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Adams: Padgett-driven Cards face Chism roadblock
Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo
Boise State's Reggie Larry (24) and Tyler Tiedeman battle Louisville's David Padgett, right, for a rebound during the first half of first round NCAA East Regional basketball game in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, March 21, 2008.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - When Louisville's Terrence Williams heard about teammate David Padgett's injury last November, he cried.
He wasn't just thinking about Padgett, a team leader who had overcome a series of injuries in making it to his senior season. He was thinking about the team.
The Cardinals already were without power forward Juan Palacios, who was sidelined with a knee injury. Then, Padgett, a 6-foot-11 center with a point guard's feel for the nuances of the game, suffered a broken kneecap.
Williams envisioned a once-promising season falling apart before January.
"I went to his (Padgett's) room, and he told me he couldn't play no more," Williams said Wednesday, the day before tonight's Sweet 16 NCAA tournament game against Tennessee. "I walked out of his room and cried in the hallway.
"There is some new technology. You can drive some cars without a key.
"But he's (Padgett is) the key to everything on our team. I knew it wasn't going to work."
Williams wasn't just disappointed. He was angry.
"He did get mad at me for getting hurt," Padgett said. "I knew how badly he wanted me to come back.
"I said, 'I'll be back. Don't listen to anybody (else). I'll be back.'"
Padgett kept his word, Palacios healed as well, and the healthy Cardinals took February with a vengeance, going 8-0 through the heart of their Big East schedule. They showed how they did it last weekend in Birmingham, Ala., beating Boise State by 18 points and Oklahoma by 30 in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament.
You could pick up on the Cardinals' attributes just watching them run through Wednesday afternoon's practice at Bobcats Arena. They're a physically imposing, obviously athletic team with more talent than any bunch UT has faced since Memphis. The Tigers might be better at guard, but Louisville's big, aggressive front line is clearly an upgrade.
No one better understands the challenge than UT center Wayne Chism. He often will be matched up against Padgett, who is heady enough to direct the Louisville offense, yet physical enough to win the wars beneath the basket.
"You've got to be physical against them or you're going to get punked," Chism said. "Then, the rest of your team is going to get punked."
You get the sense that Chism is eagerly awaiting the competition. And why not? He's playing the best basketball of his two-year college career.
In the last four games, Chism has 65 points, 21 rebounds and nine blocks. He has hit from the perimeter (5-for-12 on 3s) and with his left hand.
The improved touch with his left hand reflects Chism's work in practice. As teams repeatedly have overplayed him to his right, Chism has developed a counter move.
"Wayne is one of the most underrated players in college basketball," UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "He can guard guards, he can guard inside. He just doesn't get a lot of attention on our team because of the Smith Brothers and because of Chris (Lofton).
"I'm just so proud of Wayne Chism. . . . He's done a wonderful job in the classroom, a wonderful job off the court in community service, and it's wonderful to see the young man just grow up and blossom."
Louisville coach Rick Pitino speaks just as glowingly of Padgett and still marvels how he was playing basketball six weeks after suffering a broken kneecap.
"I just love coaching him," Pitino said when Padgett returned. "It's one of the most enjoyable experiences in my coaching career, coaching him."
Padgett, who transferred to Louisville from Kansas, has come back from more than a broken kneecap. He has had knee surgery, a broken foot and sprained knee ligaments.
Chism also knows something about physical adversity. He suffers from chronic asthma and has to use an inhaler before each game.
But don't worry about Chism being impacted by spring allergies this evening.
"If it's in a hot environment, I'm OK," he said. "There's no pollen, no nothing.
"My asthma is getting better. My freshman year I was out there for two or three minutes (and feeling it). But now, I can play through it."
Chism demonstrated his spring stamina in Sunday's overtime victory over Butler by playing 20 of the last 25 minutes.
He's not just strong enough to finish. He's strong enough to carry his team at times.
And if Padgett is the key to Louisville's car, Chism could be the roadblock to the Elite Eight.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by Bigger_Al on March 26, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John Adams orders "just water" at fast food restaurants, then sneaks a free Mountain Dew when nobody's lookin'.
Posted by PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE on March 26, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigger Al likes to underachieve
Posted by trl_x on March 26, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wayne will have to play smart. Be physical but don't foul.
GO VOLS!!
Posted by Bigger_Al on March 26, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are you still trying to get rid of Mark Mangino? KU had a great year...
Posted by LargeOrange on March 26, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JA is right this time, at least in his choice of CBP quotes, Wayne Chism has been improving game over game this year. He has become more physical, hitting more shots that he should make, and even draining the threes that we all said in Dec/Jan that he had no business taking. He has stepped up his game and gets very little credit in the press and on these boards. I think he is becoming the man. While I am at it, I think Brian is quickly becoming a valuable asset off the bench as well. While our three point game has slacked a bit, but these two big men have picked up some of the slack and deserve some credit for getting better every game. They will be the difference tomorrow IMO, along with Chris hitting a hot streak from outside. Otherwise it may be a long day, but I am betting it will be a good day for us!
Posted by yemmusdarb on March 26, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigger_Al orders cheese with his whine. Get over it dude.
To beat Louisville and N.C. back to back in one weekend, we'll need more than a Chism roadblock. We need 3 of the Ninja Turtles after having 5 Red Bulls each, Chuck Norris, and a shirtless Bruce Pearl on the sideline.
That having been said, Go Vols.
Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 27, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You da man, Wayne -- make us proud. Take this boy to SCHOOL.
Posted by creepykev on March 27, 2008 at 4:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You tell em Dane.
Posted by OwensboroVol on March 27, 2008 at 5 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Talk is cheap Wayne, I take you everytime on my team. Turn these guys upsidedown. I've had to listen to more s... this week. Its not easy wearing my Big Orange hooded sweatshirt around Owensboro without having to listen about how bad Louisville is going to beat UT. Which team has the second worst fans in Kentucky. Trick question - its still Kentucky having all the places until Louisville comes in at about number 33. Go Big Orange!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by TheVolMan on March 27, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bigger_Al = Bigger_Weenie. LOL...
I guess that's the idea of an ostrich's boycott... !!!!
Posted by wjackson on March 27, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny as h*ll Bigger_Al Funny. All these losers want to knowck on our vols and CPF but not on their daddy Adams. I think we will put together a complete game tonight. We seem to play our best against the best. Go Vols!!
Posted by GreerVol22 on March 27, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
IF Chism gets beat, it will be because he's not listening to coach. Don't front this guy on the high side or he will eat you up over the top.
Play smart and they will end up like those punks from Memphis and Florida. Play dumb and you'll end up like the first KY game...
ps, "he" also asks for ketchup packets when he doesn't order fries...
Posted by Madkels on March 27, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good post LargeOrange. I to have enjoyed watching Wayne and Brian grow this year. The great attitude they bring is fantastic and neither is intimidated by the opponent. CBP will have them ready to defend Padgett. GO VOLS!
Posted by johnlg00 on March 27, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wayne has truly come into his own in the last month or so. I was one of the ones who knocked him earlier for not being tough enough on the boards and on defense. My criticism of his three-point shooting was not so much because he was taking them, but because he was taking them too early in the shot clock or when he was contested. When he is open and in rhythm, I feel good about him taking them, and he has hit some big ones. How he does in all phases of the game will largely determine how we do against Louisville tonight. We also need some productive minutes out of Brian and Duke. If everyone plays as well as they are capable of playing, I feel good about our chances. GO VOLS!!! PLUCK THE BIRDS!!! THEN FEATHER THE TARHEELS!!! ON TO SAN ANTONIO!!!
Posted by rab63 on March 27, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Vols will win this one because Dick Vitale just picked Louisville.....
Posted by schymtz on March 27, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I suspect that is more a wish than a pick from Dicky V. He's an ACC clown/cheerleader who I think betrays who UNC would perfer to face. Wit all d'TRADITION BAYBEEE an' all d'EXCITEMENT BAYBEEE! et cet ad naus. And those guys got the supposed lighter side of the bracket! I believe Tennessee can do this! Tennessee will do this! GO VOLS! Beat 'em! Beat 'em! BEAT 'EM BAD!
Posted by Ashley on March 27, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't everyone pick that team that borders Arkansas?
It's quotes like this that have brought John Adams all-county awards.
"And if Padgett is the key to Louisville's car, Chism could be the roadblock to the Elite Eight."
Posted by getridoffoolmer on March 27, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wayne do your thing man and make us pround show that chump whats up
Posted by Ashley on March 27, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is John Adams there with you getridoffoolmer?
Posted by whitehead777 on March 27, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PLAYER OF THE GAME- CHISM!!!!!
Posted by General_Fritter on March 27, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The next two games may be the toughest two game stretch in the tourney. UT messed up when they didn't take care of business in the SEC tourney. With that said, I wish them the best. Go Vols!
Posted by Orangeblood13 on March 27, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Dane for chimming in on our board! Hope your able to fire these boys up from all the disrespect coming from all over the land.
If the refs let em play Tenn will be fine, but if not we are hurtin. Overall I think Both teams are in need of a flip flop. Lous is due a bad game, we are due a good one!
Go get em boys!
Posted by IPOrange on March 27, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TheVolMan, was that supposed to be an insult or a compliment? lol!
Posted by UTByrd on March 27, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just think how cool it is for Wayne and his high school teammate Willie Kemp who is on Memphis. They won Tenn state championships their jr and sr years at Bolivar. This would have been a great story when they played each other a few weeks ago. Let us hope they reunite for the Championship game. Maybe then both these teams will gain some much deserved respect from the so called announcers and reporters. There has never been a time when all #1 seeds made the Final Four. Guess which team got picked not to make it.
I'd like to give a shout out to Jarvis Varnardo of Miss State. He broke Shaq's record for blocked shots in a season in the SEC. He is another young man from West Tenn who has made us proud.
Our area (Jackson) has produced many fine athletes for UT. Can I hear you say Al Wilson?
We are all pulling hard for continued success tonight and tomorrow night. Let's go all the way.
Go Vols!!!!!
Posted by IPOrange on March 27, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UTByrd, don't forget about Jabari Greer.
Posted by IPOrange on March 27, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And Trey Teague....
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