Here’s how you can tell Saturday night’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash between Tennessee and Memphis means more than any men’s basketball game in state history: Tickets are going for as much as $15,000—yes, I said $15,000—on websites.
Seems ridiculous that it’s going to take more than half of one’s yearly salary for some to get into the FedEx Forum. Then again, the notion of the Volunteers’ basketball team playing for No. 1 in the nation appeared even more preposterous at this time three years ago.
Remember those times, UT fans? Buzz Peterson was deader than Kelvin Sampson (although he at least never used a cell phone impermissibly), the program was mired in mediocrity and March Madness in Knoxville meant the Lady Vols.
Which is why Bruce Pearl’s three-year reconstruction is so stunning. Not only has he brought the Vols from irrelevant to a championship contender, he’s built the program into one which will be around for a long time.
The talent level is remarkable. There are nine players who can lead the team in scoring any night, plus two others who would start for many other TV-league schools which rarely see the floor at UT.
The recruiting has been solid. Only three of Peterson’s recruits (Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith, Jordan Howell) are there. Pearl is winning with mostly his guys. Incoming freshman Renaldo Woolridge, the son of former NBA All-Star Orlando Woolridge, has been tabbed as a potential one-and-done guy by no less an authority than Boston Celtics All-Star Paul Pierce.
Simply put, what has happened in Knoxville could not have been foreseen by anyone just a short time ago. Not even the hard-working Pearl could have seen this coming so soon in his wildest dreams.
As for Saturday? Those who paid five figures (or a little less) to see it live should see a game which backs up the hype. Both teams know how to play in big games and won’t cave to nerves for long, if at all.
It will come down to two things—which team can best exploit its strength and which team gets better play off the bench.
The Vols are better from the 3-point line, thanks to Lofton and Smith, who can make bunches of outrageous shots at any time. Both are fearless and won’t quit shooting if they’re cold.
Memphis is a little better inside, especially if Joey Dorsey decides to exert his considerable physical skills. That hasn’t happened lately, but it’s hard to see the Ben Wallace wannabe picking the season’s most awaited game to let his teammates down.
Both teams are relentlessly deep. It’s why they routinely wear teams down in the second half of games. You can stand up against waves of talent for 20, 25, 30minutes, but rarely for 40.
Because of the homecourt, you have to give the Tigers a slight edge. But UT’s experience on the backline should help it function in a rabid atmosphere.
If the Vols win, they not only get the inside track for an NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed, but the overall No. 1 seed. They’re already 8-1 against the RPI top 50and are ranked No. 1 in RPI, as well as No. 2 in strength of schedule.
Regardless of the result, UT basketball fans should watch Saturday night’s showdown with a smile.
For that matter, so should the guy who raked in $15,000 for his tickets.