Thunder Good-Oil
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I can't remember when it ended. I wouldn't be surprised if it was KO that killed it off (actually I'd blame low attendance as the primary reason to shutter it). He ended TN's grandfathered in jersey with both "Tennessee" and "Volunteers" on the front when he dropped the "Volunteers". The "Oklahoma Sooners" and the "Tennessee Volunteers" were the last two to have the school's name and the nickname on the jerseys. I don't know if the NCAA has changed the rule though and if anybody has both now.
Anyway, I'd love to see a reincarnated Volunteer Classic with a new twist or two. Make the field entirely Tennessee schools. Tennessee, Memphis, MTSU, ETSU, TN Tech, Belmont, TN State, Austin Peay, even Vanderbilt if conference teams can meet up in non-conference matchups. There might be one or two others. It could even be rotated to other cities. TN usually plays one or two or three in-state pre-conference games already. It would be a good way to grow interest in basketball statewide.
Anyway, I'd love to see a reincarnated Volunteer Classic with a new twist or two. Make the field entirely Tennessee schools. Tennessee, Memphis, MTSU, ETSU, TN Tech, Belmont, TN State, Austin Peay, even Vanderbilt if conference teams can meet up in non-conference matchups. There might be one or two others. It could even be rotated to other cities. TN usually plays one or two or three in-state pre-conference games already. It would be a good way to grow interest in basketball statewide.