Comments by underthehill

Written on John Adams: Dave Hart ahead of schedule with hires:

in response to lemme_axya_this:

At the presser to announce Coach Dooley's firing, Hart denied having any thing to do with the Sunseri hire. Who Knows?

Dooley ..but his buyout may prevent him from discussing it..the only way I see anyone will ever have any evidence of the truth is to put Dooley under oath..being an attorney..he may think it best to tell the truth...the evidence suggests to me it was all Hart..Dooley made it clear he had nothing to say about the defense..have you ever heard a head coach say that..the buyout and terms were all on Hart..bama got Thompson back from UT and Saban got rid of Sunseri..go figure..

Written on Jarnell Stokes selected to try out for U19 national team:

Donavan seems to like Stokes play..he will make the team..

Written on John Adams: Dave Hart ahead of schedule with hires:

in response to EastTnVols962:

I really wish The Tennessean posted more UT articles. The only reason I get on this site is because it offers so much. And then of course I like to see what fellow UT fans have to say. It starts out good, and then about five or six posts in, the arses step in. And I'm not just referring to the "truth squad". It's both sides. Yes I have had my tangles with one or two of them, but I try to stay out of it. Why can't everybody quit their bellyaching and have a meaningful conversation. The fact is, both sides are wrong. Hart is not out to destroy UT athletics. That's simply ludacris. And on the other side, yeah Butch has done good SO FAR, and I like what he says, but stop pumping your heads full of thoughts of rainbows, wins, and championships. Most UT fans know where we are. Why make it worse on ourselves by acting like 10 year olds arguing about which group gets to be the cops and which is the robbers? It's silly, and it ruins the site. I was gonna pay for 247, but at this point, it's not worth my time.

You make a very good point..it appears to me some prefer to engage in personal debate rather than discuss the topics presented by the writers..I agree it would be best to just respect the right of each to their own opinions..I'm sure I am guilty..as most are..of not complying with this simple principle..my opinion of Dave Hart is that he was hired by those who won a power struggle and with his resume' ..he brought a lot a baggage to UT..and has created a great deal more since he has been here..I respect the right of others to disagree...as for your comment..Most UT fans know where we are..I think you are 100% correct..most..not all..UT fans know where we are..and as I see it..it serves no good purpose to create unrealistic expectations based on nothing other than hoping Jones can work miracles..to look at what he has done so far ..to me..is reason for being optimistic about the future..with the schedule this year..could be some rough going before UT gets to that future..we'll see..

Written on John Adams: Dave Hart ahead of schedule with hires:

in response to WaltGoVoIs:

Dave "Your Cheating" Hart has made a hash of everything he's touched. That hasn't changed.

Walt

UT '81

Sal Sunseri..nuff said..

Written on John Adams: Hurd's commitment makes Beech a Tennessee team:

in response to Mrlogic:

For my money the greatest running back in NFL History was Jim Brown. He was 6'2" 232 lbs. He would simply run right over you or out run you. I have never seen a running back (in my opinion) that could measure up to him. Maybe the Vols have one coming in next year.

Agree Jim Brown was indeed the greatest..love the story about the Giants linebacker who told him he stunk..when Brown ran by him he looked back and asked..how do I smell from here..my opinion is about the same as yours..Jim Brown had the talent that could excel in any era..it sure would be something if the Vols have one coming in that can be mentioned with Mr. Brown..

Written on Another 'back breaker' seals fate for Vols, 8-4:

When you have a record like the baseball Vols..it is pretty obvious a coaching change will not work miracles in one year..I understand the lack of talent..what I don't understand is ..how in the world did Vandy get that good..how did they get that kind of talent..

Written on Armani Moore, Josh Richardson to participate in summer events in Dominican Republic:

in response to mocsandvolsfan:

WE will definately need WHAT you said!! He's shown a little bit of drivin' power. Let's see if he can distribute. If he can handle as you said he'll be fightin' for startin' over Thompson at point. I can't see Richardson or McRae at point very often. Maybe early on some.
Actually Lopez may start early on some. I really think it'll be Thompson though.

Thompson/Moore/Lopez
Richardson/Hubbs/Reese
McRae/Hubbs/Reese/Chievous
Maymon/Chievous/Davis
Stokes/Ndiaye/Maymon

Golly we're gonna be competitive in practices. Right now it's in the players hands. How hard will they work?

I have not seen Thompson play..talked with a retired coach friend now living in Mid Tn who did..he says he is not ready for the SEC..not very good 3 point shooter..dribbles the ball too high..did not dominate in high school tourney..hope he is wrong..but he is not the only one saying this..looks like another project..as the roster currently stands..looks like a lot of Lopez..as for Reese..I don't see him playing much if any ..based on his lack of speed and defense..

Written on Armani Moore, Josh Richardson to participate in summer events in Dominican Republic:

in response to johnlg00:

The Vols will have plenty of guys who can score. Moore is already probably the team leader in "rebounds and blocks per minute". If he becomes the secure ball-handler and distributor the team needs, he won't have to be more than an adequate scorer himself. He will certainly have to develop offensively to jump up to an all-star level, but for this year and for this team, I would rather Moore get better at ball-handling than shooting, if I had to choose one. I'd rather he did both, as I'm sure you'll agree.

I think Moore will improve his ball handling..looked to me like he was having a problem this year making the adjustment from high school to UT's level and just needed a bit of experience to know how to use his speed and jumping ability ..and I agree UT should have plenty of players who can score..but you have to be able to hit a high percentage of the shots Moore is capable of getting..I like his potential..

Written on Armani Moore, Josh Richardson to participate in summer events in Dominican Republic:

No ..Armani..your shooting is the first priority..gotta get better and hit the jumper from the free throw line area..if you shoot 45 to 50% ..you'll play a lot of minutes...

Written on Loss to Arkansas puts Vols at mercy of rival in order to reach SEC tournament :

in response to Ichabod:

LAST in SEC Football three years running.
No NCAA tourney in Basketball two years running.
Pretty much LAST in Men's SEC Track.
LAST in baseball, and can't even make a 12 team tourney.
Man, I tell you, UT Men's Athletics have got it GOING ON !!!
I'm encouraged we only have to wait 6 more years for a winner.
This is pathetic....

Success or failure..starts at the top..appears no one is really interested..as long as attendance is good and money rolls in to be poorly managed..

Written on Father of Trae Golden says reports of academic problems are 'totally inaccurate':

in response to johnlg00:

You do know that all NFL prospects are drug tested before the draft, don't you? You do know that all NFL prospects are interviewed, quizzed, and subjected to extensive background checks, don't you? If they had an allegation that Bray had such a problem, they would be stupid not to check it out, but they aren't going to take ANYBODY'S unsupported word on something like this, ESPECIALLY from a former coach who might be suspected of having an ax to grind with a player. If they DID turn up evidence from their OWN sources that Bray MIGHT have had a drug problem, then it would hardly matter what Dooley had to say about it, would it? And if he DID have a drug problem, then that in itself would be enough reason not to take a chance on a guy with question marks to begin with, wouldn't it? You have accused Dooley of being everything besides a child of God on here, bashing his credibility and intellect repeatedly, so why on EARTH do you think he would have enough credibility with NFL executives that his word alone would override their own research? I admit I was wrong in thinking that Dooley might be the right guy to get UT back on track until I saw enough that even I was convinced that he wasn't. I have even seen enough to doubt some of his alleged non-football virtues. All of which makes it EVEN HARDER for me to believe that such a person could possibly have the influence you attribute to him.

You admit you were wrong thinking that Dooley might be the right guy to get UT back on track until you saw enough to be convinced he wasn't..I think early on the vast majority felt the same..I know I did..I was hoping he would come in and do a great job..I could not believe he had not learned enough from his dad to be a strong coach..I think now it is time to let all this go and not respond to anything just trying to stir the pot..no good can come from it ..

Written on Father of Trae Golden says reports of academic problems are 'totally inaccurate':

in response to eVOLved:

Because college students always tell parents what their grades are, right?

I don't like the speculation, and if TG or his father say academics aren't the reason, then I'm inclined to think academics are not the reason.

I don't think it is academic if he is eligible to play at another school..I don't think anything..other than a source asking not to be identified..says it is..I think back to a time during the season Golden was playing awful..wasn't grades then..speculation will continue..looks like drugs to me..same as the Smith kid who got to playing like Ned in the first reader..no one knew why..until he got arrested and it all came out..

Written on Fund established to help Michael Cofer with medical bills:

in response to NashvillePreds:

I've got $20 coming your way Mr. Cofer.
Thank you for Giving Your All For Tennessee.
Even though it's not much, I'm glad we all have the chance to give something back.

Rise to the Top
Go Vols

I also plan to donate..but I repeat..who were the coaches on the UT staff when Cofer played..they could and should step up and lead this effort...

Written on Fund established to help Michael Cofer with medical bills:

Who was on the UT coaching staff when Cofer played..it seems to me it would be a good idea for them to get involved in this effort...the faith of this family ..especially the way mother handles it for her children ..is amazing..

Written on Father of Trae Golden says reports of academic problems are 'totally inaccurate':

if he had academic problems..would that not keep him from being eligible at another school..and something we have talked about for 3 mos..

Written on Cuonzo Martin on News Sentinel Sports Page: Trae Golden departure 'a key loss':

If Golden had not left..UT still did not have a speed player capable of defending baseline to baseline and handling the ball against pressure defense..if Lopez can fill this role..don't matter if he is a walk-on..if he can not..I don't see it keeping the Vols from being a very good team..just maybe a bubble NCAA team..again..

Written on Shooting guard Jordan Cornish commits to Vols:

It seems to me ..UT will need at least 2 or 3 bigs for 2014..that can play..not projects..got enough of these type players..

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to GoVols025:

If you were 1/2 as smart as you think you are, you'd still be twice as smart as you really are.

And remember, exercising your right to freedom of speech does not absolve you of being responsible for what you say.

Sounds a bit elementary to inform a poster they are responsible for what they say..that all you got..

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

in response to johnlg00:

Even funnier is that in his reply to me, he not only admitted that UK had done the same thing on a much larger scale starting on Calapari's first day, he tried to cover himself by saying he was vocally against it at the time. And this despite the fact that he is on here every day with any possible slam for UT and attaboy for UK right down the line. So however opposed he was to Calapari telling about a half dozen guys who were already enrolled, some for more than two years, to hit the road to make room for his mercenaries, it didn't stop him from crowing loudly about all the supposed virtues of Calapari's program. He must have just temporarily mislaid his script on the post bUTch_please replied to!

As stated by several others this is just a part of college basketball that happens on a regular basis..Kentucky had far more than UT this year..not just when Cal first came..I think Cal made it clear he did not want Archie Goodwin back..Harrow was released to transfer..Poly was thought to be an early NBA pick early in the year but played his way out of that and will have to improve to start at Ky next year..same with Wiltjer..not likely a starter again next year..same with Cauley Stein..may not start next year..so several of these guys appear to me to have made a huge mistake going to Ky in the first place..instead of going where they could get some decent coaching and grow their skills..to prove my point ..how many recent Ky players have you seen in the NBA playoffs..I have not seen any..I did see Tayshawn Prince but he is an old guy and not one of Cal's...

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to WaltGoVoIs:

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

In other words, you are not a hard act to follow. In fact, if Little Jimmy Cheek is counting on -you- to cover his ample b@tt, he's got some problems.

But please do communicate to him that he can stay in my basement if he needs to.

Walt

UT' 81

The one thing we know is ..the court issues will be resolved..we all have the right to our opinions as to what the results will be..My opinion is UT will have to determine whether or not they have more to lose by going to court than making settlements which would likely prevent either party from discussing the details..we'll see...

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

It is a big part of the job for a coach to build a strong roster..not just starters..due to the speed and number of fouls in today's game..however..I do think Martin and his staff need to do a better job of assessing talent..I can't imagine any strong basketball program letting itself get desperate enough for a big man to sign the guy they signed to replace Yemi..I see that as more of a problem than letting Landry go..still think the Vols should be tough next year..

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

Coach Martin's call..glad it is over..

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to Benionsopinion:

As I follow some parts of the continuing conversation,all of which are interesting and thought provoking,some questions do come up.If Dave Hart is a Bama plant to destroy Tennessee's athletic program,why was he needed?Mike Hamilton put today's situation in motion.Why are very few people commenting on the status of the strength and conditioning for the Lady Vols? For the last several years,our basketball Lady Vols in particular have been outfought,out hustled,and outrun by many opponents as ,seemingly a result of poor conditioning.Also why should a coach not want a strength and conditioning coach that fits her wants? Personally speaking,it seems to me that a new strength and conditioning coach is needed.

Why are very few people commenting on the status and conditioning for the Lady Vols..A reasonable question..I agree in part with your opinion the Lady Vols have been outrun ..I don't agree they have been outhustled and outfought..the team this year far exceeded expectations and did not do that by being outhustled..being outrun has far more to do with the athletic ability you are born with than it does with strength and conditioning..a trainer is only as good as the athlete they are working with..the trainer does not recruit..they work with them after this is done by the coaches..the players who I saw being outrun could play the rest of their lives and never improve their speed..a trainer is not the almighty..so my opinion is there have been players recruited to play a more deliberate system than Holly and the majority of top tier lady basketball teams now play..I think Holly made that clear at the point guard position when she started Carter before her injury..As for bama Dave..I don't think he is a plant..I think he should be judged on his actions..such as hiring Sal Sunseri..I did read the court documents in the Jennings case and I do believe the statements Pat made to her..I think they are available to the public..my opinion is simply hiring Hart with his resume at Fla State is something no other major college would consider..you are entitled to your opinion..just as I and others are who think Hart is a bad hire..

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

in response to Mrlogic:

I will never forget the 1985 team that beat Miami and Michael Irvin in the 1986 Sugar Bowl. I enjoyed watching that game as much or more as I enjoyed watching the Vols win the National Championship in 1998. I will never forget Jeff Powell's 60 yard run and what Frank Broyles said in describing it. "He just ran right by a man that has world class track speed". Also don't forget the miracle at South Bend.

I was present at one of the receptions for Majors when he came back as head coach..it was a time when UT needed him ..more than he needed UT..I respect him for that..he had it made where he was...

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

in response to SewaneeVolFan:

As a Sewaneeian, Johnny Majors's mother was my third-grade teacher, and his father was the Sewanee football coach for the school's greatest football moments since the 1890's, when they were the "Champions of the South," and I know Johnny and his brother Larry, who was a big star during Sewanee's undefeated season in the 60's. Didn't know Bobby or Bill. Shirley Majors used the single wing up to the '70's.

Given that, I'm a Johnny Majors fan. Yeah, I've heard the stories about being rough on assistant coaches, drinking too much, and so on (hadn't heard the accusation about racial epithets, and I'm not sure I believe them, despite his good old boy past). However, his teams also provided some of the most exciting moments in UT football history, and he DID bring UT back to the point where they contended for the national championship, setting the stage for Coach Fulmer.

Furthermore, it is quite true that the basics and fundamentals were central aspects that both Shirley and Johnny emphasized to their teams -- team pursuit and gang tackling, wide receivers getting in more than one block on a play, instantaneous reaction to turnovers, and on and on.

Therefore, I believe Johnny is a good authority to comment on those aspects about Coach Jones, as well as to see the importance of a head coach to UT.

I agree with all you say..As a player ..he more than made up for his lack of size with his courage and will to win..I think he did have a problem of being a human being and letting his drinking get out of hand at times in later years..that does nothing to lessen the impact he and his family had on the football program at UT...

Written on Johnny Majors thinks UT will be more disciplined under Butch Jones:

I think Butch Jones understands the value of Johnny Majors expressing his views about what he has observed..I know I do..the Majors family..not just Johnny..are a huge part of the history of UT football..

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to AllforTenn:

In my opinion (as a retired attorney and judge)you are wrong.

I will refrain from ridiculing you..you have taken care of that yourself..You wouldn't happen to be another Rhodes Scholar would you..

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to WaltGoVoIs:

This type of letter from these coaches would -have- to part of the university's legal strategy.

The question would be - where was the progressive discipline? Was Mason warned before that her results were lacking?

One company I worked at you had to document attempts to help the failing employee:

1. Oral warning (but done in writing)

2. Written warning

3.Personal improvement plan with -quantifiable- goals. Was the person in the office for X number of hours a week? Did they produce Y number of reports per hour?

If it's not on paper it didn't happen.

I would think this would have little effect on her law suit. It's Post Facto. It's just UT touching a base.

Walt

UT '81

Interesting info Walt..but I think this could indeed have an effect on the lawsuit..I think her attorneys will make an issue on the credibility ..or lack thereof ..of Dave Hart..and I think anything pertaining to this issue will be used by them in court and under oath..I think they may be allowed to address the issues he had at Fla State as part of their argument..we'll see..

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

in response to volnsc:

My thoughts exactly. Now I don't have a clue what is really going on here, but on the surface I think UT may lose their butts on this. This lady had superior reviews for years and suddenly, without any bad reviews by her superiors, she is fired. And they intend to support this with "an undated, unsigned, and unadressed letter from Warlick." Who at this level writes such letters? Just saying this episode might not pass the sniff test.

I think I remember being taught in school about something called ...the law of reasoning...don't seem to apply here..but usually does in court...

Written on Holly Warlick, Brian Pensky recommended firing of strength coach Heather Mason:

just my opinion..How can anyone be this stupid..Mason's attorneys have to love this..do you expect to convince a jury or judge this letter had nothing to do with the lawsuit..the evidence I see in this article indicates to me it does..

Written on Parallel lines in two lawsuits against Tennessee:

in response to SomeGuy:

It sounds like Mason was fired partly at the behest of Warlick for doing a lousy job. Why wait until the very last paragraph of the story to report that while letting the impression build throughout the rest of the story that she was fired for retaliation purposes?

On the other hand ..she may be protecting her job by going along with the powers that be..if Mason was not doing her job..would it have not been apparent before now..didn't the article say she was in that position for 10 years..and when Hart brought some guy into the Lady Vols program from Miss State ..did Holly not do the same..went along with Hart to help herself and not make Hart look like he was not hiring another crony..if I was in Holly's position..I'm sure I would do the same..wouldn't you..

Written on Parallel lines in two lawsuits against Tennessee:

I think the Jennings lawsuit is very different..I think it came about because Pat reported to Debbie Jennings that Hart had fired her and she was out ..I think I read where she went to Jennings and signed a document to that effect.. I think Jennings began to object to Hart's actions..I think Hart then reported there was a misunderstanding with Pat and called another meeting and gave her the job she now has..I think Jennings then filed her lawsuit ..after she was fired..if I am correct this will all come out when..make that..if..the lawsuit does go to trial..if the lawsuit is settled..I think it will mean UT has more to lose if it does go to trial..is anyone writing a book on this..going to be interesting..

Written on Pat Summitt's 1-year contract dips from $354,375 to $85,000 :

in response to GerryOP:

Thanks underthehill! Yup, we have crossed swords a few times ... no harm no foul.

No, don't watch wrestling. Do you?

I really don't watch much of anything except the Vols, the Broncos, the Yankees, and occassionally other sports. IMO, the rest is just a vast wasteland. I did watch "The Bible" series last month. Very well done.

Be well...

I confess..I do watch rasslin....now back to Pat..she is a UT legend..I have a picture in my den with her arm on my shoulder..got it at a golf tourn she sponsored..every team had their picture made with her and I made it clear I was going to stand next to her..I boasted and bragged that it was her idea to stand next to me..haven't found anyone yet who believes me..

Written on Pat Summitt's 1-year contract dips from $354,375 to $85,000 :

in response to GerryOP:

Wow! I just checked your profile ... all of 8 posts! And every one of them is mindless trash.

Your just like half of the clowns on here. Get a screen name, a keyboard, and anonymity and you become giants in your own mind. Sorry if I accused you of being 17, you're probably closer to 11.

Now quit messin' with our momma's 'puter, get out there and powerwash the trailer, and then get back in here and study your spelling words. Do you have any other homework you need to get done tonight?

OP..don't always agree with you..but I just about always get a chuckle at your way with words..wouldn't happen to watch wrestling would you..

Written on Pat Summitt's 1-year contract dips from $354,375 to $85,000 :

in response to Goodvol_1:

I think if you are looking at this from a financial perspective, you are missing the big picture. Pat is not only a treasure to the University of Tennessee, she is a treasure to women's basketball. She belongs to us and no one else can claim her. She built women's basketball. Every decision she made was for the good of UT and also women's basketball. She encouraged Candice Parker to dunk during games because it gave good publicity to women's basketball. It was totally against her "look at me" mentality that she hates but it helps the sport so she encouraged it. When you see the number of people who watch the Baylor games, Uconn, Notre Dame and others, Coach Summitt can take some of the credit for those crowds.

I consider it an honor that Coach Summitt would accept this position and spend her time with the Lady Vols, especially with her condition. My wife tells me that where you spend the most time is what you love the most. Coach Summitt wants to spend her time with the Lady Vols. I sure wouldn't want to be the person that told her she couldn't do that anymore. We owe her that and at any cost. I very much support Coach Summitt and her role with the Lady Vols.

I think you speak for the vast majority of women's basketball fans....women's basketball would not be what it is today without Pat setting the standard and others working to reach that level..a true UT legend..

Written on With contract to expire, UT working on new deal for Pat Summitt:

in response to Classof72:

There is no truth to the rumor that Dave Hart plans to replace Pat Summitt as Coach Emeritus with a former women's basketball coach from Alabama.

In an unrelated development, the National Transportation Safety Board is not sending a team to examine the wreckage of the UTAD. Fans, however, are cautioned not to try to hold their breath until things get better.

Have to agree with the last sentence..not sure about a team being sent..at some point..to examine the wreckage..and it appears someone has stepped in and stopped Hart from bringing in more bama cronies..after the Sunseri disaster..at least for the time being..so one the UT legends is not likely to be replaced by a former bama coach..

Written on UT athletic director Hart gets one-year extension, $50K bonus:

in response to Geofffourmyle:

The flaw in that argument is that he in no way sought out Coach Jones. He lucked out in getting him at all. Coach Jones could have gone to Colorado.

Walt

UT '81

I wonder if Peyton talked to him about coming to Colorado ..or going to UT....after the Sunseri disaster..how can anyone be stupid enough to think Hart made this hire..I don't think so..he had to have approval from the big dog..

Written on Venue change, anticipated debuts should bring breath of fresh air to Rocky Top League:

Good chance to see the new guys..I do plan to go..

Written on Mike Strange: Bray became the NFL draft's real "Mr. Irrelevant":

in response to FanNotSheep:

Two problems with that: 1) he had no one left to throw to, and 2) he doesn't really fit Jones' offense. For better or worse, the days of the pro style offense at UT are over for now. A mobile QB is needed to run things, and with no returning receivers it's hard to see how another year at UT would have helped Bray.

Seems to be the majority opinion of sports commentators I've heard..the only possible thing that will now help Bray is to get his act together and grow up..hope he does..

Written on Jarnell Stokes has a change of heart, will play junior season at UT:

in response to RIGHTISBETTERTHANLEFT:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Stokes is far tougher than Noel and would have a better chance of helping an NBA team as a rebounder than Noel ever would regardless of where he is drafted..just another over rated Ky NBA bench warmer..too skinny to carry a water bucket ..Stokes has the body and strength to rebound in the NBA ..Noels does not..

Written on Butch Jones' UT commitments high-ranked:

Jones has proven he is a public relations expert..UT fans have shown they long for a return to being competitive..61,000 attendance at spring game after a terrible season ..it's gonna be awhile but Jones appears to be on track to get er done..I have no W-L expectations for the coming season..just hope to see a team and coach give it all they have..every game ..every play..

Written on Tyler Bray shut out at NFL draft, but Mychal Rivera lands with home-state team:

in response to oldster:

And the coach that put up with so much of their acts.

have to agree..coach has to be a parent to his players sometimes ..and Dooley failed miserably..when discipline may have helped..he made excuses for Bray and Rogers..until it was too late..frankly..I know these two got what they asked for..but I still hope both become men and be successful..

Written on Tyler Bray shut out at NFL draft, but Mychal Rivera lands with home-state team:

..if any player thinks their behavior and attitude problems are cute..take a look at what it got Bray and Rogers..

Written on Mike Strange: Jarnell Stokes' return means high expectation for Cuonzo Martin, Vols :

Expectations will be higher and rightly so..the parts are in place..better bench strength and if Hubbs is as good as reported ..and I think he will be..better outside scoring..Stokes is still the key with his rebounding potential..just gotta get a mean streak and learn how to use that awesome strength..as John says..time for Martin to show us some coaching..

Written on Jarnell Stokes has a change of heart, will play junior season at UT:

in response to Colliervol:

Good thoughtful choice by Jarnell. Unlike the decision Tyler Bray made. Talk about misjudging people's opinion. I like the way the b-ball team is shaping up for next season. Should be a talented starting five.

Seems like sometimes it is very hard to see ourselves as others see us..example Tyler Bray..I never thought Stokes was this stupid and in the end I was right..he listened and made the right decision..and I agree the team should be very interesting next year..

Written on Jarnell Stokes staying for junior season at Tennessee:

in response to SevenT:

Cool, Stokes can lead Tennessee to another NIT!!

I can't remember if Ky made the NIT..now I remember..got beat by some John school no one ever heard of ..I barely remember UT beating them by 30..and seem to remember them being the most underacheiving team in the history of college sports..don't know if they got a banner for that to hang from the rafters but we could start a fund raiser to get them one ..it was well deserved and I will be glad to contribute..maybe getting 8 five stars next year will help them compete..we'll see..problem is ..there is only one basketball..

Written on Jarnell Stokes staying for junior season at Tennessee:

in response to SewaneeVolFan:

That's good for Jarnell and that's VERY good for UT. I think Stokes is a very good player, but I don't think he was close to ready for the NBA. Therefore, if he didn't have hardships that would force him to go for the money, for his development and his eventual longevity in the NBA, staying was best.

Since Coach Martin believes in honoring commitments, I don't see one of the scholarship players giving up his scholarship, nor do I see Coach Martin running someone off (Yemi ran himself off). Therefore, I guess an incoming player may be asked to grayshirt. Not sure how that works, but with the need for bigs, I'd guess it's not going to be the juco center, and with the need for more scoring and point guard play, I doubt it'll be one of the incoming backcourt stars. Who does that leave?

I think Coach Martin may have advised Washpun he would be more likely to play if he did transfer last year and I see no reason to think he would not do the same with a player like Reese..who may lack the speed and athletic ability to play defense..I did not see him on the floor after the Ga center did a spin move and left him standing flat footed..I never thought Stokes would leave and I am glad for him and UT that he stayed..his only hope to ever play in the NBA is to learn to use his body as Wes Unseld did and become a dominant rebounder..always in demand and usually has a long NBA career..I look for a very interesting team next year..

Written on Tennessee's Jarnell Stokes to announce intentions Saturday:

in response to tovolny:

I am surprised that he is even being considered as an NBA prospect. At this point, he is just not ready, and he is just too much of a kid. There are probably five ACC teams and five Big East teams that he would not be a starter. He has potential, no doubt, but he has not played against quality players enough to know what big time basketball is all about. I LOVE THE KID, I really do...but he could develop better in college than in Europe. I wish him the best.

Same here..and the drama serves no good purpose..from Martin or Stokes..

Written on UT's Dallas Thomas picked by Miami Dolphins in NFL draft:

in response to BluezVol:

It will be hard to believe that Dooley lost to Vanderbilt and Mizz with probably 5-6 Vols selected in this year's draft. Can you say un-der-a-chieve-r?

I think the Hart and Sunseri deal had more to do with it than the offense and Dooley..

Written on Cuonzo Martin expects to talk to Jarnell Stokes today about draft status:

If he does not stay at UT ..I have been 100% wrong..I think he..and his parents are intelligent people..Stokes is not ready to make a roster in the NBA..he could be later because of the potential he has to be a strong role player ..rebounder..

Features