Rocky Top Preview: We got hop son!!

Bruce Pearl has brought this team to heights it hasn't seen in a long time. Last season was a great one for the Volunteers, they were ranked as high as number one in the land and earned a number one seed for the tournament. They went 31-5, which was only bested by four other teams in the country. But for the second year in a row they couldn't manage to get past the sweet sixteen, this time bowing out to Louisville. Players gone from last years team include Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith, ladies man Jordan Howell, Ramar Smith, and Duke Crews. Jordan, JaJuan and Chris all graduated. Lofton and JaJuan are both pursuing life in the pros, with the former playing in Turkey and the latter just recently being cut by the Mavericks. Ramar and Duke were dismissed from the program for violations of the University of Tennessee’s substance-abuse policy and academic shortcomings. I am guessing the substance abuse led to the academic shortcomings.

Tyler Smith will be the unquestioned leader of this team. The transfer from Iowa had a fantastic sophomore season he led the Vols in assists (3.4 apg), rebounding (6.7 rpg) and field goal percentage (.536) and was third in scoring (13.6 ppg). He earned first team all-SEC honors. Smith has the size of a small forward, but often initiates the offense with his passing and ball-handling ability. He’ll likely look for his shot a little more this season considering all the firepower the Vols lost. Swingman JP Prince and Wayne Chism will also be counted on heavily as returning players. Chism is a load down low when he plays under control, and Prince’s slashing and athleticism are a great fit in Pearl’s offense. Brian Williams also return up front, giving the Vols some strength to bang down low, although he must watch his fouls more this year. Ryan Childress returns to infuriate me with idiotic three point attempts and untimely fouls.

With five players gone from last years team, there is a huge hole to fill. Bruce Pearl and his assistants did their very best to fill each hole, with equal or better talent. They did just that with the seventh ranked recruiting class in the country.

Headlining the recruiting class is Scotty Hopson, who will be the first McDonald's All-American to suit up for the Vol's since Vincent Yarborough. The 6'7 guard is a terrific athlete with good range on his jumper and should be an impact player from the first day of practice. He has the talent to be a one-and-done player, he is that good.

Emmanuel Negedu a native of Nigeria is a consummate energy guy who dunks whenever he can in traffic and has the ability to face-up and drive the lane. Renaldo Woolridge (aka "The Answer" ) the son of Orlando Woolridge, stands at 6'8 and has the ability to play guard and forward. He will mostly play at forward as he can stretch the defense but also crash the boards when needed. Bobby Maze, a JUCO All-American transfer, looks to battle for the starting point-guard spot with J.P. Prince. Whoever whens the starting gig should be a major upgrade from former would-be starter Ramar Smith. Daniel West provides depth at the two positions the Vols need most, the guard spots. But I wouldn't be surprised if he is red-shirted. Phillip Jurick rounds out the fantastic recruiting class. A 6'10 center out of Chattanooga, who will be looked at to contribute early and often. Especially if Chism and Brian Williams get into foul trouble, strike that, when Chism and Williams get into foul trouble.

The schedule should test the young team throughout the season, equipping them to be ready to make a good run come tournament time. I haven't taken a look at other programs schedules but I would venture to say that they have one of the toughest in the country.

Although they lost a ton of experience, they return enough upperclassmen to help guide them through the SEC. Mix in the talented freshmen, and the Vols are a threat to go deep in the NCAA Tourney once again. How far they go will depend on how quickly Hopson and the young guys adapt to the college game, but it looks like Tennessee basketball is here to stay.

Games to watch:
Old Spice Classic :Includes possible games vs. Georgetown, Maryland, Michigan St., Gonzaga, Oklahoma St., Siena, and Witchita State. Games can be seen on ESPN2. Takes place in Orlando from Nov. 27th- Nov. 30th.
Florida (ESPN Jan. 31st and @UF on CBS March 9th) College gameday crew will be on hand for home game vs. Florida
Kentucky (ESPN Jan. 13th and @UK on CBS Feb. 21st)
at Temple (ESPN, Dec. 13 at noon)
Marquette (ESPN, Dec. 16 at 9:30 p.m.)
at Kansas (ESPN, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m.)
Gonzaga (ESPN2, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m.)
Memphis (CBS Jan. 24th at 3:30)