Tennessee redshirt freshman Cameron Tatum has waited a long time to shine in Knoxville, and it's showing each time he takes the floor this summer.
Tatum scored 43 points to lead First Tennessee to a 95-93 win over Ray's ESG on Monday in the Pilot Rocky Top League.
Tatum's dunks, passes and defense were impressive against incoming UT recruits Scotty Hopson and Bobby Maze at Bearden High School, but the most obvious element of the 6-foot-6 wing's game is hunger.
Tatum, sounding much like an unheralded heavyweight boxer, makes no secret of his desire to earn the respect of Vols' fans.
"I want to show something out here," said Tatum, who leads the league in scoring at 41.3 points per game. "I don't know if people here believe in me yet."
UT coach Bruce Pearl does, and he did last season even though Tatum took a redshirt.
"I had so much confidence in Cameron that during the course of last year we discussed the possibility of redshirting Chris (Lofton) or JaJuan (Smith)," Pearl said. "Chris was injured, and JaJuan, there was the possibility for him to play a year not in Chris' shadow.
"But then JaJuan and Chris wanted to play, and Cameron got injured prior to having played too many games to redshirt."
The UT coaches came to Tatum after the South Carolina game and told him they felt it best if he redshirt.
Tatum spent the rest of the season on the bench. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.
"Sitting out last year was the hardest thing I've ever had to do,'' he said. "I knew I was capable, but I had to use it as a learning experience and watch and learn from the older guys.
"I'm ready, right now.''
Pearl said the time is right for Tatum to step up.
"We lost 60 percent of our scoring and 95 percent of our 3 points with Chris, JaJuan and Jordan leaving," Pearl said. "So now at the two and the three, you have Cameron, Scotty, J.P. Prince, Josh Tabb and Renaldo Woolridge coming in.
"The most competition on the team is there on the wings."
Pearl said the talent is there, but not necessarily the experience.
"Even with all that length and talent, we'll miss the experience we had with Chris and JaJuan," Pearl said. "Another big thing is defense. All of those guys can score, but who's going to guard?"
Tatum made a statement Monday night, harassing Hopson into 9-of-22 shooting for 22 points.
"Cameron's body has changed tremendously,'' Pearl said. "His skill level has improved, the way he takes the ball to contact and just his mentality. He's had to wait two years for this.''
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Comments » 110
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I'M BAAAAACCCKKKK!!!!! Looks like a bunch of basketball articles. What a surprise.
eduardo writes:
The guy is a bonafide star waiting to happen. I predict Cameron Tatum will lead the team in scoring this year. He will also catapult the True Basketball Team into the elite 8 if not the final 4. Sorry kenlucky you guys will have to wait till all those elementary school kids you have offered scholarships to get potty trained. ha ha
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
You probably won't be hearing Pearl complaining about this team being "wet behind the ears" although he could.
volmattna writes:
TATUM IS GONA BE A STUD HE IS LONG ATHELETIC AND CAN TAKE IT TO THE HOLE AND CAN SHOOT WELL HE IS DEFINATLY THE REAL DEAL GO VOLS
junder13 writes:
my goodness his performance thus far on both sides of the ball are incredible! i heard that he was good but this is just amazing (even if the league is just a step up from a pick up game). i cant wait to see him on tv this year!
btw, if he's this good, what's our starting 5 gonna be?:
1: maze
2: hopson
3: tatum / prince
4: t. smith
5: chism (by unfortunate default)
consider the subs. our 2nd rotation could beat half of DI!
1: west
2: tabb
3: (tatum/prince nonstarter) wooldridge
4: negedu / childress
5: jurick / williams
bobbarbilly writes:
Don't write-off Kentucky just yet. I believe that they have a state law that reads if a child can dribble and play d, he can skip high school and go straight to uk.
dyoung2020#325368 writes:
Why in the world would anyone list Jurick ahead of B Williams? Jurick is a huge project, and will most likely turn out like Matthew Dotson, Scott Moore, or Boomer Herndon. I can't imagine a situation in which he doesn't redshirt. We aren't going to have a 12 man rotation. I would have to believe that this would be our rotation.
PG Maze and West
Wings Hopson, Prince, Tatum, Tabb
Post Tyler, Chism, Childress, Williams.
Mop up minutes for Pearl
Redshirt for Woolridge and Jurick.
TooLegit2Quit writes:
Tatum was lighting it up tonight, Maze finally put some impressive D on Tatum and stopped him. Hopson was disappointing....
Smallmike4pres writes:
He can dunk! Wow is he like the second person in Rocky Top history to do that? Bet the highlights will be all over WATE tonight! I heard he even did it one handed.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Starting 5:
PG - B Maze
G - S Hopson
G - JP Prince
F - T Smith
F - W Chism
First-in subs:
PG - D West
G - J Tabb
G - C Tatum
F - E Negedu
C - B Williams
Mop-up minutes:
F - R Childress
F - S Pearl
Redshirt:
G - R Woolridge
F - P Jurick
cjraney writes:
darb-
There's a good chance Tatum beats out either Prince or Hopson for a starting spot. He's physically stronger than both and if that translates to defense then the decision is easy.
VolPride_13 writes:
Cameron has better defense than J.P. and has a better outside shot than J.P. soooo...I think Cameron might beat him out of a starting spot!!
ncvol writes:
I am thankful that Cameron is playing for UT. Go Vols!
MidTennVol writes:
What is up with you two people thinking Woolridge will redshirt in favor of giving Childress minutes? What is the rationale behijd that? Just because you haven't seen Renaldo play yet?
If Renaldo redshirts, I'll wear a Kentucky t-shirt to every home game.
UTVols1698 writes:
smallmike4pres... talkin about dunking and saying he even did it with one hand? its easier to dunk 1 handed, you have to get up higher to dunk with 2 hands, nice try. And Renaldo Woolridge better not redshirt, he can play so he should, part of Tennessee's strength is how many guys can play quality minutes while pressing and wearing the other team down, at the end of games Tennessee is fresh while the opposing team is $uckin wind
DandyVol writes:
Does anyone know? -- In the Rocky Top League, are they using the new 3 pt distance or are they still using last season's distance? I don't see how JP can possibly be a starter this coming season. He has too many areas he has to improve in and still get through his shoulder rehab. Tatem looked good before his injury last season and is now showing his rehab went well and his game has gone a step up. I pick Tatem to be a starter. Go Vols.
richvol writes:
A couple of guys are going to have to redshirt or there is going to be a problem with getting everybody enough minutes. It's a great problem to have but it's definitely something Coach Pearl is going to have to solve or there could be some really talented players that are unhappy. It appears that Tabb and Tatum can play with anyone and have certainly waited their turn. If Prince improves from last season and Hopson is the real deal it's 40 minutes split 4 ways.Chism is very talented too but he needs to step up and play like it for every game. He should be taking on a leadership role this year...not pouting. How has he responded since walking out in the 2nd game?
Hoss44 writes:
Pearl also laughed when Brent Watts selected Tatum in the 1st round, and said that he is not at 1st rounder.
b_neas writes:
Tatum will beat out prince for the starting job. Prince is better off the bench anyway because he can sub for the 2, 3, or maybe even 4 position for quality minutes. Tatum defends as good as JP and is three times the scoring threat. Tatum is going to be a special player, i would say two years and he will be gone.
Hoss44 writes:
Tatum's game is made for this league, and for Pearl's system. He can do it all on the offensive end, and can lock people down defensively. He's going to explode for a huge year!!!
TommyJack writes:
Do they make any attempt to play D in this league? Serious question.
b_neas writes:
Not sure how it will work out, but i would love for the starting 5 to be:
PG - Maze - sub West
SG - Hopson - sub Prince/Tabb
SF - Tatum - sub Prince/Nege/Woolridge(may red shirt)
PF - Tyler - sub Nege/Woolridge/Chism
C - Chism - sub Williams/Jurick(may red shirt)
mop up time - Pearl and Childress (sorry Ryan if you could play like you did when your soph season was winding down you could get major PT but i did not see that player all last year)
VolGraduate writes:
Workin:
Do you even read the articles? Pearl already said they were wet behind the ears. "Pearl said the talent is there, but not necessarily the experience." You are a complete moron.
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Big Child had injuries last year and unfortunately has had injuries this year as well.
To comment on an earlier post about why would Woolridge redshirt, it's because he's a freshman and upperclassmen who've proven it are given the benefit of the doubt.
JP Prince brings a lot of intangibles to the table, which is why I think he will start over Tatum. I do, however, think that Tatum will get major run this year. He and Negedu will be the first two off the bench.
I am skeptical of West getting a ton of minutes, but he will play. Tabb will be in a similar situation.
I don't know that Jurick will redshirt to start the season, because of the desire to get Tyler Smith some time at the 3 spot. That means putting in some combination of Williams/Negedu/Chism. With Childress hurt, Coach Pearl might want to put in a true big at the five spot and have Williams and Jurick split the time. That decision will probably be made early in the season which is why those first few games will be so important.
If I had to guess now:
1 - Maze
2 - Hopson
3 - Prince
4 - Tyler
5 - Chism
First off the bench: Tatum, Negedu
Redshirt: Woolridge, Childress
Stat Stuffer: Tyler Smith
Assists: Maze
Points: Hopson
Rebounds: Chism
PPG: 81.7
alfrizzle097 writes:
b_neas pretty much has the lineup pegged. I don't see Jurick getting much time once the SEC season has started.
Note that there are 13 guys listed in his lineup. Add Childress to that and you have 14 guys capable of playing. Childress can hit the three and has really changed his body to play the 3 position. I wouldn't be suprised at all if Negedu, Woolridge, and Jurick all red shirt.That would give you an 11 man rotation. That doesn't mean they won't get some PT at the beginning of the year. Minutes will be earned. I like JP, and he has some real up side. He may not end up seeing the court unless he has improved his shot markedly.
If Tabb has gained a little offensive confidence, he could be one of those guys who gets you 10 points every night and keeps the other team from getting 15 to 20 that they would have gotten with someone else in. 30 point swing? Sounds good.
How many games/minutes can you play before redshirting?
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
Just to clarify something, misspelled Childress nickname Big Chill and instead put Big Child because my brain could decide whether to put in the last name or the nickname and it compromised independently of my consciousness. I wasn't ripping him. He is genuinely injured.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ, 9:07, What is D?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
hopson may not start....he may have to earn that.
I'd think
-maze
-tatum
-T. Smith
-Wayne
-JP
First off the bencH
-Tabb, Hopson, Williams
Limited minutes:
-West, Negedu, Pearl
REdshirt:
-Woolridge, Jurick
b_neas writes:
When speaking of intangibles Prince brings are you referring to his ability to turn the ball over in key situations? lol, sorry last years tourney still haunts me
TommyJack writes:
PD: You know..like with the Chief...
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Yeah i agree b_neas...I still wake up screaming NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......with the thought of the turnovers from Prince...I know ...I know...unfamiliar at that position...but whewwww...still gives me the willies...I think that position is Cams to lose...bigger...stronger...handles the rock muchhh better and i bet makes fewer turnovers....unless JP or PJ...lol...has had a makeover...I think Cameron will be out there starting...IMO
UT_LAW_2011 writes:
B_neas,
In his defense, the guy was asked to play point guard in the NCAA's for the first time all season against a Butler team that cleaned our clocks in the Garden the year before and had won 30 games this year. Just speaks to how stacked the East Bracket was, for which the committee should be faulted, because the West was not near as good.
That said, Prince actually played 38 good minutes at the point. Those last two, hey I'm with ya, but given the circumstances he was more good than bad there.
And there's no denying how good he was against Xavier and Memphis.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
VolGraduate, the difference is that Pearl won't be using this as an excuse when we lose a game and then after the season use it as his "Perfect Storm" justification for a below average season. Also, Pearl can legitimately say that we are wet behind the ears. Foolmore says it every year. Geek.
BADGES0413 writes:
Workin- If Pearl could keep his recruits in school and get more from the ones that have stayed he would not be wet behind the ears.
Childress - deadweight
Passley - gone (Wacky Tobakky)
Johnson - homesick
Crews - gone (Panama Red)
Ramar - gone (Columbian Gold)
Tabb - Mop Up Player
Chism - had good game against Vandy.
Tatum- could be great
Williams - played good for a Frehman
This years class- could be the best ever.
I like Coach Pearl/UT basketball and Coach Fulmer/ UT Football, just goes to show how tough recruiting and keeping players is for both sports.
volboy81#211803 writes:
Tatum was awesome last night. Cant wait to see the 08-09 version of the defending SEC Champs!
Volumnus writes:
Tatum has something to prove, he is working hard, he deserves his shot. Having watched the dynamic duo of Maze and Hopson, I am not sure that they can stand the defensive heat and are unselfish enough to know when to pass the ball. I think West and Tatum may be on the floor more in the SEC. Pearl is a wizard, but he will need to be to manage these egos and get this group to be a team. I think Coach Pearl will earn his money this year, and maybe again next year if Maze and Hopson are "one and done."
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Defending SEC champs!!!! Sounds nice. Hey Foolmore.
murrayvol writes:
WorkinLH: Welcome back! Hope the surgery, or sabbatical, or rehab, or whatever went well. The natives have been restless in your absence.
TommyJack writes:
Rehab. lol
murrayvol writes:
TJ @ 9:07: They don't need no stinkin' defense. Besides, defense is not fun. Scoring is fun. Ever watch the McDonald's AA game?
Orangebrewbasher writes:
All this discussion over the starting five is interesting, but when I think back at rooting for the vols 5 or 6 years ago, or basically rooting for Ron Slay.....fellas, this is an embarrassment of riches. GO VOLS
dathcha writes:
Has anyone else seen this, is this true? I hadn't heard or seen anything about this.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/ua/ar...
looks like memphis let another slip away.
BADGES0413 writes:
National Championship Winning Coach Fulmer sounds even nicer Workin. Bruce will probably get there someday, I hope so.
BADGES0413 writes:
Dathcha,
Older news than our last Basketball National Championship, Bruce will lead us to our first one. That will be amazing to have 3 NC coaches at one time.
TommyJack writes:
Murray: Sort of like a non playoff NBA game?
dathcha writes:
Sorry for the old news - not all of us have time to cruse the local sports page or blog sites - you would think TN fans would stick together and flame not one another. oh well - beat memphis
TommyJack writes:
dathcha: Know how you feel. Hell, I'm about as current as a Landau Roof.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Bruce has a national title already.
dathcha writes:
man you guys are gullible - i knew you where just toying with me and i just wanted to make you feel bad - YES MY EVIL PLAN WORKED!!!!!!! seriously GO VOLS - BEAT EVERYONE
BADGES0413 writes:
Tommy, I am about as current as Martin Landau.
Dathcha, welcome to the posting world where basketball articles get peppered with football references. I am as guilty as everyone else.
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