Tennessee recruits Tobias Harris and Trae Golden have read the headlines and seen their share of ESPN updates on the Vols’ recent off-court troubles.
“It’s something you see, and it’s something you learn from,’’ said Harris, rated the No. 1 power forward in the class of 2010 according to Rivals.com. “But that’s my family now. That’s the main thing. Those are my future teammates, and it’s upsetting, but it’s a part of me.’’
Golden, rated 55th overall nationally by Rivals.com, said Georgia fans have given him a hard time about the football team’s arrests in November and the recent basketball arrests.
“My reaction was and is utter surprise, because I know that’s not how those guys on the basketball team really are,’’ Golden said. “It does feel like it has happened to you, because everyone comes up and asks you about it.
“But I signed that letter of intent, and not just to be there for the good times, but to get through the tough times, and I’m proud as ever to be a Tennessee Vol.’’
Harris and Golden said they will not allow themselves to fall into the negative cultures that are seemingly all over the collegiate sports world.
“I won’t get caught up in all of that, because I look at myself as someone who can affect the program in a good way, off the court as well as on it,’’ Harris said. “My deal is I stay around good people who I know have my best interests.
“You see some of these pro guys, and it’s all about decision making. The key is you’ve got to make your own decisions.’’
Golden, a combo guard from Powder Springs, Ga., agreed.
“SportsCenter doesn’t know they are great guys — I can tell when someone is fake, and those guys are genuine,’’ Golden said. “I can say this: When we get there, drugs and weapons won’t be any part of us. And we won’t put ourselves in a situation like that.’’
Harris, from Glen Head, N.Y., said the outlook for Tennessee basketball is still on the upswing.
“There’s a lot of negatives people can point out right now,’’ Harris said. “But we’ll find our way through that; there are still a lot of positives in our program.
“I know Jordan (McRae) and Trae (Golden) are good guys also, and we’ll all have the right attitude.’’
McRae, an AAU teammate of Golden’s from Midway, Ga., is a shooting guard who’s rated No. 42 overall by Rivals.com.
The Vols’ signing class has been ranked fourth in the nation by Rivals.com headed into the spring signing period. Tennessee is expected to add at least one more player to the signing class.
The King: Former UT basketball legend and NBA all-star Bernard King will be the featured speaker for the Big Orange Tipoff Club’s luncheon at Calhoun’s on The River on Wednesday.
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Comments » 31
great_2B_Vol writes:
I like this kid. Seems very bright. Can't wait til he gets to Knoxville!
NorthwestVol writes:
Refreshing.
crimsonviper writes:
Agree with that marc_ash..also this sound like the kid has his priorities straight...GBO
volfan2010dot1 writes:
Be cautious...his mama ain't as forgiving as he is.
appalachianvol writes:
This young man sounds like a leader rather than a follower! Somone we need right now!
GBO
allvol32 writes:
Sounds like the incoming freshmen need to school the upper classmen...nice article. Welcome to UT young men.
hokies4ever writes:
Sounds like you have your head on right, if you have some friends that can play bring them with you looks like we have some scolys. open.
LEXKYVOLS writes:
I am hearing it here in Lexington and reading this article makes me feel proud to be a VOLS fan! We will overcome!!
Ironcity writes:
Voice who paid Harris? Why hadn't we been able to buy someone sooner? As usual you don't make sense.
It is nice to see a positive article for once from the KNS.
BigHornBuckShot writes:
Bernard King guest speaker??? Well that is a great start in the right direction. Wasn't spousal abuse in there also. I think we need Leonard Little to come speak at one of these occasions. Who in the heck is running that place down there anyway? No wonder things are happening like they are.
whw48#307211 writes:
Yes, Tobias, that's how they really are, cuz Tyler said they have their swag back!
CoachFulmer writes:
Were gonna need both these two guys big time next year.
GO VOLS!
tennrich1 writes:
Man, these guys sound like class....I think we will be really happy with this recruiting class when all is said and done....
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
Some of you folks need to check yourselves. Whatever their mistakes, the four players were not acting like thugs; they were not hating on anybody. But some on this board are acting like an ugly mob.
allvol9 writes:
These 2 guys will be a welcome addition to the team. They have their heads on straight.
Volborn writes:
And hopefully they won't cover themselves with thuggish tatoos! Perception is reality!
kdaff51 writes:
These young men sound like a class act! Glad to have them wear the Orange & White.
BigHornBuckShot writes:
I would think that whomever the person was that loaned these nice young gentlemen their rental with the unregistered guns, open alcohol, and weed in it, is in alot of trouble.
cincykid writes:
"I won’t get caught up in all of that"
(until I'm invited to a party at J Jackson's crib - puff, puff, pass....)
steamboatticket#484773 writes:
Get with it your own self. There are probably ten thousand students now at the University of Tennessee who have used marijuana. Surveys that I've seen said that around half of the students in universities around the country have done that. As for unregistered firearms, I doubt that Wayne Lapierre, the President of the NRA registers his firearms. I also doubt that former Senator Fred Thompson registers his. I am aware of no Tennessee statute requiring Tennessee citizens to register their guns. Guns should be registered where and with what agency? Do you own a gun? Is it registered? If yes, do please tell us about it. Personally, I think it tragic that college students make themselves stupid by smoking pot. The purpose of college is to develop intelligence. And I think it strange that Knoxvillians feel the desire to group up in cars with their guns and their bag. But don't even tell me that the local white boys don't do that, because I saw it happen when I was a UT student and wondered what in the world they were thinking. I had served in the army before going to college. Let's get something straight; there is a huge difference between young idiots and real thugs. I've seen both. The four arrested players are probably the former, not the latter. I don't know them; do you? For the record, I have also seen real mobs. You remind me of them, and that's not good. The only serious crime I see in this event is a gun with an altered serial number.
Couchdummy writes:
Seems to be a young man of high character. This is the type guy that will represent the university well!
tlallman writes:
They committed a serious violation of team and school rules, as well as seriously damaging the reputation of our University. Punishment should be severe. Anything less than dismissal will make UT a joke. Donations would suffer.
jsm67vol writes:
Um, no THEY didn't. This article is about the 2 stud recruits coming to UT, not about the 4 current player dumbazzez speeding down Alcoa hwy with their guns and their pot in the middle of basketball season. Focus tlalman or someone could think you been smokin with them.
londonvol writes:
Is it just me or are the tatoos overdone? Forgive me if I offend anyone but I see blanket tatoos and think "Thug". I really try not too but this latest situation screams gang mentality.
bahamapapavol writes:
Welcome Tobias.......you appear to be the caliber recruit that we're looking for.....welcome to UT.
BigBadVol writes:
We need more recruits like this kid.
givehim6 writes:
I would reather lose with winners than win with loosers.
dowhatsright writes:
These 2 young men are very impressive.
kywildcatblue writes:
Folks..huge UK fan here wanting to sincerely give support to the coaching staff, the University of Tennessee, and it's players. Bruce Pearl is all class and it's a shame what's going on there right now. The new kids do sound like great recruits but also... and I know it's hard. Give the kids involved in this mess the benefit of the doubt until all the facts are out. Remember they "are" kids and kids do stupid things sometimes. Do be too judgmental. We've all done stupid things before. Most of us were lucky enough to not get caught. Looking forward to our game together. It's always my favorite game of the year. Sincerest good luck to all!
Nashvegas writes:
Memphis is going to wear us out with this! Pearl has got to excercise more control if possible.
volsn3 writes:
saying it is one thing....doing it is another....lets keep our fingers cross these guys are thinkers....
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