COLUMBIA, S.C. - Each time Wayne Chism pivots, jumps or moves, his body reminds him of what a physical season it has been in the SEC.
"Man, I've never been beat up like this, it's crazy'' said Chism, Tennessee's 6-foot-9 senior post. "I hurt my pelvic bone, my knee, my ankle, and then J.P. (Prince) fell on my head being clumsy against Georgia.''
At least Chism still has a healthy sense of humor.
More importantly for the 20th-ranked Vols (19-6, 7-4 SEC), Chism has maintained his focus.
Tennessee tips off with South Carolina at 1:30 Saturday (TV: WVLT) at the Gamecocks' (14-11, 5-6) Columbia Life Arena with hopes of increasing the likelihood of earning an NCAA tournament at-large bid.
"We're all going to have to be focused going into this gym,'' Chism said. "Everyone in the league is fighting for their lives.''
Chism has done his part to keep the Vols headed toward the postseason, leading the team in scoring (13.1 points per game), rebounding (7.1 per game), blocked shots (39) and free throws made and attempted (66 of 87).
"Wayne has battled for us throughout the year,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "He has been an absolute warrior.''
Chism suffered the bruised pelvic bone prior to the SEC season before spraining his knee at Georgia (Jan. 23), twisting his ankle against Vanderbilt (Feb. 9) and suffering a blow to the head in a win against Georgia Wednesday.
Chism came out of Wednesday's game as a result of the collision, but he quickly re-entered the action.
"I just felt like I had to be out there with my team,'' Chism said. "I don't want to sit out and miss anything, because I want to be out there helping our younger guys.
"Every road trip, I realize it's my last time in that gym and I want to play my butt off until the end.''
Chism didn't have an opportunity to fully exert his leadership abilities until fellow senior Tyler Smith was dismissed from the team as a result of a well-documented Jan. 1 traffic stop.
"There are certain times you have to be serious,' Chism said. "Once my teammates saw I was serious about it when I talked to them, they were like, 'OK, yeah, let's play ball.' ''
Chism played some of his best basketball the last time UT met South Carolina on Feb. 6, scoring a career-high 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting including 2 of 4 beyond the 3-point arc.
"After that game, a lot of teams started doubling down on me,'' Chism said. "I've just got to live with it and realize that just means other people have to step up and make plays.
"I'll just fight through it.''
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Comments » 28
lseibers writes:
My hat goes off to Chism and the season he is having. Good job Wayne keep a fighting....
reidtownriverrat writes:
If wanye would finish with power instead of head fakes and layups he could avg. 25 a game, he has that kind of talent. The whole team is kinda soft. Hopson is to laid back and tentative.
Skullz_VOL writes:
gonna miss Chism
Tnbass7 writes:
He has heart and passion for the game ,the makes of a winner ! Hope it is catchy for the rest of the team,I have notice one player that does not like passing him the ball.Hope they get that unity they need for the big run at the end of season.Hope we can get Tatum ready for tourny time ,GBO Cut me I bleed Orange
allvol9 writes:
Wayne is one of my all time favorite players. He has heart, alot of talent, hustle and tons of personality. I really look forward to watching his career hopefully in the NBA.
PureOrange writes:
I have said it before, and I'll say it again, I would not trade Wayne Chism for anyone because of his talent, but even more for his attitude. He gives us his all, and he has fun doing it.
I am really glad Chism is a Volunteer.
Couchdummy writes:
What a pleasure it is to have Wayne as a Vol! Class act, fun-loving, and a leader!
vol_4_fan writes:
UT could use a lot of people/player like Wayne, a class act from day 1. He has played any role that CBP has asked & he has gotten better every year. Best of luck to Wayne, the Vols have been blessed to have him! Go Vols
77VolFS writes:
In addition to injuries, another obstacle that "wheezy" has to overcome is his asthma. Thanks Wayne, for your leadership and your "warrior heart". Go Vols !!
BUBBA-Deeeeee writes:
This is One dude I truley love for being Wayne , He must of had or has a wonderful influnce in his life ,,,Thanks Wayne and UT . GO VOLS
BUBBA-Deeeeee writes:
I am from NE Tenn, I work in FL and Its hard on us UT fans. Someone burned my UT flag last year.
cdonsbach writes:
I'm going to miss him and his headband next year. Go get 'em, Wayne!
LSG410EC83 writes:
Thanks for the many great games Wayne. Been great watching you turning into the player and leader you are. Best of luck the rest of the season and on into whatever life holds for you.
Down_The_Field writes:
kid's a warrior.
he's all vol.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Will always be a W.C. fan!!
charles57#1378642 writes:
They burned your flag because FL won two national championships, and, if memory serves me correctly, they beat TN 1 out of 6 games. GO BIG ORANGE!!
mpmknox writes:
Great athlete, but just wondering: After all his time at UT, did Chism get a degree, or will he get one before he leaves?
Cartersvillevol writes:
Totally disagree. When you're basically the only inside player on your team, it's 3 on 1, you take points however you can.
We were totally outmanned inside against UGA . . . Chism saved UT's rears.
GOVOLZ1 writes:
How about all the guys who play hurt and don't complain about every ache? Buck up. See you in Nashville - and let's play on Sunday this year!
summerof69 writes:
I love Wayne he realizes it is just a game
summerof69 writes:
Who do you think will be our starting five next year? Are we going small or will Brian Williams ever start?
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
my recommended lineup (I know coach wants to know!) would be
Goins
Hopson
Tatum/McRae
Tobias
Hall/Williams
By the way, Wayne's efforts are appreciated tremendously - a team player. Vols are lucky,too, for a coach of Pearl's caliber. Top 25 coach per rivals (I agree). For all the Pearl bashers, you don't look at the full picture.
tan007 writes:
I have been a fan of Wayne Chism since he started playing at UT. If he goes Pro I will have a favorite Pro basketball team for the first time in my life. I will definitely watch him play. I got the opportunity after the GA game to get his autograph & he was gracious to me as well as a lot of kids to pose for a picture. I know he was very tired & needing to get on to the locker room but he has manners & appreciates his fans. I know he has gotten frustrated in some games with good reason, but I wouldn't call it temper tantrums. He is a grown man & plays basketball with great tenacity. There was another game when he was chosen player of the game & his little son joined him. What a precious child! Good luck Wayne, stay focused & you will do well.
GBO
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I join most of the preceding posters in thanking Wayne for all he has done for this program. Just as it said in the old Timex ads, he takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Too bad he doesn't have more help inside, though I agree that Tyler's departure enabled him to step up in the leadership department. I'm not sure he will make it in the NBA and if he does he is not likely to be a star, but I feel sure he will be a success in life off the court when his playing days are done. Keep bringin' it, Wayne; finish like the champion you deserve to be.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Wayne is already on my all time favorite Vol list! As most of you know, I sang his praises all season long. Love the fact he always plays hard! We would not be where we are without him. I do think he will be successful in the NBA and turn out to be a great player there in time. I could be wrong so time will tell. I just love Chism so naturally I want him to succeed in all aspects of life. Now lets beat SC!!!!
wildcatbasketball writes:
GOOD LUCK VOLS---go get em....little pay-back for us
Fryinpansvols writes:
Jamal Mashburn said Wayne Chism has a real shot at the NBA during the game today against South Carolina. I think so too! GBO!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I hope the both of you are right! It's just that it is easy for fans of college basketball to underestimate how good the NBA players really are. They look at the generous traveling and carrying calls, what seems like a lack of intensity--often the result of playing four road games in five days--and what seems like a lack of defense because the offensive players are so good, and conclude that just because a guy is a star in college, he should be able to play in the NBA. That may have been the case in the past, but NBA ball is truly a different game than the college game. Whether one thinks it is a better game or not is an individual choice, but there should be no doubt that the average NBA player is an order of magnitude better than the average college player.
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