Rashard Lee doesn't complain about the frantic pace and highly competitive nature of the Pilot Rocky Top League.

In fact, the former Tennessee Vol turned nine-year European basketball veteran couldn't have ordered it up any better.

"I like getting up and down the court; it keeps me in shape,'' said Lee, who played under Kevin O'Neill and Jerry Green 1996-99. "It's hard to find consistent play at a competitive level in the offseason.''

As for his competitive desires, Lee fits right in with fiery Toyota of Knoxville coach Rick Campbell.

"I want to win - I don't know any other joy in playing a basketball game than winning,'' Lee said. "It's why you play.''

Lee started out in last year's PRTL but suffered a knee injury in the first game and was forced to sit out the rest of the league schedule.

He recovered in time to play professionally in Geneva, Switzerland, where he has signed on to play again next season.

"I want to see how long these legs can carry me,'' Lee, 31, said. "It has been a blessing to live in other countries and do what I love to do.

"Experiencing other countries and cultures gives you more life experience, and that's valuable.''

Lee spent four years in France with four different teams and has played in Finland and Spain.

Upon returning to Knoxville the past two years, Lee couldn't help but notice how times have changed at Thompson-Boling Arena since his playing days with the Vols.

"I wish I could have played for Bruce Pearl,'' Lee said. "When I talk to the current players they all tell me how much they enjoy playing for him.

"He's firm, but he lets them play their game. When your players enjoy playing for you, you can accomplish a lot.''

Lee doesn't mind saying that wasn't necessarily the case when O'Neill was head coach.

"Looking back on it, my first two years it was a physical challenge playing in the SEC, and it wasn't easy or fun to play for Kevin O'Neill,'' Lee said. "Jerry Green came in and gave us a little more freedom and let us feel relaxed to play.

"But when I think about my time at Tennessee, I remember it as a great four years at a great school.''

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.