Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to the Vols Negedu.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

welcome negedu you will always be proud to be a TENNESSE VOL. GO VOLS!

Posted by b_neas on June 17, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

welcome! Hope you can help us lift our first NC mens basketball banner at TBA. It is becoming well within reach now!

Posted by mattlock on June 17, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So much for us never being able to go head to head with Msmphis for a top recruit. . .wait, I bet Memphis really didn't want him or need him. . .that will be the first post we see from them.

Posted by tngeoff on June 17, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to Tennessee! The men's basketball team is ready to roll!

Posted by mattlock on June 17, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope, I wasn't trying to be clever with the whole Msmphis thing. . .just hit the s instead of the e on the keyboard. . .so what, you get the idea :)

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

Well he wasn't really that good...kidding! Congrats to the Vols. I think you've got a great player.

Posted by Vol13 on June 17, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Boys, this is what Big-Time recruiting looks like at UT. Football staff - please take note.

Thankee Bruce!!!

Posted by UT_LAW_2011 on June 17, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought he was going to Memphis. I was wrong. In this case, I don't mind being wrong.

Just thought you'd want to read the original post.

http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/blogs/e...

Posted by KingsportVol on June 17, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome Emmanuel. Glad your a Vol. You need to go ahead and join the Fulmer and Chavis tribe.They can't run very fast but somehow are always able to catch the most food. Go Big Orange!

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ETTNTiger,

thank you for being a civil human being, unlike some of the others on this site that are trying to make your university look bad. Good luck this season and Go Vols

Posted by LongtimeVol on June 17, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It just keeps getting better and better with Bruce Pearl. The best thing to happen to Tennessee in many years. Can't wait for basketball season to begin because this will be an exciting team to watch.

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

Welcome to Tennessee Emmanuel.

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

I like the chemistry Bruce has continued building w/ and beetween the players.Bruce was a big reason the football team landed E.J. Abrams-Ward for the 08' class, and I think he is our trump card in landing Marlon Brown in 09'.

Posted by VenomousVol on June 17, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DAMN! That Pearl boy got it going on!

Posted by ETNTigerFan on June 17, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85: I don't mind. I just wish some UT fans would return the favor.

Posted by spam247buster on June 17, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't that whiny Memphis fan who always posts here say that Negedu was going to sign with Coach Cal?

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

you are right savageorange if you include him in this class for bb we are super talented and he will give us another shooter and five fouls after football season.

Posted by spam247buster on June 17, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ETNTigerFan-- I wasn't referring to you-- I was referring the "Overrated" guy.

Posted by volguy on June 17, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Which whiny Memphis fan??

Posted by utvol008 on June 17, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW - way to go Bruce!

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that's what memphis fan qdog said but after i told him to go hump his owners leg i guess he did cause' he ain't said a thing.etntiger is the only one left of about 6 posters from memphis today.

Posted by vscebail on June 17, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never thought I'd see the day that I was this excited about Tennessee men's basketball IN JUNE!!!
Coach Pearl has turned this program on it's ear - in the best way! Great to know there is still life after Crewes and Smith screwed up.

Now here's hoping that Coach Dave Clawson can give us a shot in the arm in our Football program and its a marvelous year had by all.

Pat never fails to make the Ladies show up.

GO VOLS!

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tigerfan,

If you look at the CA you will see I posted earlier today on the Dozier/Roburt article...have a gander

Posted by thesavageorange on June 17, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

brownsvillevol, Right on point.

vscebail ,Absolutely.

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hail yeah. Go Vols.

Posted by pjhaddix on June 17, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's this board/world coming to? First we have a really nice Gator coming on here regularly, and now a nice M.Tiger??? Awesome!! ETNTigerFan, we do have a lot of nice, well-mannered fans, it's just that the loud ones are usually not. It'll be fun to go head-2-head with you all again soon. It's fun to help you all make Tennessee a great basketball state!
Go Vols! pj

Posted by volguy on June 17, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Commercial appeal posters (Tiger High "fans") already saying that Negedu wouldn't have played much & they didn't need him since Dozier is coming back. What a bunch of losers.

Posted by UT_LAW_2011 on June 17, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ETNTigerFan, always in favor of civility. Glad you're bringing class to the discussion.

Posted by BigOrangeJeff on June 17, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The term "whiny Memphis fan" is both repetitious and redundant.

Although ETNTigerFan seems to be an exception.

BOJ

Posted by LazhilUT on June 17, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. It's safe to assume we can have a rotation 10 men deep this year and loaded.
It's make it or break it Bruce. You either get past the Sweet 16 or your seat will heat up. Time to show what this program is made of!

Posted by RockyTopRK on June 17, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is there a better recruiter anywhere in college basketball than Bruce Pearl? I can see the day where Tennessee basketball is played at The Summitt in Bruce Pearl Arena!!

Posted by volboy81 on June 17, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

looks like its UTs week! This is from USAToday:

Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer is the dean of SEC coaches, and lately he has been taking everybody to school on the recruiting front.
The Vols easily were the nation's hottest team in the past week, picking up five commitments — including a monster pledge from four-star all-purpose back Jarvis Giles of Tampa Gaither. Giles ranks as the nation's No. 2 all-purpose back and the No. 103 player overall.

"They are like one big happy family and everyone is so friendly," Giles said. "People walk up to you and ask, 'How are you doing?' They come up out of the blue. It's a small community and it's like a close-knit family. This is the best fit for me. I have never seen anything like this. It's wonderful."

The Vols also picked up two three-star players in athlete Nyshier Oliver from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep and guard Kevin Revis of Evensville (Tenn.) Rhea County. Throw in Olive Branch (Miss.) High offensive tackle Aubrey Phillips and lineman JerQuari Schofield, and it has been a wild week for the Vols.

When you add in the players who already had committed — including Je'Ron Stokes, the nation's No. 11 receiver, and Damien Thigpen, the nation's No. 29 athlete — the Vols' class really is starting to shape up.

Posted by drm1958 on June 17, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to the civil vol fans. As a tiger fan, from what I seen, I think Negedu will turn out to be your best player and most consistant player.

I hate we lost him because he is a BALLER!

Posted by VenomousVol on June 17, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LazhilUT

Are you out of your freakin mind??? Pearl has brought this program back from the dead. Oh hell never mind, that post makes it obvious that you are too stupid to have a discussion with.

Posted by OrangeCrush on June 17, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Slam dunk by Bruce and the assistant coaches! Maybe Bruce needs to be on the Vice Presidential ticket for either party!!!

(Sorry about that, I guess I got caught up in the moment)

Posted by thebadsamaritan on June 17, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats on signing Negedu. We did want him at UofM - no need to try and spin it. I'm a season ticket holder at UofM and will scrounge for tickets for the game at TB Arena this upcoming season.

Posted by foreverorange on June 17, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I said at this time last year that this basketball team next year is the most loaded UT team in basketball history. I never though after losing lofton and jujuan that I would be saying the same thing this year. Unbelievable job of recruiting by Pearl this offseason, this team will be young(except for t.smith,chism, and maybe childress), but this team is going to be huge, way different in size and style from a year ago. We might even have a defensive force in Jurick down low which we were missing last year. Would be nice to have a solid rebounder too. It's official, im excited.

Posted by dcvol63 on June 17, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It just keeps getting better and better for the basketball vols!

We are going to be loaded the next couple of years. If we can find a couple of shooters to replace the all-world tandem of Lofton & Smith, we'll be a really tough out in next year's NCAA tourney.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on June 17, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to the team, Mr. Negedu.

For those of you who don't like criticism levied at the football team, please remember one thing: when recruits (in any sport) see players working hard, leaving everything on the court, coaches enthusiastic about their team, and not hiding behind excuses for games lost, good things happen.

Great job, Coach Pearl. If there's one thing I respect about you the most it is that when we lose games you don't make excuses.

Posted by navyvolinva on June 17, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have got to be kidding me!!!! This is large!! The recruits can see the light at the tunnel and that light is a championship!!! BP are you with me!!

Posted by mparker on June 17, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pass the tobasco...and the mustard, too.

munch, munch, crunch....

crow is not real tasty, but at least I can smile wihle eating it. I had this kid going to UM because of his comments.

A replacement for Duke, maybe even better??

Posted by VolGraduate on June 17, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

very nice pick up...maybe UT is turning into a hoops school...no, it's now a football and basketball school...more the merrier

Posted by yemmusdarb on June 17, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Best recruiting class in UT basketball history.

Posted by UT_LAW_2011 on June 17, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MParker, I've been eating my share of crow as well. If you grill it and throw on some bbq sauce while watching this kids highlights on Youtube, it actually tastes pretty good.

Posted by kjcross35 on June 17, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're goin to be poundin the FRITTER is Basketball Year!!! Congrats Vols!!! Just pound the Fritter!

Posted by King53 on June 17, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the hits just keep on coming. I pick up the paper today and there are 3 articles about the basketball team...in JUNE!!! now this! Bruce Pearl is a force in the basketball world.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on June 17, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to the Vol Nation Emmanuel!

I can't wait to see all of you guys in action. It's official; basketball championships in the SEC must go through Rocky Top. Check your egos at the door and go be the greatest TEAM you can be.

I said it's great...
to be...
a Tennessee Vol!!!!

Posted by thatsMemphis on June 17, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats for landing Negedu. He will be a great addition to your team next year.

Looking forward to seeing you at TBA - may the best team win!!

Posted by pdhuff on June 17, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are truly the Dook of the Smokies. Top ___(?) recruiting class!

Pearl, with your energy and manner, you are the bomb!

Posted by GerryOP on June 17, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Between seeing the new kids play last night and then this today, that wide grin that Coach Pearl has been flashing around K'town will become permanent. WOW, WOW, WOW!

Ahhhhh, volboy81 at 3:21 p.m., guess you got a bit lost and confused? Post your Coach Fulmer stuff over on the football blog.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on June 17, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks to all the kind-natured Memphis fans. Between UT, Memphis, Vandy and Belmont, we are setting a very high standard for b-ball in the state. It doesn't get much more exciting than that!

Posted by pjhaddix on June 17, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes! Four nice Tiger fans and counting...so the east and west can get along.

Posted by WVVOLFAN on June 17, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volboy: keep on the subject. BB and CBP deserve their own space and time now.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 17, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What IBleedOrange and TDTN said.

Posted by ghc_16 on June 17, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ALRIGHT!!!! GO VOLS!

Posted by BSweet on June 17, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow!! This is awesome! I can't wait for basketball season to get here! This team should be exciting to say the least. I can't wait to see all the different line ups Bruce will play. The possibilities are just mind boggling.

Posted by TommyJack on June 17, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: I wish some of that energy would rub off on...well...you know whut I mean, Vern.

Posted by volboy81 on June 17, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP. Us REAL UT fans love basketball AND football. Keep up.

Posted by volboy81 on June 17, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you too VWVOLFAN

Posted by ZR on June 17, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When will flabner get a recruit someobody else wants?????????????????/

Posted by TommyJack on June 17, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

flabner. lol

Posted by bodie910 on June 17, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is Negedu eligible immediately or will he be required to sit out because of the original LOI?

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats, Vols, from a die-hard Memphis fan. Negedu is a good pick-up, and yes, we would have liked to have him. I think he made the best decision for him. That should move you up from #17 in the pre-season polls. Of course, the Tigers are #7! Good luck, except when you play us. TBA should be rocking when we show up this coming season!

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

UA released him, he can play right away. . .

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

ZR now that's funny.

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

bodie910, he is immediately eligible because AZ released him from his National Letter Of Intent.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 17, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bodie910,He was released from the LOI, so he will be eligible emidiately.

Posted by WVVOLFAN on June 17, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volboy: so you are a REAL UT fan because you post football on a bb article. LOL

Posted by Ironcity on June 17, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All things equal any recruit outside of Memphis will pick UT over Memphis. Better facilities better coach and better city.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

triple a what pre season poll are you talking about? rivals and espn both have tennessee #9 and memphis #17 and #18. please.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

triple a cbs sports line has tennessee#8 memphis#16

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WVVOL-
Why aren't you on here regulating when the Fulmer critics hijack a basketball article? You're only bothered when a football Vol has something positive to say?

Posted by Volchaz on June 17, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl does it again. This kid is going to fill a void left, with an injured Childress, and Crews moving on. Good Call manny good call....

Posted by Volchaz on June 17, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl does it again. This kid is going to fill a void left, with an injured Childress, and Crews moving on. Good Call manny good call....

Posted by overatedvols on June 17, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Special Bulletin: I'm just now reading on several sites that he has had to correct the press after the wrong info. got out. He said he was going to Tenn.. with the intention of meaning Memphis, Tenn. The story about him going to Tenn. has been retracted.
Ok, now that i've got your attention. I just made that up...calm down.

Gotta congratulate you on this one. Definitely wanted him. You can have your Maze and Hopson but wanted/needed this guy. This should make the game with us more competitive. I'd say you should be favored to win that game. We lost most of our team last year and you have more returning players with some really good recruits coming in. Also to those that have said Pearl is a better coach...well..let's see what he can do with the talent he'll have. I'd say he should be able to get this bunch to a final 4. If not..?? Cal would. Anyway, not gonna sidestep. You appear to have gotten a good one and I was not saying he was coming to Memphis. I said that weeks ago when that was what was being said. Just yesterday I said that I was not so sure anymore and he could choose any team. I even contradicted UT_Law when he said he was going to Memphis. See you at TBA (we'll still win).

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

triple a fox sports pre-season poll
tennessee #10
memphis#14
please provide a link to this preseason poll cause' i can't find one where memphis breaks top 10 and tennessee falls out of top 10.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

brownsvillevol, I'm talking about the pre-season b-ball team rankings, NOT the recruiting rankings. ESPN just posted a new poll.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...

Posted by overatedvols on June 17, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess the Vol people will swarm the CA site now. It's usually how it goes. Stay quite until something goes your way and then talk big.
Memphis, best college basketball team in the state.

Posted by scorpion023 on June 17, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO to ESPN top 25.
Memphis 7th
Tennessee 17th.

I guess playing early and not competing for a job makes a difference because it's surely not because TN has a better coach, facility, program, or fans.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll try again. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey over read you posts so no need to explain it was definitely down to ut and memphis really it could've went either way but look for both teams to be very competitive next season.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For some reason, it is not letting me post the entire URL. Go to espn.com, then to Men's Basketball. Under the current feature article, "Tarheel Nation," click on "Top 25." The article is by Andy Katz, headlined "TarHeels Will Be Ovewerwhelming Favorites to Win It All."

Posted by THE_VOL on June 17, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No surprise. This was a done deal before he even went to Mempiss just like I said before. BTW, where are all those folks that just SWEAR TN MUST recruit the players in the city of Mempiss??????? What a joke that is!! And WHERE IS MARCY_AS$ who stated this kid was going to Mempiss????? Nice call moron!

Posted by GerryOP on June 17, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well volboy81 -- big whoop-tee-doo-daa -- so YOU are a REAL VOL fan. Wow, I'm impressed! So that means you can post whatever you want wherever you want? You do understand that not every article on GVX is about Coach Fulmer? Don't you?

If you take the time to read the banner at the top of the page, it says "Men's Basketball." Which of those two words don't you understand? Your post is off topic slick. You are the kind of guy that gives the pro-Fulmer gang a bad name.

Posted by thesavageorange on June 17, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TripleA ,It doesn't have to show the whole link to work, it is linking just fine.

Both UT and Memphis will go through some growing pains next yr w/ youth, but the teams you see early won't be the same teams come march.

Posted by pdhuff on June 17, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOp, 5:35 -could you explain in depth how you really feel on this matter? "Pro-Fulmer gang a bad name"!!

What size "Dook of the Smokies" tee would you want? They will be available in kevlar.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savageorange, thanks. My bad about the link. I agree with you. We both lost so many starters and have so many new recruits that we will both probably struggle early, especially Memphis with its OOC schedule.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on June 17, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TripleA-

Your link works. It just doesn't show the whole thing. BTW, I think Anndy Katz is smokin crack! He's got ND, Miami, Gonzaga, Michigan St, Arizona St, Marquette, and Oklahoma in front of us in his pre-season poll. They're all good teams, but I just don't see it. I wish we had scheduled road games at ND and BYU this season so we could knock them off and take the title as the team with the longest active home winning streak.

Posted by overatedvols on June 17, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok touchdown, I didn't write that..ha.

Have to love espn and their wonderful rankings. They have north carolina 1 and texas 2. Basically they have the same teams coming back. Neither was super great last year. I guess they are saying there won't be any teams next year as good as Kansas and Memphis cause they slaughtered those two teams. Gotta know they'd pick North Carolina. I'm surprised Duke wasn't up there at 2.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

triple a like i said that is one out of five pre season polls and andy katz hates the vols. but scott parrish of cbs and fox sports and rivals all have ut well above memphis and the real poll won't be out for a while but i will agree with you about north carolina they are definitley the team to beat with everyone coming back.

Posted by chrisw2967 on June 17, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Negedus recruit must of been Dorsey and the only place he knew to take him was to the jail house and Beale street and this kid said no thank you, I will be a VOL....Pearl owns Cal and Memphis, its going to be ugly when they meet at Pearls Palace

Posted by overatedvols on June 17, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have to think the Vols will definitely move up in the preseason rankings brownie.

As far as Negedu, I noticed his body language the day he came here and they showed him at the airport. He just had a look about him. I think he had already chosen Tenn. after the visit there. Guess Dozier will have to step it up. Needs to get stronger. Both teams should have good years.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People it's too early for polls. Polls last year this time had teams ranked that did not make the tourney.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with everybody on here except the flamers. Rckydx, technically, you are right, but it's NEVER too early for polls! What else would we have to talk about b-ball wise in June, now that recruiting is closed, lol?

Posted by msu83 on June 17, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm disappointed he did not choose Memphis. I think he will be a great addition to the Vols BB team. With CDR, Rose, and Joey gone, I think he would have helped us but so it goes. Congrats.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

over my point is that is one of many polls this one was just realeased today by jeff goodman at fox sports we fell from #10 to #11
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/82...
and then there is gary parrish of cbs
http://www.sportsline.com/collegebask...
the real one won't come out for a while.these are all just opinions.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i agree over the kid does have a winning posture.

Posted by TripleA on June 17, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

brownsville, relax, dude. You didn't think I was going to post the polls showing UT ahead, did you, lol? Btw, the CBS poll you are citing was posted on April 9, so it's irrelevant with spring signees now. So that's one for you (Fox) and one for us (ESPN). Let's look for more.

Posted by GerryOP on June 17, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry pd, my bad. I should have said "the thin skinned Pro-Fulmer Pious Pompous Pontificators."

Size XL but kevlar not needed.

Posted by brownsvillevol on June 17, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok triple a race ya!

Posted by DenmarkVol on June 17, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I KNEW IT. I guaranteed it on this board last week. What an incredible recruiting class we have had!

ARE WE LOADED OR WHAT!! YEEEHAHHH>>>>

all the way from Denmark...

Posted by TommyJack on June 17, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DenmarkVol: The Soothsayer. Send me some lotto numbers.

Posted by pdhuff on June 17, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, BR549.

Posted by marc_ash on June 17, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What REALLY makes me laugh is how many memphis fans come on this site to talk about how wonderful their program is and how many top ranked players are going to memphis.....well....

TIMES HAVE CHANGED tigers!

Welcome to Big Orange country Emmanuel. You made the right choice.

Posted by beartn on June 17, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

<<Wow. It's safe to assume we can have a rotation 10 men deep this year and loaded.
It's make it or break it Bruce. You either get past the Sweet 16 or your seat will heat up. Time to show what this program is made of!>>

Pearl's seat won't get hot for long, long time. He took a program that couldn't fill up half the arena, and now we are #4 in attendance. He will be safe regardless if we make it past the sweet 16 this year.

The remarkable thing is that we lose Lofton, JuJuan, Crews, and Ramar, and we look like we will be better next year. The tall guards give us more options on defense. The only thing missing is the 3 point threat. It will be interesting to see what happens next year when the 3 point line moves back.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

January 24th, 2009 on CBS. Tigers vs. VOLS at TBA.

Posted by LiveFaith on June 17, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow #1: Another great looking recruit for the Vols staff. Awesome.

Wow #2: Vols ranked pre-season in the top 15 and folks expect higher. Amazing.

Wow #3: Memphis fans who have lost a big time recruit to UT, have endured repeated abuse on this forum, yet speak with respect and congrats. Fabulous.

Way to go Vols!!!

Posted by Bigger_Al on June 17, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Emmanuel - Welcome to The Nation! Very happy you chose to play at UT, and I am looking forward to watching you compete and develop and, hopefully, help take us all the way to the top!

Posted by invisiblekid on June 17, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Negedu stressed he wanted to go to a program where he can win a championship and earn playing time." He came to the right place for both of those things. Sounds like Negedu has plenty of upside and has already gone up against solid competition. Can't wait to hear 20,000 screaming fans at TBA cop the "Nigerian Nightmare" nickname from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We took one from Kentucky.
We took one from Memphis.

It's a great day to be a VOL.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anybody noticed the lack of football articles? I wonder why? Before Pearl or B.P. around the year 2003 B.P. all we would have been reading right now are football articles. B.P. has changed the culture. But my main point is Phil Fulmer has a whole lot of work to do. Stay The Course.

P.S. The lack of football articles also could be attributed to Adams' disregard for Phil Fulmer.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash

Times have changed? How?? Negedu wants to play and there is no room in Memphis. Granted we would like to stock up on players but we have enough big men and he is not that big. We needed guards and Memphis is loaded. Good luck to both teams and we will see what happens. But as I have said before I would not trade a win against UT for the run the Tigers have had the past 3 years. I have a feeling a true UT fan would trade a win or 2 against the Tigers to make a real run in the NCAA's.

Posted by marc_ash on June 17, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux,

Let me tell you how times have changed. First off, UT used to be a joke of a basketball program. Memphis fans never even thought to grace the presence of this board, nor did they care about the Vols at all. But, give us one of the best basketball programs over the last 4 years, and all of a sudden folks come out of the woodwork.

To expand on changing times, Memphis used to get the best recruits hands down. Vandy got a few, but the top talent usually landed off of Bealle Street if it was going to land in the State of Tennessee. Not anymore.

UT isn't passed up by top talent anymore and the kids signing are starting to turn their noses up at other programs for the Vols.

But I want to make one thing clear to you....there is MUCH more room for him to play in memphis than there is in Knoxville. At best, he will be part of an 8-9 deep rotation that will wear teams down. Chism will play PF, and might give some minutes to Negedu off the bench...however, he'll be competing for those minutes with a lot of other bench players.

If playing more minutes was what sold him, he would have gone to memphis...because it is awfully crowded on ole rocky top...

...nice try though.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux....

A run in the NCAA's only matters if you win the National Title. So yes, being a Vol fan I will take the two wins over Memphis. There is nothing more fun than listening to jealous Tiger High fans.

P.S. Go twiddle your thumbs in the Liberty Bowl this fall and support Memphis football with the 20,000 other Tiger High booster club members. The offseason must be rough out there in west Tennessee. Watch out, I hear Tulane is loaded next year.

Posted by marc_ash on June 17, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the-vol,

might want to keep your trap shut so you don't continue to make yourself look foolish. I said that he would probably go to memphis but did not say he would for sure. He had a very good visit (which I also said)..nice leaving that part out.

The decision he was making was whether or not the chance at a few extra minutes were going to make a difference. Memphis offered a chance at more playing time, but with some recent changes at UM, rosters tightened up a bit. No brainer from that point on.

Unless you have something substantial to say, might want to keep it shut there kiddo.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 17, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everybody Loves Foolmer. That's classic.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash

You are right the vols could not go anywhere but up. That being said Memphis still has a great class that fills the needs of the team. While we did not get Negedu we got the best JC player that fills a need in Sallie. Negedu did what was best for him because he would get no PT in Memphis and we would end up with another D Mack who would rather look at the past rather than work to improve. Also, you are wrong because Memphis is LOADED at forward. He would have made a deep team deeper but its still a better move for the kid. Finally we are wrong about the best recruit comment too. Memphis used to just pull the best in the Memphis area and nowhere else. With Coach Cal we now compete for the best players in the country. So based on that and Coach Pearl both programs are much better than the past.

Posted by gambino1 on June 17, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All I can say is that I am stationed at Fort Bragg, NC in the heart of Tobacco Road, and all I hear is Duke this and North Carolina that. I am proud to be from the state of TENNESSEE. I am form Memphis and I love the Tigers. My cousin played football for UT and I bleed ORANGE. Earlier this year I was in Iraq and all i was hearing was how UNC was going to win it all. But that week when everything feel into place and all eyes, and I do mean ALL EYES were focused on Memphis to watch the #1 and #2 teams in the nation play. And they were both from the state of Tennessee. Memphis fans bash UT fans and vice versa it's your right as a fan. But outside of the state you should hear how they talk down about Memphis and Tennessee.

Tennessee beat Memphis when they were #1, Vandy beat Tennessee when they were #1, Memphis made it to the championship game and BLEW it, but look at how the basketball world disrespected the UT program and the state of Tennessee as a whole, they put UT in the bracket with UNC.

No one thought they would see the day when All-Americans were kicking down UT's door to play basketball. Negedu, Hopson, Smith, Chism, and Prince, and the JUCO kid, I can't wait to come back to the states and wear my Tiger and Vol colors proud. It's great times in Tennessee and I'm proud to represent the state and my teams in Iraq.

Go Vols and Go Tigers!!!!

SGT Reynolds
United States Army

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NobodyCares

Do you have a brain? If you don't make a run you have no chance to win. As much as it kills me being in San Antonio watching us be within seconds of winning was almost great. Even though we lost it was still better than being at home with no chance, like the Vols. And to say anything else makes me feel you are stupid or a liar, so which is it?

If I had to trade a loss to ut in the middle of the season in order to make a Tournament run its a no-brainer since the goal is the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux...

"While we did not get Negedu we got the best JC player that fills a need in Sallie."

How do you figure that Sallie is better than Maze for filling a need? Maze was a Juco all american and is rated a three star at the point, even though he's not in D-I...

Sallie has no rivals ranking and is a Juco point guard as well...

Pretty sure we landed the best JC player that fits a need...another reason why we'll likely have a better team next year.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux....

Yeah, Tiger High got seconds from winning a national title basketball. I am not sure has Memphis ever won a National Title in any sport?? I will take one of Tennessee's National Titles in track over two seconds from one basketball national title. So go support your Tiger High athletics and stay on your pages and we will support an elite atletics program in an elite conference the SEC. Where we win titles.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85

That is why the current rankings have Memphis#9 and vols#20.
And excuse me he was one of the best and the JC player of the year in CA. He fills a spot that D Mack left open when he whined about PT. Plus you should thank us since we kept him away from Kentucky.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux............Memphis was an embarrassment to the state of TN in the championship game. 1:12 to go in regulation. Please never represent us like that again. A great choke.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gambino1...
Well said.
We need more people like SGT Reynolds. Thank you for your service.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NobodyCares

Track? TRACK??

If that and Tiger High is the best you can come up with then go put on your orange overalls, go sit in your orange pickup and wait for Fulmer to screw up another season and watch basketball peak in Feb again!!

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gambino1-
Agree with your comments. Hopefully TN teams will actually seal the deal in title games from here on out. Comparing the talent of UT and UM currently it looks like UT has the best shot to do it first.

Take care of yourself and thanks for what you do.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rckydx

Your right we choked in April, but since ut choked weeks before the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME you should keep your mouth shut!

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cjraney

HA HA HA HA!!! Stop it your killing me!!! Lets see you make it past the sweet sixteen EVER before you crown yourself the National Champions. The women maybe, but not the men!! Also, have you won the SEC before?

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux,

you refuse to acknowledge my points and at the same time feel the need to insert others...

So, I will recognize that he was juco player of the year in Cali, but have you noticed that there are 49 other states and D.C.? Maze was a Juco All-American...forget best in the state, try best in the country.

Secondly, I did not address rankings because they are premature and did not include Negedu, but if you would like to go there then there are multiple sites that have Tennessee ranked above Memphis for next season, and significantly so...

Congratulations on avoiding my points and addressing your own...now that I have responded to yours, feel free to address mine at any point.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux your choke was one to remember by the nation. The greatest choke in NCCAA history to be remembered as a classic.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85

Show me one site that has ut over memphis. juco players addressed needs for both teams so that is a wash. And again Negedu is a short pwoer forward that would be better off playing for ut than sitting in memphis. Addressed enough for you?

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux...

Thank you for the complement Volssux. I love wearing my orange overalls and watching the Vols take on SEC opponents in front of 100,000 plus. I especially love it when we win the SEC and everybody calls us hillbillies or hill folk. That doesn't faze me, I am proud of where I come from. You should get to know the feeling, but unfortunately that wont happen you are a Memphis fan. We have won a few track titles. Again has Memphis won a title in any sport mens or womens? Unfortunately I believe the answer is no. But if Tiger High had the chance I would prob. pull for them. Remember the Memphis fans are the ones that had to go and get jealous.

Posted by justbware on June 17, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good pick up vols! I'm a life long Tiger fan and yes, we did want Negedu, but I am not surprised by his decision. You guys had been recruiting him and that has to mean something. Pastner was the major reason he looked at UofM, but ultimately, he picked the school that had been there from day one. I'm not sure you guys are going to be too thrilled with Maze though, IMO.

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux

FEDEX FORUM: HOME OF THE VOLS

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux-
Please tell me more about how loaded you are at forward. I remember Dozier, Taggart, Pierre "Slap-a-Fool" Niles, and.....um, anyway. Who am I missing that Negedu was so concerned about? Surely you don't think someone whose HS league had 5 D-1 signees on every team was worried about your new recruits.

Coach Cal might should be concerned about recruiting a center.

Posted by brokebackvol on June 17, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The memories of the bad ole Wade Houston days are finally starting to fade, thanks to Coach Pearl's magnificent job reviving a stagnant UT basketball program.

GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rckydx

Kind of choke job that you have done against Florida in football over the past several years?

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since we are on the subject of who will be better next year...

PG Maze, West
SG Hopson, Tabb
SF Prince, Tatum, Woolridge
PF Smith, Negedu
C Chism, Jurick, Williams

Taken from a Memphis fan:
PG Roburt Sallie
SG Tyreke Evans
SF/SG Antonio Anderson
PF Robert Dozier
C Shawn Taggart

PG Willie Kemp
SG Jeff Robinson
SF Witherspoon
Niles
Garcia?
Simpkins?

Maze>Sallie (basing that off of accomplishments already)
Hopson>Evans (this may be a push, just going off of what rivals says, but mcdonald's AA game would suggest my assumptions are true)
PJ(as coach cal would say) Prince>Anderson (you saw PJ enough last year at Fedex to know that his name is JP, and he's better than anderson)
T.Smith>Dozier (Smith will likely be All-American this year, as he led us last year, and he learned the outside shot)
Chism=Taggart (I'll call this a push because we haven't seen what Taggart can do as a starter)

We have plenty of 4 and 3 star players on our bench, so you can quibble about that all you wish, but I'm pretty sure we've got fantastic depth...

Please feel free to tell me otherwise...

Posted by TopTenn on June 17, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux

Kind of choke against Arkansas State for the tigers

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux-
Guess what...UT has never gone past the Sweet 16. If past performance put a cap on future accomplishment we'd be screwed. Fortunately for UT [and UM]that's just some BS being spewed by select idiots such as yourself.

I stated my honest opinion that I think UT will win a Nat'l Title before UM based on current talent. UM has a bunch of swingmen and forwards, a 1 & done combo guard and a juco point. Taggert, Dozier, and Anderson have one year left and I don't see it for the Tigers next yr. The Vols should only lose Tyler Smith & maybe Hopson after this yr. So over the next 2-3 yrs I like our chances.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rkydx...

Anything can happen on any given night in C-USA. I mean Tulane, UTEP, La. Tech, Ark. State etc., you just take your pick. Go Vols. Go SEC.

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dozier6'9", Taggart 6'10", Tyreke Evans 6'5" (since we play a 3 guard set), Wesley Witherspoon 6'8", Angel Garcia 6'10",Matt Simpkins 6'9", Niles, and Roburt Sallie 6'5" will fill the open spots for Memphis. As I said Negedu 6'7", would have to fight for playing time so he will play at ut quicker. Plus, the players in Cal's system have to be able to handle the ball and that was a question about him.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux,

here's two...thanks to brownsville.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/82...

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

http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/c...

There's three to start...we can stop there if you'd like, or you could continue to open your mouth and make the rest of us look good...

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

found an extra article late in searching for these article, explaining the addition of one more...but we can always use more...

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rckydx

Let us in the SEC and lets see what would happen next. Football will NEVER be on par with UT football because of the economics of sports today. Without the BCS dollars basketball is really our only sport here. Based on the dollars spent on sports and the SEC TV contract ut basketball should be better than Memphis.

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85-
Prince v. A.Anderson is likely also a push and that's being kind to JP. If I could draft one player from UM it would be him. He is a lockdown defender who can hit the open three and has excellent strength and height for a guard. Actually those strengths are JP's weaknesses now that I type it out loud. I'm gonna change that to advantage Anderson. But he's a SR. while JP still has time to develop and I hope he does.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CJ - anderson put up 8ppg, 3.4apg, 3.7rpg last year whereas JP put up 8ppg, 2apg, and 3rpg...

The only difference is that JP did it in 18 minutes as a 6th man, and anderson did it in 29.5 starting...

I'll take JP

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux,

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/82.

This is the only valid post since the others where when the Tigers starting 5 had declared for the draft. But with the C-USA schedule and the deep team Cal has put together we are still in a better spot to make a run and regardless of what any ut fan here states, a true college basketball wants a deep run in March!!

Posted by Volssux on June 17, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85

Bad choice after what Anderson did to the top guards in the country.

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85-
Its Anderson's defense that I really love and a big reason why they made it to the title game. He was able to relatively neutralize the other teams best shooting guard, ie. Lofton, DJ Augustin, Drew Neitzel, etc.

Look, I love JP and he has tons of upside, especially offensively if he finds his jumpshot. But last year we really needed some hardnosed perimeter defense like Anderson provides. However, this year against the Vols he will have a tougher matchup against Hopson, Prince & Tabb or Tatum & Negedu on the wing. I'm just saying he's a dang good player.

Posted by McMinnVol on June 17, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Like everyone else, I am excited about this year's recruiting class. But what I am wondering is - will we have any chance at Leslie McDonald next year? We don't have any scholarships left if everyone returns. I guess BP is planning on at least one or two players turning pro early.

Posted by ncvol on June 17, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to UT Negedu. Go Vols!

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux,

The cbs article said it only expected CDR and rose to go pro...it said that anderson and dozier would likely stay(and that was when ebanks was in the mix), but you were the one who chose to address rankings.

All I said to you is that I think that we will be a better team than Memphis next year, and I explained why...you chose to add extraneous information about what ESPN said preseason rankings were, and I responded per your comment.

Now this has turned into "we want a deep run in march", and your preseason projections point does not matter to you anymore. Tennessee will be a better overall team, that's all I'm saying, and will be more poised to make a run in the tournament...

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux-
I'm going to revise my comments about your forwards. You don't have THAT much returning, but your 3 highly regarded signees look good. UT lost Duke Crews, has Sr. Childress who can't stay healthy and is not a big time threat, and 6-5 Steven Pearl to go with Tyler Smith, Chism, Woolridge, and Tatum. So, you're right, there looks to be slightly more opportunity for Negedu at UT in '08, but lots more in '09 after T. Smith, Childress, and maybe Chism are gone.

I hope you're paying attention. This is what a rational, somewhat objective UT fan looks like.

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McMinnVol-
Leslie McDonald committed to UNC last week. Sorry. We need to focus on two sport stud Marlon Brown from Memphis Harding.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not discrediting Anderson, as I believe he is a talented player and he did well in the tournament (otherwise he wouldn't have addressed going pro)...I am addressing statistics, and the fact that JP will not typically guard a sg, as his main position to guard will be SF (depending on switch ups, and his long arms)...

We have a 6-6 sg in hopson a defensive monster in Tabb to address the SG guarding issues...

JP also adds an extra dimension on the offensive end where PF's and C's have to stay home because he runs the baseline like an animal (a la the incessant alley oops).

Posted by McMinnVol on June 17, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cjraney

Thanks for the update on McDonald. I was on vacation last week and had not heard about the UNC commitment. Go Vols!

Posted by UT4ME on June 17, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not sure if this has been posted...sorry if this is redundant. ESPN/Scouts, Inc., released their "final" 2008 Top 100 basketball players last Thursday, June 12. Negedu moved way up to #23 overall, and is listed at 6'7". Hopson moved into the Top 10 at #9. Jurick moved from 99 to 91, and Woolridge moved from 98 to 96. Quite a few previous "Top 100" players fell off the list. While I don't give that much merit to these services, it's nice to see our recruits "apparently" improving in the various camps and summer leagues, beyond their senior year in High School.

Also, before this Top 100 was revised this last time and before Negedu committed (or moved way up their list), UT's recruiting class was ranked #12 on the ESPN Top 25 classes for BB 2008. Based on how they explain their ranking system, the addition of Negedu would put UT around 4th in the nation or better.

Guess some fans put more stock in these services than others...just presenting the information. Up until 20 minutes ago or so, their still was no mention of Negedu signing with UT on ESPN's Insider recruiting website, although I'm sure it will be mentioned if it hasn't already shown up. Most of the entire page is devoted to all the UNC guys opting out of the draft, and how next year's UNC team (and the next after that, and so on) will be the best ever, wire to wire #1, etc. It will be interesting to see if any of their "experts" weigh in on UT now that, by their own evaluation system, we should have one of the most talented teams in the country in 2008/09. FWIW, the positive, televised games for BB this past season, Bruce Pearl, Chris Lofton, etc., were all helpful factors, I think, in getting such a great class of recruits for next year...at least the last 2-3 signees. I personally love UT BB AND FB, and I think that the positive exposure from both sports can only help recruiting in both sports. Same with negative exposure in both sports. JMHO.

Posted by Titan on June 17, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cal's unused timeouts in the NC game have now earned enough interest that the NCAA has passed a special rule that will allow him to use one extra TO during a game of his choosing during this upcoming season.

Posted by itsme53792 on June 17, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well...over 100 comments based on logical and illogical points and stretches....for tn fans to compare themselves to Memphis. The rankings, as one your posters pointed out, were based on Dozier and Anderson going pro. The Memphis recruiting class is ranked 5 and 6th by Rivals and Scout...as ut is 10th and 18th; the only preseason team ranking...with all players counted except Negedu...is ESPN which has Memphis well ahead of TN. Finally, check the top 25 recruits for 09; 15 of the 25 have Memphis listed while only 3 have tn...so you forecasters of high performance for ut need to do some research. As to losing the title game, we'll take losing the championship in OT for 09 right now. YOU will NEVER see it.

Posted by utchris2003 on June 17, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last week, the commercial appeals site in Memphis has Tiger fans buzzing about Negudu stepping in and playing a great role...he commits to Ut and now they are saying that he would have never played and that it was Memphis who in fact told him there was not room for him because of the kid who committed yesterday (you remember, the one who plays a different position that is academically ineligible in the big 12). Funny how things change when the kid decides that he wants to wear the orange eh?

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what utchris2003 said...

Check out the Memphis Commercial Appeal site and go to sports. The Memphis fans are dogging the Vols of course about this Negedu snagoo.

Posted by VOLS85 on June 17, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For memphis fans to come onto our site to justify why they will be better than us says enough for me. If you don't view us as a threat to your "dominance", then why bother coming here?

To address the "only" preseason team ranking that includes everyone but Negedu, someone forgot to check out foxsports.com...

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/82...'09

That one came out on June 17th, oh wait, that's TODAY. It also has UT ranked above Memphis (and that's before Negedu). However, I'm not concerned about preseason polls, because we have our team leader coming back, we're stronger at more positions, and we are sufficiently deep at every position.

Go worry about your football team trying to win 5 games this year and we'll allow your prognostications to work themselves out when basketball season rolls around.

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLS85....

Great Fox Sports Post. I believe you are on sportingnews as well. I only have one question how is Notre Dame ranked ahead of us?? Athleticism?? This is ridiculous. Notre Dame is now overrated in two sports!

Posted by FishTacos on June 17, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bring Back Johnny Majors?

Posted by mparker on June 17, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

overrated:
no way in hell I'm thinking this is a down year for UMem. However, you will mess the best freshman I've ever seen in Rose. Durant and Oden where good, but not THE KEY. Benard King was super, but wasn't the ballhandler.

Rose almost got you guys an NC in one year.

Posted by cjraney on June 17, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT4ME-
Thanks for posting the updated player rankings. As far as positive exposure helping a program and negative buzz hurting, you better be careful espousing such an opinion around here. Makes too much sense. The fanbase has no effect, the people have no power, etc, etc,...better ask around.

Posted by bigtimevol on June 18, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, fired up about UT basketball when Athlon preseason football magazines are out...never thought I'd see it. Vols FAB 5! UNBELIEVEABLE!

Posted by VOLS85 on June 18, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nobody,

There is no answer as to why notre dame is ranked as high as they are in any sport. They should start notre dame last every year and allow them to work themselves up, because they are notorious for failing to live up to any expectations (anti-fulmerites please bite your tongue on this one). Notre Dame must be doing some "favors" for the NCAA wink wink

Posted by dfreeman on June 18, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux -
"Let us in the SEC and lets see what would happen next. Football will NEVER be on par with UT football because of the economics of sports today. Without the BCS dollars basketball is really our only sport here. Based on the dollars spent on sports and the SEC TV contract ut basketball should be better than Memphis."

and we are Volssux and 3 out of the last 4 games proves that! Even when you had better talent! If you look at the overall head to head record in the series, I'd say that last sentence is true wouldn't you? You can't beat big brother! Go Vols!!

Posted by UTVols1698 on June 18, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That wou