Tennessee players showing class

[OrangeNehi]

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery's post game quote, "I want to congratulate Tennessee on a great season and a great game. Cuonzo exhibited an unbelievable amount of class. I don't know him that well, but the way he responded to my personal situation. And then after the game, to have the Tennessee players hug me and tell me that they are thinking about me. You know, most kids just want to run and jump on top of each other in the locker room. I was really impressed with those guys and the program that Cuonzo has built there."

Nice. Martin has had his share of health problems, which makes him a very empathetic guy.

 

[BruisedOrange]

IMHO...
Four things you can count on as long as Cuonzo Martin is our coach:
1) a coach your impressionable children can be proud to support and even emulate;
2) players who don't bring shame to their fans (or not for long);
3) players who will get after it, demonstrate effort and character even when they're over matched talent-wise;
4) defense--the greatest equalizer (besides Chris Lofton) in basketball, and the most important capability a team can bring to the post-season.

For those who dismiss the character thing as secondary to wins, a reminder that character in coaches and players is the only factor (besides $$ from sold tickets) that elevates the school's other sports. Think how many recruits in other sports considered the chance to meet Pat Summit a highlight of their visit.