View from 315A

On Saturday night, the Tennessee basketball team opened its 100th season with a 114-75 victory over Chattanooga. The game was considered a litmus test for the Vols as the Mocs are projected to win the Southern Conference North division this season. Many speculated that the game would be Bruce Pearl toughest season opener since taking over the program before the 2005-06 season.

The Vols exceeded expectations with a 39-point victory over a veteran Chattanooga team. Tennessee placed six players in double figures and the second half developed into fodder for the highlight reel. The final result was more indicative of the the Vols playing well than UTC playing poorly.

Perhaps the biggest negative of the game was that it inflated expectations to unrealistic territory.

Game Timeline:
First Half

• 19:27: Mocs Senior forward Kevin Goffney slipped near midcourt, traveled and sprained his right ankle. Ty Patterson, Goffney’s backup, entered the game and wound up playing 37 minutes. Goffney tried to walk off the pain and got his ankle rewrapped, but hecould not continue. The first of UTC’s 24 twenty-four turnovers cost the Mocs a possession and player.
  
• 16:22: Chattanooga's only lead came when two free throws by Khalil Hartwell put the Mocs up 8-7. J.P. Prince, who was questionable for the game because of an injured shoulder, came off the bench to help ignite the Vols with a breakaway layup that gave Tennessee a 9-8 lead. It started a 12-0 run, with five points from Bobby Maze.
  
• 12:11: Scotty Hopson connected on a three-pointer, completing a 17-2 (including the 12-0) UT run. This bucket was Hopson’s first official basket as a Vol. Hopson is Pearl’s first McDonald’s All-American.
  
• 10:01: With a Stephen McDowell three-point basket, the Mocs had sliced had a 14-point deficit in half, trailing 29-22 when Pearl called a 30-second timeout. Over the next 57 seconds, 3-pointers from Hopson and Tyler Smith and an old-fashioned three-point play by Maze extended the Vols’ lead to 38-22. UTC was never closer than 14 points the rest of the way. Tennessee outscored the Mocs 31-15 from the timeout to halftime.
  
• 0:00: Tennessee took a 60-37 lead into the intermission.

Second Half

• 20:00: The Vols kept the pressure on in the second half, opening with a 12-0 push to take a commanding 72-37 lead on another Hopson three. Tennessee cruised from there.
  
• 18:28: Scotty Hopson stole a pass in the backcourt, took one dribble and dunked over Keyron Sheard, who could only swipe at the ball as Hopson soared.
  
• 17:49: Tyler Smith converted an alley-oop over Sheard on the next possession.
  
• 11:56: Maze connected on another highlight reel alley oop to Hopson.
  
• 10:49: Tyler Smith’s jump shot gave the Vols 90-points and insured the fans a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.
  
• 8:09: An uncontested dunk by Cameron Tatum, who flew in from the left wing, gave Tennessee a 100-55 lead and forced John Shulman to call a timeout. The Vols never pulled ahead by more than those 45 points the rest of the way, tying that margin for the final time with 3:47 to go (111-66).

Game Notes:

• Tennesse’s win continued a 33-game home winning streak. It is the Vols' longest win streak in Thompson-Boling Arena history and tied the school record set from January 3, 1966, to February 3, 1968, under head coach Ray Mears. Tennessee's 33-game streak is the third-longest active streak in NCAA Division I. In his fourth season at UT, Bruce Pearl is 46-2 in Thompson-Boling Arena.
  
• Tennessee set a school-record with 32 assists. The previous mark (31) was set on another opening night, November 25, 1988, against Tennessee Tech. The Vols’ 32 assists came on 43 baskets (74.4%). This had been a concern in the previous (exhibition) game as Vols other than Bobby Maze combined for only six assists.
  
• The Vols held Chattanooga to 45 percent shooting, forced 24 turnovers and accumulated 12 steals. Tennessee scored 35 points off the 24 Mocs’ turnovers. In last season’s game, the Mocs committed 34 turnovers.
  
• The Vols outrebounded the Mocs 42-30. In last season's 76-70 win, Tennessee was outrebounded 46-31.
  
• Tennessee outscored the Mocs 62-16 inside. At one point, the Vols held a 54-8 points-in-the-paint edge.
  
• Tennessee shot 58.6% for the game.
  
• The 3-point line's move from 19'9" to 20'9" did not seem to faze the Vols as they made 11 of 29 attempts. Many of their misses came after the game had been decided. The Vols have made at least one 3-pointer in 356 consecutive games. Tennessee ranked 11th (9.3) and 25th (8.7) among Division I teams the last two seasons, respectively, in 3-pointers made per game.
  
• After losing the second half in their two exhibition games, Tennessee handily won the second half against Chattanooga.
  
• The Vols are 24-0 in non-conference home games under Bruce Pearl.
  
• Tennessee is 4-0 in home-openers under Pearl with an average margin of victory in those games of 27.5 points. It was the second time in coach Bruce Pearl's tenure that the Vols have scored 100 or more points to open the season. Tennessee scored 106 against East Tennessee State in 2005 in Pearl's first season.
  
• The point total for an opener was not a record. That came in that aforementioned game against Tennessee Tech in 1988 when the Vols scored 118.
  
• Tennessee holds a 31-5 all-time advantage in the series dating to 1913 and has won 8 of 9 since the Mocs moved up to Division 1. The previous two games in the series had been decided by an average of 3.5 points. The Vols had won 23 straight meetings against the Mocs until Chattanooga posted a 69-68 win over the Vols in Knoxville on December 5, 2004.
  
• UTC was far more experienced than Tennessee. Chattanooga started five seniors: Nicchaeus Doaks, Kevin Goffney, Khalil Hartwell, Stephen McDowell (who started his career at South Carolina), and Keyron Sheard. The Vols, by comparison did not have a senior dress. The Mocs, who return three starters from last year's 18-13 team, were tabbed by the Southern Conference head coaches as the preseason favorites in the North Division. Tennessee replaces four men in Pearl’s nine-man rotation.
  
• The Mocs also had several serious lapses in concentration. Most notably, Sheard threw the ball into UTC’s bench and Jasper Williams threw a one-handed pass to the Tennessee bench. Point guards Sheard and Williams combined for 11 turnovers.
  
• Chattanooga prayed after game.
  
• The sellout crowd of 21,864 was the fourth largest for a home opener. The arena used to be bigger.
  
• The game was televised on SportsSouth.

Player Notes:

• Tyler Smith, the SEC preseason Player of the Year, scored 21 points with 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Most of Smith’s production came in the second half after connecting on just 2 of 6 shots in the first half. Smith came out hot, scoring 7 of UT’s first 9 points of the second half. Smith shot 62% for the game (8-of-13). It was the fourth time in Smith’s Tennessee career that he scored more than 20.
  
• Cameron Tatum scored 19 points on 6 of 8 shooting including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. 13 of his points came in the first half.
  
• True freshman Scotty Hopson debuted with a 17-point performance. He was 7 of 11 from the field and 3 of 6 from 3-point range.
  
• J.P. Prince added 14 points and 5 assists on 7 of 10 shooting in 17 minutes. Prince sustained a right shoulder injury in practice on October 28th and had only returned to practice on Monday, (November 10th). Prince ignited the Vols when he checked into the game 1½ minutes into play. With a score of 1-1 and UT having missed its first three shots, Prince provided a spark, dunking 23 seconds after entering. Prince went on to score six of the Vols’ next eight points as UT went on a 17-2 run. Prince’s jump shot showed marked improvement, perhaps indicating the severity of last year's injuries. He even hit a three-pointer that was waived off due to a Emmanuel Negedu foul away from ball.
  
• Wayne Chism posted the fifth double-double of his career with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
  
• Point guard Bobby Maze had 10 assists and 1 turnover in 28 minutes. Mocs’ coach John Shulman acknowledged, “I thought he dominated the game.” He also scored 12 points. No Vol registered ten assists in a game last season. The last Vol to do so was Dane Bradshaw, who had 11 against Long Beach State.
  
• Maze is the Vols only healthy point guard. It was announced on Monday ( November 10th) that freshman Daniel West would not play this season. West had a college entrance exam flagged by the NCAA Testing Agency. On Friday (November 7th), the agency ruled against West. West is still allowed to be a student at Tennessee, but he would have to pay out-of-state tuition. West can stay at UT and try to gain his eligibility back next season, or he can transfer immediately to a junior college.
  
• Even returning walk-on Tanner Wild was (and remains) out with a back injury
  
• Walk-on point guard Michael Hubert entered with 10:56 left in the second half. The former Hendersonville High star had previously been cut by Chattanooga.
  
• Freshman Emmanuel Negedu was energetic and perhaps overzealous, fouling out with 3:10 left in the game. It has yet to be determined how to pronounce his name as the in-house p.a. system still pronounces his surname differently than radio broadcaster Bob Kesling.
  
• Steven Pearl played seventeen minutes, playing from 8:06-1:02 in the first half and the final 9:34 of the second half. With 2:59 remaining in the first half, Pearl made his obligatory attempt at drawing a charge. Like in the last exhibition game, it failed.
  
• Junior wing Josh Tabb remained out due to an undisclosed academic suspension. If he cannot play the point guard position, it does not appear he will play much.
  
• Stephen McDowell led Chattanooga with 20 points. The senior shot 7-for-13 (54%) from the field and 4-for-6 (66%) from beyond the arc.
  
• Junior College transfer Ty Patterson and Nicchaeus Doaks both added 16. Doaks grabbed nine rebounds.
  
• Mocs’ 6-7, 235-pound freshman forward Chris Early did not play as he will not be eligible until the end of the Fall Semester. Early initially signed with Oklahoma before enrolling at UTC. He was a high school teammate of O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies) and Patrick Patterson (Kentucky).
  
• 7'1" sophomore and Rocky Top league alum Jeremy Saffore was manhandled. He did not score in his eight minutes of play.

View from 315A

On Friday night, the Tennessee basketball team concluded its preseason with an 81-52 victory over the Tusculum Pioneers at Thompson-Boling Arena. (Note: This photo of our view is not the one from the previous game. I promise.)

Tusculum is a Division II school located in Greeneville, Tennessee. The Pioneers defeated No. 4 NAIA Division I Lee University 72-60 on November 1st in their previous preseason game and last season lost by only one point in an exhibition game at Vanderbilt, 80-79 on November 5th, 2007. This game would not be so close. (Read: Understatement.)

The Vols used a 36-0 run to mount a 40-2 lead and cruised to victory. With the score 40-2, the Vols were 16-of-21 from the floor while the Pioneers were just 1-of-15 with 14 turnovers. Tommy Klempin's layup with six minutes remaining in the half broke the drought. The biggest ovation of the night came on that bucket. It is never a good sign for you when the opponent's fans give you a sympathetic cheer.

The Vols led 49-12 at halftime. Tusculum shot just 15.8% from the field during the first half and 28.0% for the game.

In the second half, the Vols backed off of their press. In a postgame interview, Bruce Pearl explained that this was done as the team will be unable to press many opponents and the half-court game needed work. Clearly. This was evidenced as the Vols hit just five two-point baskets in the second half, down from 17 in the first half.

Tusculum opened the second half on a 12-4 run, climbing within 53-24 on a Kyle Moore four-point play. Tusculum outscored the Vols 13-3 over the final 3:32 and won the second half, 39-33.

Tennessee opens the regular season on Saturday, November 15th against Chattanooga at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on SportSouth. The Mocs are the preseason favorite to win the North division of the Southern Conference this season. The Moccasins return three starters from last year’s squad, which fell to Tennessee in Chattanooga, 76-70, on December 4th, 2007.

Game notes:

• The Vols played without Ryan Childress (recovering from offseason knee surgery), J.P. Prince (shoulder injury), Josh Tabb (team academic suspension), Daniel West (test accreditation issue), and Brian Williams (knee tendinitis).Williams was a late scratch and even announced as the starter but sat out after his knee flared up during pregame warm-ups.
  
• Tennessee has already been bitten by injuries more this season than in the rest of Bruce Pearl’s three-season tenure. Pearl did not rule any of the injured players out of the season opener.
  
• Only two contributors to the Vols’ successful 2007-2008 season, Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith, played in the game. Even when the team is healthy, the Vols must replace 47 points of offense from last season.
  
• Both returning contributors had double-doubles. Chism had 13 points and 10 rebounds while Smith added 12 points and 11 rebounds. Smith did not score during the game’s first 13 minutes.
  
• Freshman Renaldo Wooldridge started in place of Williams. Woodlridge led the team with 15 points, ten of which came in the opening thirteen minutes of play. Woolridge shot 6-of-12, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. His shooting range has been a personal point of emphasis.
  
• Despite the notable absences, a dozen Vols saw action.
  
• Freshman center Philip Jurick saw his first action of the season, checking in with 5:15 remaining in the first half. He missed the entire basket in his only shot attempt. He failed to score or get a rebound in his six minutes of action. In a postgame interview, Pearl reminded all involved to have “patience” with Jurick. (Read: Bigger understatement than this game was not close.)
  
• Junior college transfer Bobby Maze had six points and nine assists while attempting only five shots in 28 minutes. Unfortunately, the other Vols combined for only six assists.
  
• Walk-on point guard Michael Hubert played the other twelve minutes at the point and for the second consecutive game, did not turn the ball over. He also showed a solid jump shot, hitting one of three from three-point range and having another made three-pointer negated as Woolrigge was called for a charge before the shot. Hubert had previously failed to make Chattanooga’s taxi squad. What does that say about Tennessee's depth at point guard?
  
• The Vols second half collapse prevented the fans from getting a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A for the second game in a row. At one point, the student section chanted “Chicken sandwich” in hopes of energizing the team’s scoring efforts. Does anyone else suspect point shaving?
  
• With 3:32 left in the first half, Steven Pearl made his obligatory attempt at drawing the charge. He was called for a foul. The Vols really need to keep an attempted charge stat. Pearl may have already set a national record without being recognized. He certainly leads the nation in the highly competitive attempted charges per minute played category.
  
• The Pioneers out-rebounded the Vols 43-41. Yes, Tennessee was out-rebounded by a Division II squad.
  
• 6'3" junior Kyle Moore led all scorers with 23 points. Moore is a preseason first-team All-South Atlantic Conference selection. The guard from Gainesville, FL, had scored 35 points on seven three-pointers in the team’s first exhibition game and 30 points at Vanderbilt last season. Moore, however, had just five points in the first half on 1-of-8 shooting.
  
• Jimmy Boone, the Pioneer coach’s son, was the only other Pioneer in double figures, with 10.
  
• The game was marred by an exorbitant number of whistles (in additon to the disappointing Chick-fil-A snub). Tusculum was called for 24 fouls and the Troutman (Robert and Ryan) brothers accounted for nine fouls by themselves. I have not seen that much fouling in a game I did not participate in.
  
• Nineteen of the Vols’ 25 forced turnovers occurred during the first half. They scored 22 points off turnovers in the first half.
  
• The Vols shot only 45.5% from the field for the game and 30.8% from three.
  
• In the two exhibition games, the Vols are 30.0% from three, compared to 35.6% from three last season.
  
• Paid attendance was 20,421.

View from 315A

On Monday night, MPW, ROW, and I attended the Tennessee basketball team’s first exhibition game at Thompson-Boling Arena. The game marked the beginning of Tennessee’s one hundredth season of basketball. The Vols defeated the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds of Division II, 87-73. Paid attendance was 18,378 though far fewer actually attended.

The Vols’ performance showed a lot of room for improvement. The team got off to a slow start, trailing 11-2 before Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl utilized his first timeout. Tennessee’s first lead came on a Tyler Smith dunk with 11:03 remaining in the first half to go up 20-19. The Vols’ lead was accumulated primarily in one spurt. Down 25-24 with seven minutes left in the first half, the Vols went on a 16-3 run that produced a 40-28 lead. The Vols led 46-31 at the half but shot only 42.4 % from the field (14-of-33). They did heat up in the second half , hitting 57.1% on 16-of-28 field goals.

Game notes:

• UIndy coach Stan Gouard played under Bruce Pearl at Southern Indiana.
  
• This marks Tennessee’s first season featuring all Bruce Pearl recruits.
  
• The Vols played shorthanded, without the services of Ryan Childress, Philip Jurick, J.P. Prince, Josh Tabb, and Daniel West.
  
  • Childress is nursing a knee injury.
    
  • Prince sustained a shoulder injury in practice on October 29th. There is still hope that he will be able to play in the season opener on November 15th.
    
  • Tabb was serving a team-level suspension related to academics.
    
  • West was ruled academically ineligible after his standardized test score was flagged by the testing agency, according to two sources close to the situation.
  
  
• Junior College transfer Bobby Maze totaled 10 points, seven assists, and shot 3 of 6 from the floor and connected on all four of his free throw attempts.
  
• Due to the absence of Prince and West, walk-on point guard Michael Hubert played ten minutes. Hubert is from Hendersonville.
  
• The Vols had five players in double-figures, led by Tyler Smith's 14. He also accumulated six rebounds, four assists and a game-high three steals. Smith was named as the preseason SEC Player of the Year.
  
• Scotty Hopson scored 14 points in 28 minutes in his Tennessee debut.
  
• Freshman Emanuel Negedu, wearing Chris Lofton’s #5, had eleven points and six rebounds in only 12 minutes.
  
• Tennessee outrebounded the Greyhounds 40-29, including 15-7 on the offensive glass. Sophomore Brian Williams had a game-high twelve boards.
  
• Redshirt freshman Cameron Tatum scored eight points in fifteen minutes. He was also the Vols’ was the Vols’ “plus-minus” leader at 19. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery October 10th and has only been practicing since October 27th.
  
• The Vols totaled 17 assists and forced 28 turnovers despite the limited use of the full court press.
  
• Tennessee missed graduated players Lofton and Jajuan Smith’s shooting, hitting just four of 14 from three-point range.
  
• Fans implored UT to take a 3-point shot in the final seconds so that the Vols could score 90 points and they could redeem their game ticket for a free chicken sandwich as part of a promotion.
  
• UT begins the season ranked 13th in the Coaches’ Poll and 14th in the Associated Press Poll. The Vols began practice on October 17th.

View from 315A

I attended the final Monday night of the Rocky Top Basketball League at Bearden High School. I caught the second half of the second game and all of the night’s final contest.

In the second game, showboating nearly cost the HT Group their undefeated season. A Jalen Steele (rising Fulton High senior) 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left tied the game at 118 and a Daniel West miss at the buzzer sent the game into overtime. HT Group (6-0) won the 3:00 overtime to secure a 128-123 win over the Knoxville News-Sentinel (2-4). My notes:

• As usual Tyler Smith and Courtney Pigram led the way for the HT Group. Smith played all 43 minutes, finishing with 33 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
  
• Pigram hit his usual array of deep three-point baskets en route to 32 points.
  
• Daniel West added 19 points, eight assists and four steals.
  
• Overtime was all Damon Johnson for the News-Sentinel. He scored all of their points and the shot he did not take was swatted into the stands. Johnson finished with 30 points.
  
• The News-Sentinel chose to platoon their two big men, Philip Jurick and Jeremy Saffore, rather than every playing them simultaneously. Both play soft, laying up shots that could easily and more effectively be dunked.
  
• Jurick had nine points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, while Saffore added 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
  
• It is fitting that Jurick is wearing a red shirt for the News-Sentinel team as that is likely what he will be wearing for the Vols in the fall. Jurick was manhandled by the much smaller Smith inside.
  
• Cameron Tatum openly rooted for the News-Sentinel team at courtside.

The game’s final night saw Ray’s ESG (4-2) defeat Richardson Construction (1-5), 127-112. This is the game I came to watch as I did not want to miss the opportunity to see Steven Pearl flop or Bobby Maze “put it on for Tennessee”. Unfortunately, I only got to see the latter as Pearl was a no-show for the second consecutive game. My notes:

• Ray’s led throughout, with a 69-54 half time advantage.
  
• Ray’s three attending UT players, Bobby Maze, Scotty Hopson, and Brian Williams scored the majority of their points, 100 of 127 (79%).
  
• Brian Williams fared well against veteran big man John Mueller, even calling for a clear out on occasion.
  
• Williams exhibited his improved versatility, running the point on several occasions and hitting two three-pointers (both in the first half). He scored 29 points.
  
• Bobby Maze was again dominant, playing virtually the entire game, which is good as he will likely do so in the season.
  
• Maze’s defense as always was impressive. In the few times he was matched against Josh Tabb, he shut him down. At one point, Tabb called for a clear out against Maze. His shot was promptly blocked.
  
• Maze dunked three times, all one handed. His dunks are not flashy but effective. He alos was effective from behind the three-pint ark. He also threw the ball off of Mueller to himself on an inbounds play. He finished with 37 points.
  
• While Tabb’s hair design has grown out, Scotty Hopson now has designs in his. How long before the tattoos follow?
  
• I cannot determine whether Hopson settles for jump shots or he is merely working on this aspect of his game. He is very effective driving using his athleticism to finish or creativity to pass. In this league, however, even on clear outs, he appears to be looking for his jump shot which is far less consistent.
  
• Hopson scored 34 points including four dunks in the second half, two of the posterization variety. He had a 360 jam with 9:09 left and he reversed dunked a Maze pass off the backboard with 6:50 left.
  
• These dunks would have been the game’s highlight but Michael Blue stole the show. He had two dunks, with 2:02 and 1:19 remaining on the clock respectively, that had those left on their feet. Blue was great throughout, finishing with a game-high 40 points.
  
• The second of Blue's dunks is on video on this blog.
  
• Lady Vol signee Glory Johnson from Webb School was in attendance. Her Webb teammate Faith Dupree committed to UT for the 2009-2010 season last week. How did they not win a state championship?

As always, I must comment on the atrociousness of the announcer. He is actually getting worse, a feet I would not have thought possible. He requested pizza, harangued his friend Mario McClunie, and actually took the name of Jesus in vain on several occasions from the mic. In addition, he has added singing and a horrible Bill Walton impression that makes his Barkley counterpart sound good. The crowd has gotten so adept at tuning him out that even his useful and authoritative reminder that fans situated under the basket must stand went entirely neglected.

The league closes on Wednesday night. The first game pits seeds 3 and 4 with the News-Sentinel squad playing Toyota of Knoxville. The championship game follows with Ray’s ESG playing the undefeated HT Group. Having seen all of Ray’s games and preferring their style of play and Bobby Maze, I am rotting for them. The previous match up between the two teams went into overtime.

The league’s MVP finalists have been cut to five: Tyler Smith and Courtney Pigram ( HT Group), Bobby Maze and Scotty Hopson (Ray's ESG), and Cameron Tatum (News-Sentinel). Not surprisingly, I believe Maze has earned the honor.

Rocky Top League Summaries for June 30:

First Tennessee 92 (42. 50), Toyota of Knoxville 91 (47, 44)
First Tennessee (92): Eryk Watson 10, John Higgins 24, Jordan Johnson 4, Chris Carney 3, Zach Hyatte 13, Boo Jackson 24, Ben Bosse 9.
Toyta of Knoxville (91): Dan Walter 3, Dane Bradshaw 23, Tony White Jr. 21, Jared Stevens 11, Reshard Lee 3, Karill Yakovlev 2, Issiah Brown 4, Carlton Hill 12, Andy Tipton 12.

HT Group 128 (54, 64, 10), News Sentinel 123 (42, 76, 5)
HT Group (128): Courtney Pigram 32, Tyler Smith 33, Daniel West 19, Ryan Walden 12, Chris Connor 7, J.T. Blair 4, Michael Jenkins 7, Kyle Huckins 2, Greg Hamlin 12.
News Sentinel (123): Jalan Steele 25, Damon Johnson 30, Raul Placeres 22, Cameron Sharp 8, Chauncy Thompson 9, Keith Bower 6, Jeremy Saffor 14, Philip Jurick 9.

Ray’s ESG 127 (69, 58), Richardson 112 (54, 58)
Ray’s ESG (127): Mario McClunie 2, Alex Oliver 5, Alex Bowers 10, Riley Hunley 2, James Gallman 8, Bobby Maze 37, Scotty Hopson 34, Brian Williams 29.
Richardson Construction (112): Adam Plavich 7, Skylar McBee 4, Andy Hill 2, Josh Tabb 24, Michael Blue 40, Rob Zalucki 14, Bobby Guyton 2, John Mueller 19.

View from 315A, #2

Not unexpectedly, none of Tennesses three seniors were drafted in tonight’s NBA draft.

Anthony Randolph (LSU, 14th to Golden State) and Marreese Speights (Florida, 16th to Philadelphia) were the only SEC players taken in the first round.

View from 315A

MPW and I went to Bearden High School for the fifth night of the Rocky Top Basketball League on Thursday. This is the only Thursday night the league plays all summer and many fans forgot that games were in session. It was nice to have leg room.

Having comsumed quite a bit of basketball already this week, we opted to attend only the 7:30 game. We picked a good game. Ray’s ESG defeated Toyota of Knoxville 114-112. The game went down to the wire. Trailing by one and with only seconds remaining, Jared Stevens missed two free throw attempts. Scotty Hopson responded by hitting one of two foul shots to give Rashard Lee a good look at the buzzer, but in a rare moment on this night, his shot was off. My notes:

• The matchup between Brian Williams and Wayne Chism was a draw, with each cancelling the other out.
  
• Rashard Lee hit six three-pointers in the first half and after five minutes had outscored the Ray’s team.
  
• Tony White Jr was great in the clutch, as usual.
  
• Scotty Hopson actually smiled while guarding Wayne Chism. Though physically demonstrative, his face is usually deadpan throughout.
  
• Ray’s coach was out of town on business and it actually affected the game. At one point, they had guard Alex Oliver guarding Wayne Chism (with both Hopson and Williams out) and once the two bigger men reentered the game, Hopson guarded Chism and Williams guarded Lee, creating detrimental mismatches.
  
• The biggest absence was that of Steven Pearl, and on picture night no less. I would like to think somewhere in the world he was flopping drawing charges on nonexistent offenders.
  
• The announcer actually made a funny comment announcing Carlton Hill as “Barack Obama”. They do look alike. He then eliminated the humor by referring to the comparison constantly and laughing excessively at his own joke.
  
• The fact that he has worn thin was evidenced by none of his call and responses receiving any attention Even announcing his own mother’s presence drew crickets.

View from 315A

MPW, his father ROW, and I attended the fourth night of the Rocky Top Basketball League at Bearden High School. Though the crowd was still substantial, attendance was at its lowest of the four nights of the league thus far.

The first game of the night was a 108-60 blowout win from Ray’s ESG (2-2) over the News-Sentinel (1-3). My notes:

• The News-Sentinel team had many no-shows. They began the game with only six players and were so shorthanded that 6'4" guard Keith Bauer (Roane State) tipped against 6'10" Brian Williams. He lost.
  
• Five minutes into the game, Chattanooga’s 7'1" Jeremy Saffore and Dontay Hampton arrived. Saffore did no better defending Brian Williams than the guards.
  
• Williams scored a game-high 20 points (on 10-of-14 shooting) against his heavily outmanned opponents. He also added ten rebounds.
  
• Williams’ nicknames of “Big Baby” and “Da Neighborhood” seem to be sticking.
  
• Damon Johnson arrived very late. A timeout was taken to insert him into the game with 6:47 left in the first half. His team already trailed 44-15 at that point. By halftime it was 56-23.
  
• For the second consecutive game, Ron Slay did not play for the News-Sentinel squad.
  
• Philip Jurick failed to show up for the second time in four games. He has scored only 12 points combined in the two games he has played.
  
• In my opinion, Bobby Maze was the most impressive player on the court. His relentless defense, vocal leadership, and court management dominated the moments he was in. I would say that he “put it on for Tennessee” if I had any idea what that meant.
  
• Scotty Hopson showed flashes of brilliance, having the three most exciting plays of the game - two blocks and a tomahawk windmill dunk 4:07 into the second half .
  
• Everything Hopson does seems so effortless. His grace coupled with his deadpan facial expressions make him appear lazy.
  
• You would think that the News-Sentinel, which has countless sportswriters paid to cover area basketball, could field a better team with “experts” involved.
  
• As always the most important stat of the game was that Steven Pearl did not attempt to take a charge. I can only hope that the lax officiating in these games does not hurt one of the all-time greatest floppers.
  
• His father, Bruce (pictured with freshman point guard Daniel West), did attend the game.

The next game saw Tyler Smith’s HT Group defeat Cameron Tatum’s First Tennessee squad, 96-94. My notes:

• The HT Group remained undefeated. It was their third straight win by three or fewer points.
  
• Michael Jenkins hit two free throws with 0.7 seconds to seal the win.
  
• Jon Higgins kept his team close with great second half shooting but two critical turnovers in the game’s closing seconds lost the game. He led his team with 24 points.
  
• Until this game, First Tennessee had been Cameron Tatum vs. The World but an injury derailed this pattern. Tatum was shaken after a dunk and eventually left the game. Evidently he suffered a strained groin. His team stayed close without him. Tatum scored all thirteen of his points in the first half before sitting out most of the second half.
  
• Tatum’s hang time may be his best asset.
  
• The usual suspects led the HT Group: Tyler Smith (23 points, pictured) and Courtney Pigram (31 points).

I left before the last game as it held little interest for me. What is Josh Tabb’s bigger indignity - being on the Richardson Construction Team or his present hair cut?

The best aspect of the night was that the sound system was down for the first half and the first 2:35 of the second half. The person who remedied this "problem" is now on “my list.”

Evidently, my crew is not the only one appalled by the commentating. The league commissioner is well aware and hoping for more subdued performances. This criticism is evidently not lost on the announcer either as he instructed, “If I’m doing a bad job commentating send all complaints tohttp://www.idontcare.com/. The site does exist, but there is nowhere to lodge a compliant. We may complain about that.

YouTube should give the announcer an endorsement deal and Charles Barkley should sue for character defamation due to his oft repeated impressions.

Note: Images were taken from “The View from the Hill” blog. Check out his accounts of the game here. He actually stayed for all three games.

View from 315A

As many of you know, incoming Tennessee point guard Bobby Maze aka "B Maze" had a rap video before signing with Tennesee. Well, now he has posted a new rap video titled "Put On For Tennessee." You can check the video out here. It was dded to YouTube on June 20th.

In the "song", he predicts a championship and references many of his new teammates, his ubiquitous cousin, and his tattoos.

Here are the lyrics:

Huh? I put on.
I put on for Tennessee.
I'm here, the solution has arrived.
I put on I put on I put on for Tennessee (repeated)
Like this, I had to sweep em out, just like ugly.
Told em I'm put in on, yes I'm the Tennessee.
I ain't really playin, got the ball yeah pull the clipse.
You goin catch me throwin alley hoops to Tylie Smith.
You ain't got to worry, bout that, yeah on the ski.
Don't forget about the All-American Hopson.
B Maze, be amazed, this thing is not a game.
Who am I to blame?
Maryland, never change.
Yeah I'm on a mission, they got me on the c.
Same routine, in the gym, you know what I mean.
I can't forget about my man Prince.
Can't forget about my man Prince.
But now I'm bringin it back.
Yeah they catch me on the scene.
And they catch me on the site.
And I'm feelin alright.
Everybody say "why you got so many tatoos?"
Cause I guess there's its lot of things that I've been through.
Well you can't get me out of my rhythm.
At the five hollar at my man Wayne Chism.
And tell throw it down, I'm a put it on your block.
If you bring it to the rim, yeah Cameron block your shot.
I ain't playin, can't forget about my man Cam Tatum.
Yall better stop playin, yall some potatoes.
We gonna run the SEC, you don't want to play with me.
Got my cousin right here, what you tryin to do?
I've been working on my game, yeah kid got flow.
Left Oklahoma alone, did my thing in JUCO.
Player of the Year in the conference,
Look at my feet, nothing on but steady marchin.
You can see I put it on for Tennessee.
And I'm the only 10 that you see.
Can't forget, can't wait for the season.
Promise a championship, can't wait till the season.
For Tennessee, I put on for Tennessee, I put on. (repeated)
Yo, like this, like this hey.
They gonna need yo.
They better call a cab.
Defense better watch over with Josh Tabb.
Cause he gonna strap it up, and I'm a wrap it up.
And its gonna be like Shaq gots cappin up.
This is what we do.
If you talk trash, man we comin for you.
Right here, we have no fears.
There is no exceptions, I'm a Volunteer.
Why you mad at me, cause I got an orange and white?
But I don't think you want to start a fight, tonight.
I ain't playin cause this team is just the best.
And a shout out to the point guard Daniel West.
Cause he gonna rake you up, and he gonna shake you up.
And what he don't do I'm gonna make it up.
Cause this is what I do.
Yeah I'm talkin to you.
And everything I say, best believe, it is true.
Is yall mad at me?
Is yall crazy?
Can't forget about my man Big Baby.
From the NYC. That's New York City.
And yall mad at me better get your committee.
And little girl, I'm gonna rock your world.
Cause we gonna press, thanks to coach Pearl.
So you better watch out, you know what we about.
And about to lounge, like I'm chillin on the couch.
I am the resolution, am the solution.
And all you haters is just pollution.
Leave me alone. Leave me alone.
We coming for that championship....home.
For Tennessee, I put on for Tennessee, I put on. (repeated)
Ha!

View from 315A

On Monday night, MPW and I attended the first two games of the third night of the Rocky Top Basketball League at Bearden High School. Note: The league has finally updated its web page.

The first game saw the First Tennessee team defeat Ray’s ESG 95-93. My notes:

• Cameron Tatum consistently outplayed Scotty Hopson, whom he will be competing with for playing time. Tatum scored 43 and remains the league’s leading scorer. In three games he has had and 37, 42, 43 points for a 40.5 average.
  
• Hopson finished with 20 points. He did not start as he arrived right at tipoff.
  
• Hopson runs at such an intentionally methodical pace that it has to consume more energy than running the court at all times.
  
• Brian Williams returned after missing the last game with a strain suffered while lifting weights.
  
• Bobby Maze showed great range on defense. He guarded Cameron Tatum on the perimeter and Zach Hyatte in the post. He is one of the few players in the league who conscientiously plays defense. He also scored 20 points and hit on three-pointers. Though his range is not the highlight of his game, Tennessee will lose little in this department with Maze replacing Ramar Smith (only 5 of 22) at the point guard position.
  
• At several junctures, Ray’s ESG had four Vols on the floor at one time: Hopson, Maze, Steven Pearl, and Williams.
  
• After being booed for not receiving a charge call on Brian Williams, Ben Bosse sealed the win for his team, scoring many points in crunch time. The former Tennessee walk-on and current King College Tornado finished with 21 points.
  
• Most importantly, Steven Pearl did not draw a charge the entire game. He did not even attempt on in the first half! His only flop came 14:52 into the second half. His highlight was yelling “Oh shit!” so loud 17:54 in game that the otherwise worthless p.a. announcer even had to comment on it. Oh, and he scored 13 points.
  

  The games were played inexplicably with a wave basketball. Why?

The next game saw the HT Group (featuring Tyler Smith) come from behind to defeat Toyota of Knoxville (Wayne Chism) 102-99 in a battle of the league’s previously undefeated teams. My notes:

• Wayne Chism arrived before the first game after leaving early in his last game. There was no incident at this game. He scored 27 points. In failed to score in two crucial possessions, including an embarrassing air ball while trying to take Smith off of the dribble.
  
• Smith wore Chism’s #4 warm up jersey as he wears #4 for his team in this league. He led all scorers with 29 points on 13-of-25 shooting.
  
• After hitting 11-of-12 three-point attempts in the previous game, Courtney Pigram was not as hot in this game. He still scored 21 points.
  
• College of Charleston’s Tony White Jr. Rose to the occasion hitting a three-point bucket and an amazing driving basket to keep his team close. He finsihed with eleven points.

MPW and I left before the last game as it featured the league's two worst teams and only two current Tennessee players (Philip Jurick and Josh Tabb).

The dimunitive p.a. announcing was still nauseating. In addition to giving shout outs to anyone he knew who entered the gym, the man attempted to set a record for how many “I see ya, young fellas” can be inserted into a game. His, "Yes, sirs" were equally annoying.

Rocky Top League summaries for June 23.

First Tennessee 95 (49, 46), Ray’s ESG 93 (41, 52)
First Tennessee (95): Justin Walker 2; Eyrk Watkins 3; John Higgins 12; Jordan Johnson 2; Cameron Tatum 43; Zach Hyatt 12; Ben Bosse 21.
Ray’s ESG (93): Alex Oliver 2; Alex Bowers 8; Logan Johnson 9; James Gallman 5; Steven Pearl 13; Bobby Maze 20; Scotty Hopson 20; Brian Williams 16.

HT Group 102 (48, 54), Toyota of Knoxville 99 (57, 42)
HT Group (102): Courtney Pigram 21; Tyler Smith 29; Daniel West 13; Cole Rose 7; J.T. Blair 2; Michael Jenkins 14; Kyle Huckins 4; Greg Hamlin 12.
Toyota of Knoxville (99): Wayne Chism 27; Dane Bradshaw 14; Tony White Jr. 11; Jerrod Stevens 5; Reshard Lee 15; Issiah Brown 12; Carlton Hill 2; Andy Tipton 13.

News-Sentinel 106 (53, 53), Richardson Construction 96 (40, 56)
News Sentinel (106): Jalan Steel 19; Damon Johnson 34; Raul Placeres 20; Cameron Sharp 21; Keith Bower 2; Jeremy Saffor 4; Philip Jurick 6.
Richardson Construction (96): Elmar Kuli-Zade 8; Skylar McBee 3; Terrance Oglesby 25; Josh Tabb 25; Rob Zalucki 7; Bobby Guyton 11; John Mueller 17.

View from 315A

On Wednesday night, I joined JTL, his wife JiL, and MPW at Bearden High School for the final game of that night’s Rocky Top Basketball League. We all wanted to see the marquee match up of Tyler Smith’s HT Group team against Scotty Hopson’s Ray’s ESG squad. With the league’s shortened schedule, it was to be the only meeting between the two during the summer.

The game was phenomenal and the glorified pickup game became hotly contested in the second half. ETSU standout Courtney Pigram sent the game into overtime with an amazing fall away 36-foot three-point basket contested by two defenders with no time remaining on the clock. In overtime, he hit another three-point basket to win the game, 131-128 for the HT Group. Pigram finished with 45 points. He was 17-of-29 from the floor, and 11-of-12 beyond the 3-point arc including 3-of-3 in overtime.

The most intriguing aspect of the game, pitted Tennessee’s two incoming point guards against each other. Junior college transfer Bobby Maze completely outclassed freshman Daniel West. Maze scored a game-high 47 while continually talking trash to his rival. Maze hit 17 of 29 shots from the floor and 11-of-16 from the foul line. Maze, one of the few players who plays defense in the league, even got a five-second call on West. He also drove the lane and hit a bucket (and subsequent foul shot) over two defenders with less than ten seconds remaining in regulation that would have won the game for his team if not for Pigram’s heroics. Maze scored all eight of his team’s point in overtime. Though overmatched by his thug-like teammate, West did, however, play far better on Wednesday than Monday finishing with 15 points.

Despite being overshadowed, Smith and Hopson did entertain with some fantastic dunks. Smith finished with 29 points on 14-of-21 shooting and 12 rebounds while Hopson scored 33 on 13-of-29 shooting (6-of-7 at the free throw line) adding 13 rebounds. Hopson’s two high scoring outings could still be classified as quiet. Hopson also eased my fears that he will follow in the footsteps of the similarly built and hyped Vincent Yarbrough, a highly touted McDonald’s All-American who underwhelmed due to poor work ethic by diving for a loose ball in the hotly contested second half.

South-Doyle High School graduate and Coastal Carolina junior to-be Logan Johnson was also impressive with 23 points on an array of dunks and jump shots.

In the most important stats of the game, Steven Pearl drew his first charge 17:21 into the first half. He had two convincing (to me) flops while guarding Tyler Smith at the 5:56 and 14:04 marks of the second half but no fouls were called. Yes, amazingly, Pearl went a half without getting a charge called.

In other Rocky Top League news: Emmanuel Negedu, the nation’s highest-rated unsignedplayer announced his commitment to the Vols on Tuesday, selecting Tennessee over Georgia Tech, Indiana and Memphis...Wayne Chism childishly sat during the second half of his game after being criticized by teammates for his lack of hustle...The News-Sentinel team played without incoming UT freshman Phillip Jurick, who is out with an undisclosed foot injury. ... UT center Brian Williams did not show up as he had a strain in the weight room that needed to heal. . ... Incoming UT freshman Renaldo Woolridge isn't enrolling until the second term of summer school (July 7) and likely will not play in the league despite being on the News-Sentinel roster....The P.A. announcer is still the most obnoxious person in Knoxville.

Rocky Top League summaries for June 18.

News Sentinel 104 (52, 52) , Toyota of Knoxville 96 (50, 46)
Toyota of Knoxville (104): Wayne Chism 9, Dane Bradshaw 7; Tony White Jr. 14; Jared Stevens 9; Rashard Lee 28; Tanner Wild 2; Kirill Yakovlev 2; Isiah Brown 21; Carlton Hill 3; Andy Tipton 9.
News Sentinel (96): Jalen Steele 22; Damon Johnson 11; Raul Placras 13; Cameron Sharp 4; Chauncey Thompson 3; Keith Bauer 7; Ron Slay 30; Jeremy Saffore 6.

Richardson Construction 122 (60, 62), First Tennessee 118 (52, 66)
Richardson Construction (122): Adam Plavich 6; Skylar McBee 16; Andy Hill 3; Terrence Oglesby 35; Josh Tabb 28; Michael Blue 19; Bobby Guyton 4; John Mueller 11.
First Tennessee (118): Dustin Brown 3; Justin Walker 8; Eryk Watson 9; John Higgins 14; Jordan Johnson 4; Chris Carney 2; Cameron Tatum 42; Boo Jackson 30; Ben Bosse 4; Marko Costic 2.

HT Group 131 (66, 54, 11), Ray’s ESG 128 (57, 63, 8)
HT Group (131): Courtney Pigram 45; Tyler Smith 29; Daniel West 15; Cole Rose 4; Ryan Walden 2; Michael Jenkins 23; Kyle Huckins 2; Greg Hamlin 11.
Ray’s ESG (128): Mario McClurie 2; Alex Bowers 4; Logan Johnson 23; James Gallman 3; Steven Pearl 7; Bobby Maze 47; Scotty Hopson 33; Ben Williamson 9.

View from 315A

Tonight I attended the opening two games of the second annual Rocky Top Basketball League with JTL and MPW at Bearden High School.

There was one major improvement over last year. Bearden has placed a large fan (for air conditioning, not an obese supporter) at the front of the gym which amazingly increases ventilation.

The one negative difference came in the form of the public address system. On the first night of last year’s league there was no p.a. announcer. This was unfortunate as it was difficult to decipher who was who. As this year showed, there are worse problems. They have installed perhaps the most annoying p.a. announcer in human history. He began at the end of last season and wants to recreate the And One atmosphere as he interjects “commentary” after every play. At one point he literally turned the microphone on so that we all knew he was laughing at Ron Slay. MPW and I have begun plotting to cut the wires. Any suggestions?

Most of the UT team participated. J.P. Prince (shoulder surgery) and Ryan Childress (on crutches) were there but did not play. Renaldo Woolridge was slated to play in the first game but did not attend.

The two games I saw were total blowouts. The “coaches” who selected current UT players were rewarded heavily. The first game saw the team sponsored by the HT Group rout the News Sentinel team, 123-76. My game notes:

• Tyler Smith, who announced on April 24th he would return for a junior season scored a game high 32 points for the HT Group. He added 12 rebounds, and six assists. He was the first pick in the draft for this league and showed why. Early in the second half, he blocked a shot (with both hands!) , hit a fall-away three-point bucket from the wing and knocked down a fading 15-foot jumper in under a minute.
  
• UT freshman point guard Daniel West was largely unimpressive. He was clearly the quickest and fastest player on the court, but is greatly undersized. He scored only six points in a game absent of defense. He worked his way open but often failed to finish.
  
• 6'10" Freshman center Philip Jurick was less impressive than West. After losing the opening tip to the more athletic Tyler Smith, his first shot was rejected by a much smaller player. He grabbed five rebounds and blocked six shots but had nearly as many fouls. His only points came on an easy two-handed stuff.
  
• Jurick looked far older than his promotional photos and his complexion has cleared significantly. His arms are covered with tattoos.
  
• Unlike virtually every other UT player the past two seasons, Jurick had virtually no interaction with his teammates despite remaining for the last two games.
  
• Former UT player and 2003 SEC player of the year Ron Slay led the News-Sentinel squad with 28 points, but missed two relatively open dunks.
  
• The HT Group also featured Lee University star and personal favorite Cole Rose. He is a poor man’s Dane Bradshaw. Rose is growing his hair out. He had two dunks, one of which saw he and Smith alone on one half of the court with him taking the dunk himself.
  
• Last year’s league MVP and former UT player Damon Johnson was the News-Sentinel team’s top selection. His brother Jovan, who played at Penn State, was in attendance.
  
• The aforementioned nauseating p.a. announcer really liked East Tennessee State's Courtney Pigram's shoes. I know. he mentioned it often over the p.a.

The second game was more lopsided than the first. Ray’s ESG (formerly Kingston Alley) dominated the Richardson Construction team 140-115. The game was far more decisive than the 25-point margin indicates. My notes:

• Ray’s ESG featured four current UT players while Richardson featured only one.
  
• The game marked the first Knoxville game of the much ballyhooed McDonald’s All-American Scotty Hopson. He was very wiry and needs to add a great deal of weight to play at the next level. Even so, he was quite impressive. Every move he made seemed effortless. He had some impressive dunks, caught anything thrown near him, and had a smooth stoke.
  
• Hopson finished with 25 points including three three-pointers in limited playing time due to the vast point discrepancy. He hit on 11 of 20 attempts.
  
• Hopson demonstrated more showmanship than any UT player since Slay, signalling the crowd after dunks.
  
• Hopson was the only UT freshman in attendance with no visible tattoos. I am thinking of starting a pool to see how long that lasts.
  
• Junior college transfer Bobby Maze was also on the Ray’s ESG squad and far outclassed Daniel West, his competition for the starting point guard position. He has an uncanny resemblance to Allen Iverson. Do not ask him about it though. See the “Separated at Birth?” post for the story there. Maze had 14 points and nine assists.
  
• Bruce Pearl was allowed to attend this game as his son participated. He stayed throughout.
  
• Steven Pearl predictably took a charge with 1:11 into the first half and 1:07 into the second half. In a league where fouls are kept at a minimum to insure a frenetic pace, Pearl still was able to draw charges that quickly. The man is a flopping genius!
  
• Though he continues to add even more muscle, his skin has yet to turn green delaying our hopes that he will become the living embodiment of the Incredible Hulk.
  
• Brian Williams also appears to have dropped weight and played and looked great, often matched against John Mueller, a 6'10" center who played at Marquette from 1997-2001. Williams scored 21 points.
  
• The only current UT player on the Richardson roster is Josh Tabb. He has had designs shaved into one (and only one) side of his head. We are hoping he lost a bet or is attempting to ridicule Florida players for having similar dos. The probability of this is not good. Tabb scored 26 points.
  
• Richardson also drafted former UT player Stanley Asumnu who did not play on this night.

Having enough of the highly annoying p.a. announcer, I left midway through the third game. To commemorate Wayne Chism’s birthday, his teammates doused him with silly string before the game. The final contest was evidently the best game of the night with Dane Bradshaw scoring 27 points to lead his Toyota of Knoxville over First Tennessee, 109-101. Cameron Tatum scored 37 points in the loss. Coming off minor knee surgery, he hit 13 of 30 shots.

We did not leave before first talking with Tyler Smith. We thanked him for returning. JTL, who has less tact than me (seiously), asked him about the rumors of JaJuan Smith's drug dealing. He vehemently denied the rumors. I believe his exact words were, "Hell no!" Then again, I would not expect him to tell me were it true. His adamance gave me assurance though.

View from 315A

The draft for the second annual Pilot Rocky Top Basketball League was held last night at 7 pm at Ray's ESG. Games begin Monday at Bearden High School. The teams are as follows with overall draft number in parentheses:

HT Group: Tyler Smith (1); Courtney Pigram (11); Daniel West (12); Michael Jenkins (23); Cole Rose (24); Greg Hamlin (35); Kyle Huckins (36); J.T. Blair (47); Chris Conner (49); Ryan Walden (60)

Toyota of Knoxville: Wayne Chism (2); Dane Bradshaw (10); Rashard Lee (13); Andy Tipton (22); Tony White Jr. (25); Kirill Yakvolev (34); Isiah Brown (37); Jared Stevens (48); Jimmy Boone (50); Dan Walter (59)

Rays ESG: Scotty Hopson (3); Bobby Maze (9); Brian Williams (14); Logan Johnson (21); Steven Pearl (26); Alex Oliver (33); Alex Bowers (38); Ben Williamson (46); James Gallman (51); Mario Mcclurie (58)

News-Sentinel: Damon Johnson (4); Ron Slay (8); Renaldo Woolridge (15); Phillip Jurick (20); Jalen Steele (27); Raul Placeras (32); Cameron Sharp (39); Jeremy Saffore (44); Chauncey Thompson (52); Keith Bauer (57)

Richardson Construction: John Mueller (5); Terrence Oglesby (7); Stanley Asumnu (16); Josh Tabb (19); Bobby Guyton (28); Elmar Kuli-Zade (31); Michael Blue (40); Rob Zalucki (45); Skylar McBee (53); Adam Plavich (56)

1st Tennessee: Cameron Tatum (6); John Higgins (17); Jordan Howell (18); Zach Hyatte (29); Ben Bosse (30); Eryk Watson (41); Marko Costic (42); James Boo Jackson (43); Justin Walker (54) Dustin Brown (55)

View from 315A

On Saturday night, June 7th, MHD and I attended the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)’s “60 Years of Excellence” at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The NWA is the oldest and largest governing body in professional wrestling. Despite claims of resurgence, the operation is known far more for its past than its present.

The event must have been a financial disaster. As of Friday (the day before the show), the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that ticket sales were at 491 with 2400 free tickets being distributed throughout the city. There was potential for this to be the biggest debacle in wrestling since the UWF notoriously put on "Beach Brawl" in 1991. We were honestly just pleased that the event was not cancelled as we walked to the ticket booth. It seems that many of the freebies were used and though heavily papered, the crowd was not overly embarrassing.

Though this event might have been better suited for a conference room in the adjacent World Congress Center, it was cool to see our childhood favorites get one more shot at an arena where the lights went down and the spoltlight shone on them. The event’s film crew consisted of a guy with his home video, which may benefit the show by masking the empty seats. A ring bell was not used until late in the show when Chase Stevens used it as a weapon in a match. Perhaps the time keeper did not know what the bell in front of him was for.

We decided to sit in the cheap seats as we figured we could easily walk down whenever we wanted. We honestly thought attendance might rival the legendary Jerry Lawler-Terry Funk empty arena match where the area was, well empty. I felt like Matt Brock taking notes from the confines in the darkened rafters, or at least a Sklar brother.

This marked the first time I had ever been inside of Philips Arena, the nondescript home of the NBA’s Hawks and NHL’s Thrashers. Though nice, it seems the builders tried to make the building as generic as possible.

We first checked the concession stand. I sought to buy a program seeing as how we were unfamiliar with many of the acts on the show. This proved problematic. I kept saying they “have to” have a program to which MHD corrected my inaccurate wording. They did not “have to” have a program, they “should” have had a program. They probably should have, but after talking to several workers we learned they did not. It actually added to the show as we were continually surprised by who walked out of the curtain.

Though they sold no programs, they did sell Antonino Rocca (1921-1977) shirts. I realize that he was a great wrestler, but the man has been dead for thirty years, long before most of the crowd was born, MHD and myself included. He was not being inducted into the Hall of Fame or referenced by anyone at the show. Now, had they had a bloody Tommy Rich shirt... (Note: Read bloody in the literal sense and not the British profane.)

So we settled for bottled water and proceeded to our seats. The concession worker made a point of informing us that she had to present our waters without the caps. Why? If a terrorist can create a weapon from this cap, then I am simply going to give her credit for ingenuity, even if it results in my death.

The show was sponsored by Aaron’s and Golden Corral. The ring was adorned with the Aaron’s logo, as opposed to the NWA logo. Aaron’s was not only responsible for supplying much of the crowd itself through free tickets but also arming them with noisemakers. Though these were quite annoying, Aaron’s was a great sponsor.

The show started with prerecorded message from Adam Pearce, who is apparently the NWA World champion. On this night, he was wrestling for Ring of Honor (ROH) in Philadelphia, where he lost in a six-man tag team match. His NWA World title was unveiled from a briefcase in that match, marking the first time since status as NWA champion was referenced in ROH. He reminded the crowd that they were sitting in hallowed ground where the old Omni used to hold matches. He came across well. It would be the only time the jumbotron would be used during the evening. I suppose it would have been difficult to feed the aforementioned camcorder into it.

After this segment, the matches began. Note: I used to photos from Christine J Coons as she was a better photogrpaher, had a better camera, and had better seats than I. She has literally hundreds of photos from this show on her web site. Check them out.

1. Mike DiBiase defeated Idol Stevens to retain the NWA North American Title in 5:45.

The announcement of famed DiBiase name did receive a pop. DiBiase is indeed the son of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and brother of Ted DiBiase Jr. . Mike DiBiase was the name of his grandfather, also a wrestler. He was trained at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy in 2006 and has been North American champion since December 8th. He had another successful defense on this night. MHD described Idol as “sinewy” and then noted that the two competitors looked almost identical. It was a good match but being unfamiliar with the nondescript gimmicks, we were not that into it. DiBiase won with an inside cradle. MHD rated it 1*1/2.

2. Iceberg (with the “Reverend” Dan Wilson) beat Phil Shatter (with Jeff G. Bailey) and Mikal Judas in a three-way to retain the NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Title in 10:36.

This was more up our alley - a universal soldier (Shatter), an evil guy (Judas) and a big fat guy (Iceberg) fighting to the finish. Shatter entered first. We thought that Phil Shatter was “Phil Shatner.” To be honest, it was a little disappointing to learn his gimmick had nothing to do with “Captain Kirk.” Mikal Judas, who resembled Sting from the 206th row, was billed from “the Heart of Darkness”, which if memory serves is the capitol of Parts Unknown. The champion, Iceberg, appeared last. MHD lamented that Iceberg (aka “The No Pain Train”) was supposed to be a big fat evil guy but often resembled a big fat loveable guy instead. Each move he hit we called the “big fat evil (insert name of move here)”. It amused us anyway

When we heard that this was a match for the Anarchy championship, we thought it might be the NWA version of the hardcore division. As it turns out, Anarchy is just a regional promotion out of Cornelia, Georgia. Not knowing this, we surmised that the Anarchy championship represented a division where every fourth move must be a lariat, which we were okay with. These guys were actually impressive, particularly Judas hitting moves on the big fat evil guy. The match was spotty, but they hit some really nice spots. The finish came when Shatter hit the PTSD (powerbomb) on Judas and then Iceberg pinned Shatter after the Ground Zero splash.

Next came the Hall of Fame ceremony - the event that drew us in. It is worth nothing that Ric Flair was announced as a Hall inductee on the organization’s web site, but was not referenced at all during the show. Promoters claim to have forgotten. I kid you not. Can you imagine if any other professional hall of fame forgot an inductee?

Rick Otazu aka “Ricky O” introduced the emcee, Jim Cornette. Cornette received the “someone I have heard of before” pop. He referenced past beatings in Atlanta from Dusty Rhodes (who was not there), Barry Windham (who was not there), and the Road Warriors (who were not there.)

The Hall of Fame music sounded like a theme from a bad 1970s game show. It had to be heard to be believed. Cornette introduced each inductee (except Flair) and bestowed a medallion to commemorate the evening. We are not entirely sure that this was not the only appearance fee these guys received.

The person announced first was Paul Orndorff. He was not an inductee, but announced as a 2009 inductee, a preview of coming attractions if you will. We got the impression that the show’s low budget allowed them only to induct locals and they forgot a local who happened to show up and sent him out there as compensation. Let’s just hope the promoters don’t “forget” this promise of induction next year.

He quite possibly shook everyone’s hand in attendance who actually paid to get in (not that this was that grand an accomplishment) and then proceeded to give an “acceptance” speech longer than any of the actual inductees. It sounded at times like it was grandpa telling a story which was fitting as he came to the ring with his grandson. He acknowledged that after being trained by Hiro Matsuda he had his first match ion Atlanta and that “it stunk.”

Orndorff said the NWA would rise again, but they couldn't do it without the fans. Seeing as how many of the fans are still waiting for the South to rise agin, this was not as implausible as it might otherwise have been.

The first actual inductee was “The Russian Nightmare” Nikita Koloff, who had headlined Starrcade 86 in the Omni. Koloff dressed up for the event - wearing a jersey and jeans. He did his old slow flex. We were aghast when he began speaking without a Russian accent! He did break into his kayfabed voice at one point. It was a shame that he did not do the entire promo with it. The evangelist, after referencing Dusty Rhodes (who was not there), Sting (who was not there) and Lex Luger (who was not there) did thank Jesus for his success.

The next inductee was the Iron Sheik, wearing his turban. He thanked Ted Turner for bringing him to Georgia and twice said “Georgia is my heart and Georgia is my home.” These were two of the few intelligible things he said. He concluded inexplicably with “Give me a ‘hell yeah.’” After concluding a promo whose coherence would have made Jimmy Snuka proud, Cornette said that he “couldn’t be more plain than that.” Priceless.

The Corsica Brothers were honored next, with the award being accepted by 88-year old Corsica Joe (born January 17, 1920). I presume that Corsica Jean is dead. Cornette explained that he was a pioneer. He mentioned that the Corsican Brothers were the world champions when the NWA was first formed in 1948. The crowd took his word for it. He looked good in suit and tie and used a cane. We kept thinking it would be awesome if he busted out a standing moonsault or if Samoa Joe ran in and attacked him under the premise that there can be only one Joe in wrestling. This did not happen, but we thought it would cool if it had.

The next inductees were Cornette’s charges - The Midnight Express, Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton. Cornette made the case for them being the best tag team of the 1980s. No reference was made to Stan Lane who joined the team in 1987. MHD (who is happily married) could not contain himself around Eaton, who has thankfully grown his hair out again - “he really is beautiful.”

Condrey, sporting a new tattoo on the back of his neck, acknowledged his wife of nineteen years, Teresa, and the duo’s Alabama heritage by yelling “Roll Tide” for no apparent reason. I found it ironic that Condrey would thank his wife when it was an affair that made him abandon the team in 1987. This woman was not involved in that incident. Condrey said he always loved the fans even if he did not always show it.

Cornette asked the crowd if they wanted the typically taciturn Eaton to speak. He said, “Thank you, Jim. Thank you, Dennis. Thank you, everybody. Appreciate it,” That is actually more than he usually talks.

They wore their gear for the induction. This meant that they would either be wrestling later in the night or that they wear their wrestling gear wherever they go. Though I was thrilled to see arguably the greatest tag team of all-time in action later in the evening, I was saddened that my image of them constantly wearing their gear was shattered.

The final inductee was “Wildfire” Tommy Rich. It was acknowledged that the Georgia favorite was saved for last intentionally. He won the NWA World title in (April 27) 1981 in (Augusta) Georgia. No mention was made of the fact that he held the title only five days or the circumstances surrounding his victory. He claimed that Georgia fans had adopted him 31 years ago and not vice vera. He began with, “Fire it up, Baby!” We were unsure if this was confirmation of our suspicions that he had indeed been paid for the evening in crack. If so, he was in the right part of the city...

He began naming deceased wrestlers which could have gone on as long as Chris Jericho’s list of 1005 moves. His ceremony was interrupted when Honest John Cheatam began talking about his “black specimen” - Abdullah the Butcher. Sadly wrestling arenas and churches are two areas where race is still divisive. This interlude led to...

3. Tommy Rich vs. Abdullah the Butcher (with Honest John Cheatam) was ruled a no contest.

In fact this match never made into the ring. We are uncertain if Abdullah is actually physically capable could of getting into the ring. He was born in 1936 or 1941 depending upon whom you believe. Both wearing red and black, evidently they were both representing the Wolf Pack on this night. Why not, everyone else did at some point?

As one might imagine given the two combatants, everyone in this match was bloody. Rich was stabbed by Abdullah’s trademark fork. He stabbed referee D. L. Norris, who bled everywhere. Rich returned the favor and forked Abdullah. At one point, Rich climbed on top of the ringside table and Abdullah tipped it over. From where we were sitting it looked like the table just gave out.

Naturally both were a bloody mess minutes into the fracas. After this “match” Rich got on the house mic and lauded being “old school.” Rich told the crowd he did not feel right unless his head was busted up. I actually believe that.

4. Sean Waltman & Blue Demon Jr. beat Rob Conway & Carl Ouelett in 10:08.

This match featured performances who have had national exposure, if not for some time. Conway used his WWE entrance music, though he was released on May 11th, 2007. Oulette also did time in the WWE.

Waltman received a nice pop using his staples such as the DX theme, “suck it”, the spinning heel kick, and Bronco Buster. We have no idea why fans are so into that move. We have never been able to look at Waltman the same since his cameo on the Surreal life. Waltman used the suck it routine early and often. Evidently, he really wanted oral sex from someone. Waltman now has a bald spot and rubbed his belly after the match acknowledging his weight gain.

Demon hit a killer tope on Ouellet for one of the biggest pops of the night. Eventually, Waltman pinned Conway with the X Factor-for the win.

5. Mike Quackenbush beat Ricky Vega via submission to retain the NWA World Lightweight Title in 8:31.

Vega, formerly known as Machete in TNA was billed from the “Boogie Down Bronx.”
It is worth noting that this belt is one of the oddest looking titles we have ever seen. Quackenbush entered to Tears For Fears’ “Break It Down Again.” He was really impressive hitting. He won when Vega tapped to the figure-four leglock.

6. Los Luchas (Phoenix Star & Zokre) beat the Naturals ( Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas) and Real American Heroes (RAH, Joey Ryan & Karl Anderson) in an elimination match to retain the NWA Tag Team Titles in 17:24.

The RAH were billed from Los Angeles. They are heels with an American gimmick. They even have the Captain America plastered on their rear ends. Anderson kept pointing and simulating a machine gun. To say MHD loved the gimmick would be an understatement.

The Naturals, billed from Nashville, had some recognition from appearing in TNA.

In our opinion, this was the best match of the night, complete with athleticism and some great false finishes. It appeared the Naturals would win the belts after Zokre had succumbed to the Natural Disaster. The Heroes then ran down to ringside (having already been eliminated) and Anderson pulled the ref out at the two-count. A distracted Stevens was soon pinned by both Luchas. After the match the Natruals teased a split, but reconciled.

7. Sid Vicious destroyed Playas Club (Davey Boy Bling & Juicy Justin Corino) in 3:54.

Sid entered to Saliva’s “Ladies and Gentlemen” and wearing a black shirt which read “Sid E-Nuff Said.” He was billed at 6'10" 328.

MHD weas surprised that he could wrestle, as he thought his leg had disintegrated on January 14th, 2001. (If you would like to view the brutal footage click here.) He thought Sid might just hit softballs to the crowd or something.

This was the worst concept of the night. Evidently the handicap match stemmed from a brutal beating Sid handed the same duo at a prior show in Lincoln, Rhode Island on April 19th. Ricky O came out and said that Sid had complained of having no competition. So he would give it to him. The NWA Pro East tag team champions arrived and wrestled two-on-one. They were demolished. So this served to prove Sid correct - the NWA has no competition as the regional tag champs cannot take on the washed up Sid two on one. Why job out tag team champs?

The match was a total squash. Sid even hesitated after hitting his move, took his shirt off, and pinned them both with a foot to the chest.

A stretcher was then wheeled out to ringside to cart Playas out. Vicious knocked Playas off the stretcher with lariats. The crowd chanted Sid’s name as Ricky O wheeled Playas to the back. Yes, Sid was the babyface!

8. *Rock n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) defeated the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton with Jim Cornette) in 13:45.

Prior to the match, Cornette brilliantly turned the crowd against he and his team claiming that they had been nice to them during their induction but after seeing their payoff for the night, realized that they were not being paid enough to do so. Many a truth was said in jest... He called the crowd, “redneck coupon clipping hillbillies.” This was a masterful performance as usual from Cornette.

The Rock n’ Roll Express entered to Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock n Roll.” They were billed from Memphis and as “multi-time” world tag team champions. Morton tried to do comedy before the match. He informed Cornette that the bad news was that he and Robert were going to beat them as usual but the good news was that they had saved money by switching their car insurance to Geico. He then made a joke about not being the real Rock n’ Roll Express but having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. It did not get over. I would have laughed had he referenced child support.

These two teams will be wrestling when they are 60 years old...next year. MHD could not believe the deterioration of the once heartthrob R n’ Rs. He was especially aghast by Gibson’s appearance. He compared his looks in quantity to Bob Dole and in quality to a gargoyle.

MHD also wants it known that we were Terry Taylor short of having a York Foundation Reunion (with Richard Morton and Thomas Rich).

We were worried about Eaton as he had suffered some medical scares in recent years and has been in the hospital as recently as April. Then the match started and we realized they were not going to do anything that would elevate his heart rate. At one point there were five guys standing around and we laughed at the thought that such a large crowd was watching nothing. At one point, fans in our section chanted, “Boring”. Wrestling is the only brand of tribute show that could have produced this reaction.

Having seen Ricky lately we knew there would be no double dropkick. When I asked if MHD thought we would see Eaton’s Alabama Jam he replied, “ I don’t see that happening.” He was correct. We did, however, see a hip toss. AS MHD admitted we were “perversely entertained by this match.”

Ironically, Robert Gibson was “playing Ricky Morton” much of the match. The Midnight Express worked his left arm throughout and he eventually took a shot from Cornette’s tennis racket. Th finish came when Condrey hit Morton with a chain. Morton kicked out and the Rock n’ Roll Express soon pinned their shocked opponents with double roll ups.

After the match, Cornette vowed that his team never again return to Atlanta. The fans left the arena where they were treated to samples of Full Throttle Blue Demon Energy drinks.