I know that tomorrow night is an exhibition and we're staring a mediocre season square in the eyes, I have never been more excited about a basketball exhibition as I am tonight. I understand that part of it is that UT finally cut ties with one of my least favorite people in the world, but there's nothing like the start of the season to me. Combine that my disdain with almost everything involving football ,the end of baseball season and I'm flat out giddy about my trek to TBA tomorrow. Anyone else feeling the excitement yet? And who amongst us will be in attendance? I'll hang up and listen.
A 30-game season in which half of those you might win, and another quarter you can be competitive in leads to an excitement that is tough to muster when you are getting your teeth kicked in for a whole month in football. I like hoops for the very reason you can lose by thirty to someone on Thursday, and come back Saturday and win by 12. I am probably the most sympathetic toward Bruce on this board, but I am elated about getting to see Cuonzo roam the sidelines. Seeing him get excited, watching him chew someone out, listening to the post-game show, etc. will be the first step in the "healing" process some folks still need. And I may be one of the few people who attended a UT basketball game before attending a UT football game, so my nostalgia kicks in this time of year, though I care about the teams equally.
I can't make myself get up for it at the moment, but it's mainly because I fear we'll have a product on the floor that isn't even worth watching. If they can at least manage to play some basketball, I'll get into it.
Actually, I'm probably the most pro-Pearl on this board, more than just sympathetic to Pearl, as has been established elsewhere. That said, I've always been excited for the basketball season in Knoxville and am more than willing to give Martin the benefit of the doubt until shown what he's made of one way or the other. It sucks that we've lost our most successful coach in UT history, but time moves on. I am very curious as to how we'll look and feel that we will be better than the prognosticators and UT doubters (many among our own ranks) opine. The cupboard isn't as bare as people think.
I'm excited because it's basketball season- would probably be more excited it I hadn't actually watched them practice twice.
As long as the word is no labor at the doctor's office today, I will be heading Knoxville way shortly.
If Tennessee doesn't play well, they'll get slapped. Hard. LMU is a D-II Final Four quality team. They're better than a good portion of the depths of D-I.
You mentioned that before. Maybe the roads will be icy on Clinch Mountain and they'll just forfeit the game.
Just can't get up for it. Nothing new. Typically for me I don't care about basketball until Thanksgiving week.
Before a Claiborne Countian shows up here all irate, LMU is in Harrogate. To answer your question, a great deal of that talent is there because they've worn out their welcome everywhere else.
I understand. I was just making the point that LMU used to be a big time power in the NAIA. When they've had good coaches, they've been excellent. They've got a better arena than multiple teams in the A-10 and CAA.