Tariq's dad explains his departure.

[dal9]

Do Tariq stay?

^lame.

 

[LocoVol]

Thank you it's always about my son and family. The way I feel about Tennessee and the opportunity Tariq had here is why I am sharing this decision and process. The fans and support is great here. Tariq plays basketball because he loves to not because he has to make it so we eat like a lot of situations. I will retire as a police officer in a few years.This is about Tariq being the best Tariq he can be and chase his dreams. When it's all said and done he can say I gave it my best shot. I know what it is like to wish I could have did more or tried different. I don't want him to feel that. Tennessee is a great place I truly believe that. So I hope the fans truly understand our perspective on this situation. We didn't ask for it at all...when we find a new situation that fits Tariq I will let you guys know.

Best of luck, hope he lands in a great situation. He is lucky to have support like he gets from you. And thanks for your service as an officer!:good!:

 

[CAVPUT]

He's transferring.....the why doesn't really matter. Sooner or later the kid needs to stand his ground and take what he wants. No longer a vol....no longer concerned or interested.

 

[VonoreVol]

We have a great fan base overall, but some of you have no class at all. It's sad and gives the rest of us a bad reputation. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but good grief, show some class. Mr. Owens didn't owe us an explanation whatsoever, but did none the less. Mr. Owens is a very classy human being to say the least, and I wish him and his family the best in the future. I hope his son finds a school where he can continue to develop and get good playing time. Tariq just needs to put on some weight and muscle to start. Anyone with a decent basketball IQ could see flashes of the potential he has when he started getting some minutes late in the season. Right now, he just doesn't have the build to really compete with some of the bigs in the SEC. That can change with hard work in the weight room and a good nutritionist. Emmanuel Mosely ring a bell to any true Vol fans that follow multiple sports at UT?

People are so quick to pass judgment on players, but the truth is probably 99% of all members on this forum will never be in this situation because they don't have a kid good enough athletically to earn a scholarship at the D1 level. Myself included. You want the best for your kids and want to see them be in a situation to be successful, and have a chance to achieve their dreams. More than likely, Owens would have been recruited over, judging by the teams Coach Barnes has had in the past. New coaches like to bring in and recruit the players that fit their systems. Coaching changes are difficult because there's not been a relationship previously built with most of the players remaining at there new job. Players and coaches much have that trust factor for maximum development and success on the court. This situation doesn't bother me personally and I wish the kid the best of luck wherever he ends up. That's my opinion and realize others feel differently, but lets all show some class around here no matter what we think.

 

[iKrager]

Other then saying Tariq needs to gain weight and we wouldn't miss his production (which isn't true and the uneducated said that) what are you talking about? I haven't seen anything to label as "unclassy" or rude? Anyone saying Tariq didn't bring much doesn't know what they're talking about

 

[VonoreVol]

Other then saying Tariq needs to gain weight and we wouldn't miss his production (which isn't true and the uneducated said that) what are you talking about? I haven't seen anything to label as "unclassy" or rude? Anyone saying Tariq didn't bring much doesn't know what they're talking about

Wasn't referring to you or really anyone in this thread particularly. Only one post so far came off a little sour, but if you're a regular around here and read transfer posts regularly you'll know what I'm talking about. Just didn't want to see that in this thread as it's obvious Mr. Owens is a very classy man, who didn't even owe us an explanation. Other threads regarding his son haven't been quite as kind as Mr. Owens briefly touched on.

As far as productivity, this kid was a true freshman that just lacked size and strength to be able to really contribute this season. Down the road he could have been an impact player, but bottom line is, this program has been VERY unstable since Coach Pearl left, and there's no guarantee that Coach Barnes and Tariq will be a good match. Relationships between players/coaches are very important as I previously mentioned.

I didn't mean to offend anyone on my previous post. Just hoping that some "not so considerate" members didn't make it over to this thread and be disrespectful to a players father who exhibited lots of class in this thread.

Edit- judging by the amount of posts you have on this forum, I think you can relate to what I was saying about a lot of the transfer threads. Some people are just rude, uneducated, and quick to judge anytime a kid leaves.

 

[CAVPUT]

We have a great fan base overall, but some of you have no class at all. It's sad and gives the rest of us a bad reputation. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but good grief, show some class. Mr. Owens didn't owe us an explanation whatsoever, but did none the less. Mr. Owens is a very classy human being to say the least, and I wish him and his family the best in the future. I hope his son finds a school where he can continue to develop and get good playing time. Tariq just needs to put on some weight and muscle to start. Anyone with a decent basketball IQ could see flashes of the potential he has when he started getting some minutes late in the season. Right now, he just doesn't have the build to really compete with some of the bigs in the SEC. That can change with hard work in the weight room and a good nutritionist. Emmanuel Mosely ring a bell to any true Vol fans that follow multiple sports at UT?

People are so quick to pass judgment on players, but the truth is probably 99% of all members on this forum will never be in this situation because they don't have a kid good enough athletically to earn a scholarship at the D1 level. Myself included. You want the best for your kids and want to see them be in a situation to be successful, and have a chance to achieve their dreams. More than likely, Owens would have been recruited over, judging by the teams Coach Barnes has had in the past. New coaches like to bring in and recruit the players that fit their systems. Coaching changes are difficult because there's not been a relationship previously built with most of the players remaining at there new job. Players and coaches much have that trust factor for maximum development and success on the court. This situation doesn't bother me personally and I wish the kid the best of luck wherever he ends up. That's my opinion and realize others feel differently, but lets all show some class around here no matter what we think.

Don't think I was being rude. He's transferred. Just stated my opinion that the why isn't important. Sometimes things aren't easy in life. Hell....life is a challenge in itself most days. He's going to face adversity and things not always going his way. One of the greatest mistakes I think I made as a parent was in sheltering my kids especially in sports. We wanted only the best. We wanted to remove anything that would impede their success. We wanted sure success. In hindsight, I consider that a mistake. When they did reach a much more competitive level, they weren't nearly as prepared to compete as they could have been we're it not for my mistake in not letting them struggle....and yes sometimes fail. Kids need adversity. They need to persevere and overcome. That's a life skill. So my point is the why really doesn't matter. The kid does need to fight, but my other point is that the decision is made and he's no longer a vol so as a fan, I'm moving on like he has. If you read rude into that, that's your issue not mine. Then again we live in a culture where everyone is offended. Everyone is a victim. Everyone has issue with something or someone. Thinned skinned society that can't handle most things they don't agree or see eye to eye with.

 

[ScreaminVolHawkins]

 

[bucksf]

Posting as Onative in another thread, Tariq's father explains his leaving. Thought this deserved a thread of it's own since so many had read the other. Sounds like his dad knows his basketball and just looking out for his welfare. Wishing him great success wherever he chooses to go.

"First I would like to say how much it was a pleasure being around the great University of Tennessee. Myself and my son Tariq Owens never wanted to leave Tennessee. When coaches change and the entire staff changes it makes for a very difficult situation. This decision wasn't a easy one but it was one we felt we needed to make.
For the most part it has been positive feed back. Few of you guys are passionate fans and have said some negative things and that's your opinion. Some of you guys have never played competive sports on a high level. Whether we want to accept this fact or not college sports is a business. My son has his own goals that he wants to try and achieve he has a small window to try and make that a reality.
The difference between staying and leaving came down to two important factors. Under the CDT staff we knew that they would recruit other players but what a lot you don't know is that this team would have been built around the players they have and they would have a opportunity not a guarantee. We all know you don't produce you not going to play much. With Barnes there is no relationship and nothing vested in the boys on UT now. No disrespect to Coach Barnes he has to do what he feels is best moving forward. Tariq could have benefitted by redshirting this year. But due to the personnel and previous coaching change they needed him to play early. He showed signs of his upside even given away 30-40 pounds most nights when he played against the other bigs. He average 6-7 minutes a game this year and that came in the later part of the season. If you know basketball you know he has potential he's not there yet but it will come.
The other determining factor is not having anyone from CDT staff stay. Atleast one that has a relationship with the current boys. Coach Pinkins could help with the transition the team trust him. That's not in place. The question for me was do Tariq stay at Tennessee where he may not get the opportunity to maximize his potential or do we look for another opportunity where he will have that opportunity. It's better to be where your celebrated and not tolerated. If CDT was still at UT we wouldn't even be having this discussion. Sometimes life throws you curves you have to deal with it. I wish nothing but the best for The VOLS and will follow the boys who stay progress. GOD BLESS all you and I appreciate all the ones who ever supported Tariq Owens. The ones who didn't I appreciate you too because criticizing helps you stay focus and working hard as well.
Thanks again Renard Owens"

a thoughtful post but i have a hard time agreeing with any of it. if he thinks recruiting bigs would be any different under CDT he is dillusional. Everyone EARNS their spot in the rotation every DAY, as he said this is a business. Tariq has upside but he would not be coddled by ANY coaching staff as with any other player. and to go to providence if that is where he ends up, would make little sense. i think he is taking the coaching change as an opportunity to get closer to home. nothing more.

 

[Daloth]

Posting as Onative in another thread, Tariq's father explains his leaving. Thought this deserved a thread of it's own since so many had read the other. Sounds like his dad knows his basketball and just looking out for his welfare. Wishing him great success wherever he chooses to go.

"First I would like to say how much it was a pleasure being around the great University of Tennessee. Myself and my son Tariq Owens never wanted to leave Tennessee. When coaches change and the entire staff changes it makes for a very difficult situation. This decision wasn't a easy one but it was one we felt we needed to make.
For the most part it has been positive feed back. Few of you guys are passionate fans and have said some negative things and that's your opinion. Some of you guys have never played competive sports on a high level. Whether we want to accept this fact or not college sports is a business. My son has his own goals that he wants to try and achieve he has a small window to try and make that a reality.
The difference between staying and leaving came down to two important factors. Under the CDT staff we knew that they would recruit other players but what a lot you don't know is that this team would have been built around the players they have and they would have a opportunity not a guarantee. We all know you don't produce you not going to play much. With Barnes there is no relationship and nothing vested in the boys on UT now. No disrespect to Coach Barnes he has to do what he feels is best moving forward. Tariq could have benefitted by redshirting this year. But due to the personnel and previous coaching change they needed him to play early. He showed signs of his upside even given away 30-40 pounds most nights when he played against the other bigs. He average 6-7 minutes a game this year and that came in the later part of the season. If you know basketball you know he has potential he's not there yet but it will come.
The other determining factor is not having anyone from CDT staff stay. Atleast one that has a relationship with the current boys. Coach Pinkins could help with the transition the team trust him. That's not in place. The question for me was do Tariq stay at Tennessee where he may not get the opportunity to maximize his potential or do we look for another opportunity where he will have that opportunity. It's better to be where your celebrated and not tolerated. If CDT was still at UT we wouldn't even be having this discussion. Sometimes life throws you curves you have to deal with it. I wish nothing but the best for The VOLS and will follow the boys who stay progress. GOD BLESS all you and I appreciate all the ones who ever supported Tariq Owens. The ones who didn't I appreciate you too because criticizing helps you stay focus and working hard as well.
Thanks again Renard Owens"

Not a fan of these lines. Taking shots at fans is never a smart thing, especially when he himself didn't play at a "high level" to judge others in such a manner.

 

[Qnative]

This will most likely be my last post. I am glad that most of you understood the reason for me wanting to explain the decision we made.I want to thank you guys for the well wishes and support. Some even say they will watch Tariq career progress that is great I appreciate that. I love you guys passion for The VOLS. I WILL FOLLOW AND SUPPORT THE VOLS. I've gotten close to some of the boys on the team and want them to succeed. Be safe GOD Bless!!!

 

[vol81]

Godspeed your son on his journey.
You sir are a stand up guy.
Happy Easter to All!


And Go Big Orange!!!!!

 

[InVOLuntary]

This will most likely be my last post. I am glad that most of you understood the reason for me wanting to explain the decision we made.I want to thank you guys for the well wishes and support. Some even say they will watch Tariq career progress that is great I appreciate that. I love you guys passion for The VOLS. I WILL FOLLOW AND SUPPORT THE VOLS. I've gotten close to some of the boys on the team and want them to succeed. Be safe GOD Bless!!!

Not being judgmental but I really would like to know if there is some reason for going now as opposed to next year. I mean could you guys not give it a shot and transfer next year if things didn't work out? Is there a strategic reason for going now that I'm not seeing?

 

[gule]

he should have stayed and played this year... stupid to transfer out when he has a better coach coaching him than he has ever had in his life...

 

[SeniorDrill]

Don't you remember that Tariq felt no better coming out of his interview with Barnes than he did going in? That was a big problem in his first exposure to the new coach. Also his dad said he should have red shirted this year. With a transfer he can have a year to grow and mature that he would not have if he stayed. Smart decision and he will be a baller!

 

[Vol4ever]

Isn't he going to be starting over with people and coaches he doesn"t know when he transfers? At UT he has friends, knows the campus and facilities, and just has to prove himself to the new staff. I hope it works out for him wherever he ends up.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[ncvol17]

Glad I did not up and leave every time my company changed CEO's,CFO's and/or departmental heads. I had/have to prove myself with each new management team as I am sure many on here must have to do, Well, good luck.........

 

[Qnative]

Not being judgmental but I really would like to know if there is some reason for going now as opposed to next year. I mean could you guys not give it a shot and transfer next year if things didn't work out? Is there a strategic reason for going now that I'm not seeing?

Valid question reason for now because historically it's easier to transfer now after your freshman year then as a sophomore or junior. Even though Tariq didn't post big numbers is upside is there. Him needing a redshirt year he is more attractive to other high profile programs now with 3 years eligibility and willing to redshirt. a lot of programs will find that as a benefit of having a 6'11" 7'4" wingspan kid they can work with a whole year before he steps on the floor. That will be huge for Tariq having that year. I've played this over in my head many different ways. I like UT a lot. Believe me if I didn't feel like we had to leave UT we wouldn't be leaving.

 

[Qnative]

Don't you remember that Tariq felt no better coming out of his interview with Barnes than he did going in? That was a big problem in his first exposure to the new coach. Also his dad said he should have red shirted this year. With a transfer he can have a year to grow and mature that he would not have if he stayed. Smart decision and he will be a baller!

You are 100% right.

 

[InVOLuntary]

Valid question reason for now because historically it's easier to transfer now after your freshman year then as a sophomore or junior. Even though Tariq didn't post big numbers is upside is there. Him needing a redshirt year he is more attractive to other high profile programs now with 3 years eligibility and willing to redshirt. a lot of programs will find that as a benefit of having a 6'11" 7'4" wingspan kid they can work with a whole year before he steps on the floor. That will be huge for Tariq having that year. I've played this over in my head many different ways. I like UT a lot. Believe me if I didn't feel like we had to leave UT we wouldn't be leaving.

Fair enough, thank you for your response. Again, best of luck to Tariq and you and your family. I sincerely hope Tariq is successful and we see him playing in the league some day. I'll be watching and cheering for him.

 

[JabbyCuz]

I remember the first day Tariq was on campus! We over heard him on the phone with Mr. Owens and he was giving the rundown of his talk with DT! We caught up with him later and we all introduced ourselves! From that day on, I loved me some Tariq! He is so mannerable, friendly and full of hugs! Our family yells just as loud for him as we do for JB!
Dad, please let Tariq know that wherever he goes, we will support him 100%! Although, this decision has thrown JB for a loop, Tariq will ALWAYS be like JBs little bro (as he calls him)!

We gonna miss you , TARIQ "VOL'S BABY" (my nickname) OWENS! I know whatever you do and wherever you go, you will succeed!!! GOD BLESS! STAY HUNGRY!:cray::salute:

 

[SeniorDrill]

You are 100% right.

Thank you and many thanks to your son for the year he gave to help a limited roster basketball team that fought tooth and nail for every win it got. I doubt if any team in Vol history was as gritty as this one. Thanks, again, Tariq! I believe the experience of the past year on Rocky Top will benefit you greatly in your future endeavors. Go, Vols!
:good!:

 

[Otis07]

Good luck to the Owens family....It will be fun to read some day that former VOL Tariq Owens did something very special

 

[goodnight_vol]

Glad I did not up and leave every time my company changed CEO's,CFO's and/or departmental heads. I had/have to prove myself with each new management team as I am sure many on here must have to do, Well, good luck.........

Comparing a kid's four-year college athletic career to your job is nonsense.

 

[peppervol]

Thank you, Mr. Owens, for takin time out to talk with the fans. I completely understand the difficulty in transitions and truly wish Tariq the best. I really liked his upside and feel he has a game, under the right coaching, that could make him a high impact player. Best of luck in the search and I'll be following his progress. Tariq, thanks for your hard work on the Hill!

One of the most sincere and gracious posts I've ever read. Real class, jk33. Best of luck in the future, Dad AND Tariq....