I was a Tennessee basketball fan long before I was a Tennessee football fan. The first major sporting event I ever attended was the Volunteer Classic back in the days of Dale Ellis, Michael Brooks, etc. I wasn't even 10 years old at the time, but I was infatuated with Stokley Athletic Center, John Ward, and UT basketball.
Since that time, over the past 27 years, there has not been a great deal to get excited about when it comes to UT men's basketball. I have been a fan nevertheless. No bandwagon riding here. It has been painful at times, and unbearable at other times.
With the hire of Coach BP, UT basketball is all I could've ever asked for. The long wait was worth it. The past three years have been tremendous. I think all due praise goes to BP.
I am confident that, if we can keep BP here i Knoxville, we will have a nationally respected basketball program for the duration. We may not win the national title, but I think we can prepare for deep runs in the NCAA tourney most years. Finally, we will become a program that is included in the national dialogue during the men's college basketball season. Dickie V, Jay Bilas, etc. will have to acknowledge that UT men's Bball is no flash in the pan under the direction of Coach BP.
So, thank you, Coach BP, thank you for finally taking UT BBall to its rightful place and glory. I hope you are around for many years to come.
