Q@A: Freshman Hall is all business

Tennessee men's basketball player Kenny Hall is a freshman in title only.

He's not overwhelmed, he's not underqualified, and he's not immature.

"Kenny is quiet, but he walks tall and carries a big stick,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "Kenny has an edge about him. At 216 pounds, he's a tough guy. Wait until he's 235 or 240 pounds.''

One UT basketball assistant said Hall will ultimately prove to be the best NBA prospect on the current team.

Hall just shrugged when told of the projection.

"Basketball is business to me,'' Hall said. "It's just a way I can someday take care of my family and put food on the table.''

Hall made the move from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with his mother when he was 14 years old. The family thought moving Hall to Atlanta would open up possibilities in Hall's future.

"My first few years in Georgia, I didn't like it,'' Hall said. "But by the time I got into high school, I realized I could take the opportunity to better myself and be successful. I just had to handle my business.''

So far, so good. The 6-foot-9 Hall will play some center in addition to power forward this season and is expected to contribute immediately.

"Kenny just watches you with his eyes, while his face is expressionless,'' Pearl said. "He'd be a great poker player. He gives you the same expression whether you're laughing or crying around him.

"Occasionally, you get a smile, and when you do it lights up the room.''

Family: Mother (Kim), Father (Cedric), Sisters (Cedrica, 7; Kim, 17); Brothers (Anthony, 22; Jon Jon, 11).

Q: Who is your favorite NBA player, and why?

A: "Kobe Bryant. He's from my home team (L.A. Lakers), and he's the best player on the best team in the NBA.''

Q: Where is you favorite Knoxville eatery?

A: "You can catch me at Gibbs most of the time, but my favorite spot is Zaxby's on The Strip. I'll get the 10-piece chicken meal with tongue torch sauce.''

Q: What team do you want to beat most on the schedule?

A: "Kentucky. I've got a friend there, DeMarcus Cousins, and it's our main rival. There's big hype, and everyone is so high on them and expects them to beat us just because they hired that man, John Calipari."

Q: Which road trip do you look forward to the most?

A: "The trip to Southern Cal. I get to go back home. If I hadn't come to Tennessee, I probably would have played at UCLA.''

Q: What do you want to do after basketball?

A: "I'm interested in coaching, I'm interested in producing music, maybe do some broadcasting. I've thought about other production, like writing plays, or directing music videos.''

Q: What is your favorite sports achievement of all-time?

A: "It was back when I played baseball. I was 12 or 13, and I was such a sorry player. I hadn't gotten a hit all year until one game I hit a home run. That was my first hit. But it got called back because I was so excited when I rounded the bases, I missed second and third. I don't care, it was still a home run. And my next time up, I got a double."

Q: Favorite sports drink, flavor or color?

A: "It's got to be the yellow or blue. Yellow, because that's what we have here at practice the most. Man, when you're all hot, and you're sweating, there's nothing better than going over there to the big jug and getting some yellow. I want to just pick it up and drink right out of it, and one time, I actually did.''