are both of last year’s NCAA tournament championship game opponents, Kansas and runner-up Memphis."
He could've just said Kansas and Mamphis, but he made sure to remind everyone that Memphis was the runner up.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
IBleed, I think he was making the point that Tennessee is taking all comers including the best of the best.
I think CBP has taken a scheduling Class from CPS, and I like it! Definetly sending the message that Men's BBall fears no others, just like Lady Vols.
Can't wait for NOrth Carolina and Duke to be added as well.
Navalorange writes:
I see the Mempuss fans ( aka idiots), are still talking sh_t to the fans of a school that BEAT THEM IN THEIR OWN HOUSE. That is the dumbest thing a sports fan could possibly do. Get on the board of a C-USA school (if they have them) that you actually beat to talk smack, you look like the fool you obviously are.
Navalorange writes:
I will not feed the animals...I will not feed the animals...I will not feed the animals
TommyJack writes:
I'm guessing God is more concerned with what's in your heart than where you're sitting on Wed. nite.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
LadyVols-
Yeah, I just like that he threw in the "runner-up" part. He could've left it at NCAA tournament championship game opponents, Kansas and Memphis because we all already know who won that game. I just liked how he popped a shot at Memphis with the subtle reminder of their failure.
Itsme-
You are an idiot. I know one game on that schedule that we won't lose.
TommyJack writes:
Please do not feed the interloper.
vol1994 writes:
I cannot believe some comments on this board.
First of all, someone suggesting they go to church on Wed night vs. going to a game is REFRESHING. God comes first not UT vols or any sport. So stating wed night church is overkill is simply absurd.
And yes christians can read the paper and sports sites, such as this one. All the posters said was that they wish the games were not on Wed as yes many christians do attend church wed night.
Most christian churches have services on sundays and Wednesdays. So I for one applaud those who go to church on wed rather than a ball game.
Your relationship with GOD is internal, but if one is a Christian then s/he should want to worship @ church services.
IPOrange writes:
UTvols12342000 -
It is dangerous indeed to use scripture to support an argument without fully understanding it within the context of the complete passage. I'm no biblical scholar, and I am not qualified to debate the complexities of God's word. You ask some tough questions that deserve a better answer than I can give. If you sincerely desire to understand the scripture above in full context, I challenge you to seek out a respected pastor and give him a chance to share his perspective.
And as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I've got to say about that."
GO BIG ORANGE!
vol1994 writes:
itsme- Not sure what your point is sir but try to relax. this is a UT VOL Site so if you are NOT a UT VOl fan then you may want to go to your team's site and make comments. All I know is that UT beat Memphis last year in Memphis.
Memphis had a great season but was outcoached and did not make the necessary free throws to win the game- that comment was made by your own coach, Coach Calipari.
UT vols may or may not go to the elite 8, final four etc, but the fact is our coach is scheduling the best of the best in the entire country..
Last I check Memphis is in conf USA with a weaker schedule.
UTvols12342000 writes:
IPorange
once again you assume too much. I have read the bible front to back cover over 20 times.
UTvols12342000 writes:
so the scriptures that agree with you, those are easily discernable by you.
the ones that dont agree with your lifestyle, those need an explanation from a pastor?
vol1994 writes:
I would suggest those who have any questions about the scripture to talk to his or her pastor.
If you do not know one then go talk to one in your local community.
It is okay to watch sports. It is okay to play sports. We all sin as we do not put Jesus Christ first and foremost in every thought or action we conduct daily.
bobbarbilly writes:
UTvols1234000, concerning your post of 2:37,it is not about you getting through the bible. It is about getting the bible through you.
Raynoch writes:
Tennisajoke, remember these players that Pearl hasn't been able to get to the NBA were Buzz Peterson recruits. We are just beginning to see what Pearl can do with his own guys.
itsme, how does it feel when the #99 prestige team clearly dominates the series with the #14 prestige?
ETownVol writes:
bobbarbilly - 3:37pm
I've never heard it put ANY better than that. AMEN!
TopTenn writes:
Bitesme your D-1 program prestige is based upon ESPN ranking your conference 13th. Any D-1 school with a decent program could win a thousand games in C-DOA.
BSweet writes:
itsme-Refer to my post on the other thread. Uncle Joe may be loud and obnoxious, but when in his house.....
Can we please leave the religious debate for GoGodXtra and leave this site for the Vols? And yes, I know I will now be judged and deemed un-Cristian for that comment. Good thing God doesn't post on here, though I hear He's a Vol fan. Naturally.
For the record, I am a Vol fan but I know my next comment may raise the ire of some of you. Would you rather we ended the season the way we did last year losing in the Sweet16, despite a regular season win over Memphis, or would you rather have lost to Memphis and played in the NC game? Personally, I would rather have seen us play in the NC game. One thing I can say(sorry itsme), Bruce would have called the TO. Just a thought to ponder.
TopTenn writes:
Bitesme, the Vols would love to play Rice, UTEP, SMU, UCF, USM, Tulane,East Carolina, Tulsa, Houston, and Marshall. Once the tigers get accepted by a major conference, you may have an argument for prestige.
BSweet writes:
Dang! The "h" didn't take. That should be un-Christian. See what happens when you don't proofread.
BSweet writes:
rckydx- We all know their conference is weak, but still, they made it to the NC game and almost won. I am not a tiger fan, but let's give credit where it is due. I know that tiger fans like to come here and talk trash and that provokes a similar response in kind, but let's stop all that just for a second and actually look at reality. Memphis was a dang good team last year. They were a TO away from winning the NC, which just goes to show how human Coach Cal is.
Memphis fans- It seems many of you love to glorify Coach Cal and crucify CBP. Remember, if Cal had called that TO, chances are you wouldn't have been "runner-ups". Great coach, but still human. Pearl is a great coach as well. Please give him his props as I am perfectly willing to give Cal his props.
I hope Memphis continues to be good. I just hope we are better. As I've said before, this could be the next Duke/UNC type rivalry of the NCAA. I definately think it's good for both programs and I definately think it's good for the state of TN.
footballfan writes:
How about this for religious comments: "As for me and my house, we shall server the Lord". As far as I can tell, going to church on Wednesday or Sunday or Saturday or Friday night seems to be a personal decision. Those of you who see fit to describe your areas or worship as well as those of you who see fit to rebuke(common Bible word, like how I snuck it in there-lol) that group for their particular worship tendencies all fall into one category. Busybodies. For good or bad, argue amongst yourselves. Just my opinion and in no way a suggestion of action: often times one does kindly to leave well enough alone. Or in other terms, you go your way and I will go mine.
BSweet writes:
This just in- Seventh Day Adventist Vol fans are petitioning the school to stop having fb games on Saturdays. Seems it conflicts with their schedule.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.