Login | Member Center | Contact Us | About Us | Site Map | Archive | Alerts/Photos | Subscribe to the paper | knoxnews.com

Home › Men's Basketball

Recruiting war: Memphis, UT going after McDonald

By Scott Cacciola, The Commercial
Appeal
Originally published 12:00 a.m., February 18, 2008
Updated 12:46 a.m., February 18, 2008

MEMPHIS - Steven McDonald, long-time owner and proprietor of Magic Cuts Barber Shop at the corner of Winchester and Hickory Hill in Memphis, welcomed an unexpected customer last September. Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl showed up on a weekday morning with a member of his staff, glad-handed several other patrons and provided some instructions.

"He wanted a fade," McDonald said.

One point of clarification: Pearl did not just happen to be in the neighborhood - and, according to those acquainted with his grooming habits, he seldom allows anyone except for the fine staff at Gammer's in Knoxville to mess with his hair. No, this was a special occasion, and he had ulterior motives. Steven McDonald's nephew is Leslie McDonald, a junior guard at Briarcrest Christian School who enjoys reading the Bible, hopes to someday become an architect and ranks as one of the top high school basketball players in the country.

His recruitment promises to be one of the subplots in the inevitable buildup for Saturday's game between Memphis and Tennessee at FedExForum.

Recruiting Memphis

How much do college coaches covet McDonald, a consensus top-20 recruit? Memphis coach John Calipari, keenly aware of McDonald's reputation as a solid student, recites his graduation rate to reporters - "Seventeen of our last 19," he says - whenever the opportunity arises. Pearl has directed Steve Forbes, one of his assistants, to take dozens of trips to Memphis to watch McDonald play. (On the way back to Knoxville, Forbes often pulls into a gas station sometime after midnight to recharge with a Red Bull.) And Pearl offered his cell phone number to Steven McDonald, encouraging him to call if there was anything he could do for him.

"This game is so important, as far as recruiting the Memphis area," said Frank Harris, McDonald's AAU coach for the past five years. "Bruce Pearl probably feels like, 'If I win this game, the next two years I'm coming to Memphis, and I can share this story with all the Memphis kids - we're here now.' And Calipari wants to shut the door. He wants to build a fence around Shelby County and keep everybody out."

The impact could be felt for months, if not years. Pearl has zeroed in on a number of Memphis-area prospects, including White Station teammates Ferrakohn Hall and Joe Jackson, a sophomore point guard who already has been offered scholarships by Tennessee and Memphis, as well as Harding Academy junior Marlon Brown.

Recruiting McDonald

McDonald, 17, who peppers conversations with "Yes, sir" and "No, sir," is the focal point of the moment. Rivals.com rates him as the 17th-best player in the junior class, the fifth-best shooting guard. And he is trapped in what he describes as a "tug-of-war" between the Vols and the Tigers, even as several dozen other schools vie for his services.

"It's a little crazy," McDonald said. "I've seen other players who have gotten caught up in the whole process, but I can't take this so far that it overwhelms my life."

Pearl found a receptive audience at Magic Cuts, where Steven McDonald offered some support - "I told him I think Tennessee is the leader," McDonald said - and some insight.

"One thing you can't control is his personal life," Steven McDonald recalled telling Pearl. "And wherever his girlfriend wants to go? That's where he's going. You got a good shot. But if she wants to go to someplace like Ole Miss, Leslie's going to Ole Miss. Ain't nothing you can do about it."

Which is intriguing, because not once over the past two weeks did McDonald or his parents mention his girlfriend to a reporter who was working on this story - and Ole Miss does not rank among his seven finalists: Memphis, Tennessee, Ohio State, Indiana, Ohio State, Duke, North Carolina and Georgetown. Andy Kennedy would be happy to hear this. (College coaches cannot comment on recruits until they sign letters of intent.)

When Kennedy, freshly hired as Ole Miss' coach, walked into the Briarcrest gymnasium for the first time last year, he watched McDonald play for about five minutes, then turned to Briarcrest coach John Harrington: He had seen enough. McDonald had a scholarship offer to attend Ole Miss. Kennedy realized he had little chance of landing him.

"Coach," Harrington recalled Kennedy saying, "he's going to be in the NBA someday."

Of course, the recruiting process can be fluid. Some schools eliminate themselves. Last Thursday, one day after the NCAA alleged that Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson had committed five major rules violations, Harrington seemed aware of the cold, hard truth.

"Well," he said, "I guess Leslie's not going to Indiana."

When McDonald walks the halls at Briarcrest, his 6-foot-4 frame clad in his school-issue green sweater and khakis, classmates smile and say hello. Some of the younger students stare with a mix of awe and reverence. When he checked out of the game in the late stages of a victory at St. Benedict of Auburndale this month, the opposing crowd stood and cheered, then one of St. Benedict's cheerleaders asked if he would pose with her for a photograph. McDonald, an ice pack wrapped around his sprained right ankle, obliged.

Asked if anything about the recruiting process bothers him, McDonald did not mention the nightly phone calls from coaches who interrupt his schoolwork, or the middle-aged men who recognize him at the mall and press him with questions about his future plans, or the Internet-based reporters who track down his cell number to flush out those rumors of him favoring North Carolina. (Not true, he said.) Rather, McDonald said he would change the NCAA rule that limits recruits from taking official visits to just five schools.

"Yes, sir," he said, "I would open that up, because you want to make sure you look at every school, look at all your options and find the place that's right for you."

McDonald's tools

His father, Leslie Sr., owns First Choice Vending, and his mother, Wanda, works in the tax department at First Tennessee. There are weekly "family meetings" with their four children and Bible study sessions. Harris and Harrington point to McDonald's parents as the foundation for his success, and Leslie McDonald Sr. said he and his wife follow a simple philosophy.

"Faith, character and hard work," Leslie McDonald Sr. said. "You can see that in him."

McDonald, who averages 21.1 points on 56-percent shooting, seven rebounds and two steals, was named MVP of four in-season tournaments. He has dunked 35 times this season, providing glimpses of explosiveness amid a game otherwise consumed by basics. Coaches point to his mid-range jumper, his passing ability and his determination on defense, three skills that rarely appear on AND1 mix-tapes. With that in mind, McDonald's emergence last year as a top-shelf recruit was unorthodox and refreshing.

"We tell him that you don't have to get out there and be flashy and try to impress everybody," Wanda McDonald said. "Just play the game the right way, and people will notice. We've seen players come and go with the flashiness. But if you don't have the fundamentals, then you're just another player."

His game - steady, smooth, understated, reliable - mimics his personality, which has drawn as much attention from such prominent members of the coaching fraternity as North Carolina's Roy Williams and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski as his jump shot. Elliot Williams, a senior guard at St. George's Independent School, was in a similar situation last year. He signed with Duke, turning down Memphis and Tennessee, among others. McDonald and Williams appear to be part of a new generation of Memphis-area athletes: Private-school students whose college options extend beyond the city.

"The dynamics have changed," said Keith Easterwood, a prominent area AAU coach.

Securing Memphis

Leslie McDonald Sr. said his son probably feels some pressure to keep Memphis on his list of finalists to placate the city.

"I would say you have to put them on there, because it's your hometown," McDonald Sr. said. "But I don't think we're just putting them on there for the sake of putting them on there. You have to look at Calipari and the program he's built. But one thing I know we do have to look at is the educational part. We have look at the education."

In that respect, does Memphis have the resources or the reputation to compete with Duke or North Carolina? Asked whether he has needed to alter his approach with Memphis prospects who attend private schools and whose families value academics as much as sports, Calipari veered off on a tangent.

"You know, the thing is, we can't recruit every single kid from Memphis," Calipari said. "Now, you have some schools that recruit every kid in the city and hope to get one because they can't break into the city - or they take them as transfers. They do whatever they can just to get a kid from the city to get their foot in the door. I'm not doing that to kids."

It was difficult to view this as anything other than a thinly veiled shot at Pearl, who has aggressively recruited Memphis - without much success - and whose roster includes sophomore J.P. Prince, the former White Station standout and Arizona transfer. Along those lines, Harris said, there is little question that Calipari was not particularly broken up when Williams opted for Duke. Why? Because at least Williams would be playing for someone other than Pearl. It almost seemed as important to Calipari that he shield Williams from Knoxville.

Coaches' quests

As for his recruitment of McDonald, Calipari has been known to swing by Briarcrest, ostensibly to have lunch with his daughter Megan, a senior at the school. And if he happens to bump into McDonald in the cafeteria or strolling down one of the hallways? Well, what a pleasant surprise.

"Everywhere you look, you see Cal," Harris said. "Man, he's shrewd."

Tennessee has been equally aggressive. Forbes told Harris he was going to rent an apartment in Memphis. (He appeared to be kidding.) And when McDonald took an unofficial visit to Knoxville last fall, Pearl accompanied the family to a football game, then surprised McDonald by introducing him to the director of the architecture program, who opened up the building on Saturday to show him around. Harris said Pearl strikes him as the type of coach who would "jump out of an airplane" to get a recruit's attention.

He is not alone. Wooing high school coaches also is part of the process. When North Carolina visited Ohio State on Nov. 28, the Tar Heels ran off six straight points at the end of the first half using a halfcourt set that caught Ohio State coach Thad Matta by surprise. As he headed to the locker room, Matta caught up with Williams.

"Roy, where'd you get that play?" Matta said.

"Thad," Williams said, "I got that from Briarcrest Christian School."

Harrington, who said the situation still strikes him as surreal, shook his head as he told this story: North Carolina used one of his plays.

McDonald's decision

But like the rest of McDonald's tight-knit circle, a protective bubble that includes his parents and Harris, Harrington said The Decision ultimately will be McDonald's. Over the next few months, McDonald said, he plans to study each school, including style of play (Calipari has tried to sell him on the idea that Memphis runs the same offense as Briarcrest) and academics (Williams has pitched an undergraduate program with electives in architecture so McDonald would be able to earn his master's degree). He hopes to make an oral commitment before the start of his senior season.

"It's important that I'm able to get it out of the way and enjoy school," he said.

Will it be that easy? Tony Harris, the former Memphis East High star who played at Tennessee in the late 1990s, played a pair of games in his hometown during his college career. In the wake of his high-profile recruitment - hard feelings still linger among some segments of the city's fandom, who contend Frank Harris helped steer his nephew toward Knoxville - Memphis fans booed Tony Harris every time he touched the ball. These, according to his uncle, were unpleasant experiences.

"Memphis can be unforgiving," Frank Harris said.

He said he does not want to see McDonald go through a similar ordeal. McDonald has a hard time disappointing people, especially his neighbors. He has that rare sort of sensitivity that even endears him to strangers, who hurt to see him hurt, Harris said. But his emotions leave him vulnerable when fans' passions are involved and the stakes are so high.

"Leslie doesn't want to let anyone down," Harris said. "But he's going to have to make a choice."

       90 Comments

Posted by FWBVol on February 18, 2008 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The kid hopes to be an architect one day...Tiger High doesn't have an architecture program that I know of. Come to UT Mr. McDonald and help build SEC and national championships.

Posted by Vol_Fan_4_Life_615 on February 18, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need to land this kid, and beat the crap out of "coach cal". He might not be the 3rd best coach in Tn behind CBP at #1, and Stallings at Vandy and CC fighting for second. The game this weekend is one of the biggest games in the History of our program. CBP and the Vols have a chance to be number 1, and stick it in the face of Memphis all in one night. Is there anything else needed to get all of us ready for the game. This week we slay some tigers, first handle Auburn and then take care of Memtown.

Vols #2 (23-2)
Thanks Wake for a great game.

Posted by volmattna on February 18, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PLEASE BE A VOL!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The couple of paragraphs following the Title "Securing Memphis" is why I absolutely hate Calipari. He will use any venue possible to take a shot at another coach. Why? Because Pearl's success has forced him to work harder and worry a little more.

His comments have had no merit to date. Prince came to UT and Pearl took him after taking a week to decide if he would be right at UT. Pearl did not seek him out. Also, the only recruit that Pearl has gone hard after in Memphis was Elliot Williams, and he went to Duke not Memphis.

Pearl is not recruiting every prospect in Memphis just to get a foot hold in Memphis. I had the pleasure of getting to meet and talk to him on one of his recruiting visits. From this I got the sense that he was making the best effort to get quality kids that fit his system and if those kids reside ANYWHERE in TN, they would be a top priority. All of these kids mentioned are legitimate prospects who fit the UT style of play. Not to mention, that Marlon Brown, while a very talented basketball player, is in the mix because he is considering UT for football (#2 WR for next year).

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Speaking of not getting Williams. I hope that we get this kid. He is ranked ahead of Williams. Tennessee seems to be one of the favorites.

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewpro...

Posted by bricker865 on February 18, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...and people are selfish and unforgiving. If you want to please other people but not do what is best for yourself, then choose Mempiss. They do not care a rats butt what is best for you, but what kind of fan interest they have. I can't imagine the U or M having an exceptional academic program.

Posted by chrisw2967 on February 18, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess tomorrow we should be #2 with Dukes lost today and if we take care of Auburn , this will be a huge weekend for our Vols and I honestly think if we go into Memphis and play lights out Tn will come out ranked #1 which is weird knowing since we have never been ranked that high.Go Vols!!

Posted by bshell12 on February 18, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow great character in a kid who can play, seems like a win, win to me. Maybe Fulmer should take notice and recruit some athletes with character (see Eric Berry) he worked out ok

Posted by hdhurst on February 18, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

With the Duke loss, looks like we (and the media) have that 1-2 matchup on Saturday that we wanted. Can't wait to see that game...I hope TN brings their "A" game. Despite their lackluster performances, Memphis will be up for the VOLS as well. Go VOLS...slay the Tiger.

Posted by Hunter on February 18, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I drove by U of Memphis a few years ago with my windows rolled down. They offered me a diploma for stopping by. If the kid wants to be an architect, UT has a fantastic program - though the arch. majors never sleep, so I doubt he could do that and play ball, too.

We need to HAMMER Cal and the Paper Tigers this week to show the Memphis, the state of Tennessee, and the country that we are THE basketball program now in Tennessee!

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, no Kentucky. I have followed this kid (Hopson) for a little while now after a friend pointed him out to me. He originally gave a verbal to Miss St, but later backed out of it. He kept Kentucky around for a while, but they dropped off his interest board a few months back. I heard that once Williams chose Duke, Pearl upped the recruitment of this kid.
......
Back to McDonald...

I don't want to knock a kid and I hope that we can get a good basketball player like McDonald, but even though the article paints him to be a model citizen, it is a little hometown spun. The kid got into a all out brawl earlier this year with a teammate (who is supposedly his best friend) over a bag of chips. The fight spilled through the Briarcrest hallways and included the Coach (who doubles as the Vice Principal) getting punched in the face by the other kid involved.

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 1:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am little confused at how this kid is not being disciplined due to his actions. I know that fans were taunting, but seriously, would the SEC let Brian Williams or Crews, or whoever go unpunished for this? Actually the other SEC fans would probably have us arrested.

Check out the two pictures and focus on the fan in the orange jumpsuit.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...

Posted by anthony on February 18, 2008 at 3:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Time for th e spoiled sport, john adams, to come out and do his class of 04 analysis of who made it and who did not! What about the rest of the kids who play with the primadonnas, who's goona start giving them some print. These sportswriters really pass the buck thinking we're as vapid as they are. I am so happy to hear success stories. Too bad the nightly news has so few on them.

Posted by mreynold17 on February 18, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UT has a great Architecture program. If McDonald wants to be an architect he would have a leg up at UT.

GO VOLS!!

Posted by Mr_Brownstone on February 18, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

#2 as of today (or at least should be) after the dook loss. #1 next monday after taking down the tigers.

Posted by lquevedo on February 18, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Architecture is a 5 year program...he could redshirt the first year and get his feet wet...first year is a weed out year at the program... then he can roll the next 4 years.

By the way North Carolina does not have an Architectural program either...

Posted by stroker on February 18, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis has an Erector Set in the library.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 18, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep pounding on that Memphis door, CBP! We sure could use a kid like McDonald, Hopson too. Seems like the only thing really standing in McDonald's way is fear of retaliation from the Memphis fans. Based on what he wants from a school, there is no reason why he should choose them over us. It must be sad to be as insecure as Calipari seems to be. He's got all the bball talent in the world right out his front door, yet he can't stand to lose even one prospect. GO VOLS! NEUTER THE KITTIES!!!

Posted by FLAVOLS on February 18, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis is a city that is unforgiving to its hometown ball players that leave the fold. Especially those that leave the fold and go to rival schools. They have a mighty "little man" complex. That is why it makes it easier for Memphis talent that can get away from Memphis to do so far away from Memphis and its fan base. That is why this kid, IMO, who goes to one of the best schools in Memphis will probably end up at UNC or Duke instead of Tennessee. It sounds like this kid is a little sensitive to pleasing those around him and may not want to put his family thru that Memphis hazing and ignorance. I hope I'm wrong because it sure would be great see him at UT since I think he could be a very valuable member of The Big Orange Nation!
Good luck young man and remember there is a lot more to this world than little West Tennessee.

Posted by CatScratchFever on February 18, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

utchris2003. To be clear about Hopson. Gillispie has not called Hopson even one single time according to Scotty and his mother. The Kentucky staff has watched him play a few games (ie the "All-A Classic") but it appears that Kentucky is the one that is "not interested".

Hopson is a very good player. His downside though is his attitude....he pouts and will give up on plays. Yet, he wants to go to a school where he can play right away. Furthermore, he (and his mother) want him to the NBA right away. I see him as a one and done kind of player at best.

I just do not see him being a good fit at Kentucky as he does not want to compete for playing time.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 18, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Winchester & Hickory Hill - my neighborhood! I have lived in an apartment there since I moved to Memphis 20 years ago. When I moved to Memphis, that area was mostly yuppie. Now, it is almost 100% black middle class. I have stayed and like it fine, while Memphians like zander who post disparaging comments about East Tennesseans are probably too scared -- TOO SCARED -- to venture into that section of town. Instead, they sit on their hands and do nothing to make Memphis a better place.

Posted by marc_ash on February 18, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AFO, Kentucky normally gets the nod with most recruits soley based on tradition. I think the verdict is still out on Gilespe. Not quite sure the Big Blue Nation is completely sold on him quite yet. HOwever, I must say that they have received some good commits thus far.

I don't know much about Hopson, but the question I would have to ask is does UT want him? Kentucky generally doesn't make many mistakes on recruitment (with the big exception of Lofton) so there must be a reason UK doesn't want him. I would hope Pearl would take heed to what those things may be.

Only time will tell. Hopefully a good decision is made and he doesn't go to a rival SEC school at the very least.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 18, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

With regard to Hopson wanting to go to the NBA as soon as possible, it seems to me that if most guys like that were half as good as they THINK they are, they would be twice as good as they REALLY are. I see it as a bad sign that his mom seems to be pushing him that way. It is also a bad sign if a kid gives the impression that he expects more than an opportunity to COMPETE for playing time. If this is really where this kid's head is at, we don't need him, no matter how much talent he might have.

Posted by knoxvegas75 on February 18, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stroker - its actually not a full set just a bunch of donate partial sets. Its still kinda of fun though and challenging for memphis students.

1 Vs 2 !!!!!!!! Lets go Big Orange...rock those tigers!!!!

Good recruit prob wont come here since memphis will hate him if he does and he will be told that just like Williams was and then he will choose duke or nc. hopefully not!!!

Posted by CJVolNMemphis on February 18, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody heard about us wearing black uniforms Saturday night?

Posted by knoxvegas75 on February 18, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

black uniforms would be freakin sweet!!!! so would bright orange though.....my vote is for the black.

Posted by CJVolNMemphis on February 18, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is the Auburn game televised anywhere?

Posted by ajs38mh on February 18, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He will be at Vandy rather than a Thug University. McDonald go to Vandy and see what life has to offer or be an OrangeNeck.

Posted by jdcdjc on February 18, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Instead of comming in for a football game, make it for a basketball game and expierence the Vols in a game you play. I hate to see a young man put under this kind of pressure but, it sure beats the alternative of not being this good. If we can beat the tigers, it will go a long ways in securing this young man. I don't like Calipari any how.
Go Vols

Posted by rab63 on February 18, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

His uncle says he is going to follow his girlfriend to wherever she goes to school.....WE NEED TO RECRUIT HIS GIRLFRIEND!!!!!!!game over.....U.T. wins!!

Posted by TurboFan on February 18, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Re Calipari visiting his daughter for lunches. If he says more than "hello" to McDonald in passing doesn't that count as an official visit, of which there are only so many? At what point does it become stalking?

If academics are a main concern, that leaves out Memphis and UNC (electives in architecture? whats that about?). If backlash from tigerfanatics is a concern, he probably goes north to OSU.

I know Pearl can't "recruit" his girlfriend, ala Urban, but I hope he knows what major she is interested in.

Posted by TurboFan on February 18, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all the trash talking about the city of Memphis, I haven't seen writing like this very often in the KNS. John Adams needs an internship at the Commercial Appeal.

Posted by ajs38mh on February 18, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McDonald, go to Vandy and you will be set for life. UT has to pay black students from Memphis to attend UT. I cant wait to get out of Knoxville.

Posted by LazhilUT on February 18, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If he wants to be an architect, he has to come to UT. Unless he doesn't want to put the time and effort it takes to get that degree and all the sleepless nights at the Architecture building and then decides to go to Memphis for an easier avenue.

Posted by BillVol on February 18, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee has an excellent architecture program. UT grads and current studentes have done a lot of the stuff in Chattanooga's renaissance.

Posted by GreerVol22 on February 18, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Easy cowboys just keep your eyes on the prize, which is an SEC banner first and foremost. There is another set of kitties and we must avoid in a trap game before we get to Memphis.

ajs, What's the matter? Not happy at the University of Miami at Knoxville?....don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on February 18, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ajs, ya need money for gas? a bus ticket?

Posted by Colliervol on February 18, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Like UTChris, I get tickled at ole Coach Firm and Fair taking shots at UT and BP every chance he gets. It would seem he's a bit insecure when it comes to us and I wonder if he still thinks we are hurting their RPI. At the end of the day, Cal should always remember that our $80 million athletic budget doesn't depend on him or this series. That's the bottom line.

I agree with Chris that it's because BP has brought UT's program to an unexpected height and it's caused Coach F and F to have to work a little. He thought he was going to have basketball in this state all to himself but it didn't quite work out that way. If he has such a great "national" program, he shouldn't worry about a little old SEC school, should he?

If McDonald is serious about an architectural program, there is no choice there between UT and Memphis. If he and his family succumb to the pressure that Memphis will put on them to stay home, that's a different story.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 18, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore, everything you say is true, except it's usually 10k races, never marathons. Yes, I will chew you out if you stand up in front of me when nobody else is standing. Would you have me take out a big mortgage I don't need to buy a house I don't want in Memphis, one of the worst real estate markets in the United States? What's so funny?

Posted by UTByrd on February 18, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

McDonald seems to me to be a young man of good character and moral fiber. Do you really think that he likes to read UT "fans" denigrating Coach Cal, UM Tigers, and the city of Memphis. After all, it is his home town. You people need to show some class. I am from "little" W Tenn and like to pull for all of Tennessee's college teams with UT being my favorite. Memphis is ranked #1 and deserves respect. Take a look at the end of the UAB game. What you had was a small group of fans that showed their ignorance and lack of respect for the visiting team. Their actions gave UAB, their team, as well as their fans a huge black eye. As a top tier recruit, would you not take this ignorance into account when deciding which school to enroll in?

No matter the outcome on Saturday night, the state of Tennessee comes out a winner. It would truly be wonderful for UT and UM to develop a rivalry that can be ranked up their with Duke/NC. Build it, and the recruits will come.

Go Vols!!!!!

Posted by Colliervol on February 18, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So UTByrd, then the converse should be true as well then, right? Do you think he should be proud of the U of M coach for taking potshots at UT every chance he gets and their fans who despise the Vols with every fiber of their being and voice it at every turn with some rather colorful language?

Evidently, you've never read the comments section on the Commercial Appeal articles or any Tiger Fan sites. Let's not get into a "class" discussion about U of M fans. Please. It works both ways.

ajs, you can go ahead and leave now. That will open up a spot for one of the 4000 or so applicants that didn't get in last fall. There are plenty of others who want in.

Posted by SFOrange on February 18, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Believe it or not this will be a match up of the two highest ranked teams in the country.

1. Memphis vs. 2. Tennessee (in BASKETBALL, wow)

If UT wins out this week (AU, UM)...Vols will be #1 in next polls (wow).

Lets go orange.
M

Posted by FWBVol on February 18, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's official, at least in the ESPN poll, Memphis 1, UT 2. Of course that might not be as much out of respect to the Vols as it is them wanting to bill the No. 1 vs. No. 2 game they'll be broadcasting on Saturday. Either way, I'm not complaining. This is the highest ranking in the history of men's hoops at UT going back close to 100 years. WOW!!!

Posted by zjcvols on February 18, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl needs a freaking PG! He has one PG next year (Ramar) who is really inconsistent. He needs to go out and find a PG because the backup will probably be Tabb and he is a wing. He has plenty of wings. Unless he is thinking Hopson can play PG, PG should be Pearl's no.1 priority

Posted by FLAVOLS on February 18, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Emerson probably lives in Memphis and is a Memphis State fan anyway - just wanting to incite the masses.

Posted by dopedawg on February 18, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dont just keep the faith--pass it around!!!! Glad to see the boys at #2. Coach Pearl, I hope you have more integrity than the football bunch, and hope you have the sense to keep the boys under control. Dont let them goof up like Phil has let his boys!! Beat Auburn Wensday!!! Go Vols!!!!!!

Posted by FatherVol on February 18, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a great week for a Big Orange fan to be living in Memphis. So proud of our Men in Orange for moving up to #2, even if it's not the poll that counts. Haven't received a call of a text from Calipari in more than two weeks. I think he's running scared.

Posted by marc_ash on February 18, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can someone clarify the Black Uniform rumor? Is there any validity to that?

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dont think there is any validity to that rumor. I a not sure that UT has ever pulled something like that (ALL Black)

Posted by Tennisajoke on February 18, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee fans need to pull up their beer bellies and quit jabbin about Memphis and the town. I know Mcdonald personally and let me tell you this...he knows how tennessee fans act towards everyone in Memphis and he loves his hometown. PLease continue to act this way because it only favors Memphis. I hope Tennessee wears all black because as I recall the last time they tried to get tricky with uniforms was 1996 when a 3-8 Memphis football team upended Peyton Manning and the vols 21-17! Go Tigers. Payback is on the way....

Posted by johnlg00 on February 18, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am past being shocked when it comes to uniforms these days. If they ever thought about doing such a thing, this would probably be the game to do it, though I would hate it. With the whole bball world watching, I want that BIG ORANGE shining!
BTW, did you see those clown suits the NBA All-Stars were wearing last night? I literally could not watch the game for not being able to tell which team was which. Such a brilliant idea for BOTH teams' uniforms to have one white side! I'd like to have some of what the relevant committee was smoking at the meeting where they agreed that those unis were the way to go(;-P)!

Posted by coach75 on February 18, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

airfarceone, like he would have to compete for playing time at kentucky. he would get less playing time at tennessee than kentucky. i will still take him though, but i would rather have mcdonald. after the nasty game at vandy i think a lot of people are backing off of kentucky.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore will you wear that blazer back down Beale when you lose?

While Memphis is not the state's team I will take them being the nation's #1 team!!

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Calipari has to deal with Pearl and others coming into Memphis since he has stopped recruiting the area hard. Calipari has focused on the nation's top players and has left the Mid-South open for attack. Congrats to Pearl if he gets this one, but Memphis will still have a good class.

Posted by Colliervol on February 18, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore, we don't agree on a lot of subjects but that's a good analysis about the shooting. (As I recall, we lead the nation in 3 point shooting defense.) Dorsey, Dozier and CDR are good offensive rebounders and we MUST keep them off the boards to have a chance. A lot of their offense is somebody driving to the basket and the rest of them crashing the boards.

Another big key is whether Dorsey can stay on the floor or not for them. It was just announced that their backup center, Shawn Taggart, will not play Weds and is questionable for us with a knee injury. If we can bait Dorsey into a couple of cheap fouls early (as happened in Knoxville last year), they are in trouble.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore- Both teams play great defense and are deep. While CDR is not a great shooter he is a great player. If Dozier's head is in the game(and that is a big if) he could be the monster on the boards. He is capable of pulling down 20+ rebounds and putting up 10 points. Again, if its close either way the game could be secided at the line and that could get ugly!! I say Memphis will win due to playing at home. As far as the comments from people like bossvol351, why do you have to play the racist card? This will be a great game that should highlight that Great basketball is played somewhere besides NC. But no the racist comments have to come out, and since I have both Grizzlies and Tigers tickets for years and have never had 1 issue downtown I am offended by your comments.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And one other thing, Why do I say Memphis will win? Because we have not lost!! If UT wins then good for them, but until that happens I will still say THE TIGERS WILL WIN!!!!

Posted by tigervol9802 on February 18, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good grief, get this kid! He's too solid of a kid to play for a mid-major!

Don't let Cal thug him up!

Posted by UTByrd on February 18, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol, I was not defending any fan base for lashing out with insults. It's cool if you are hashing it out with co-workers, friends, etc. My point was that McDonald sounds like a great recruit and I don't think it's a good idea to insult "his" city, especially posting these comments after an article about the tug of war between UT and UM.

I do know that UM has played at least 2 teams that used a triangle and 2 defense that gave them fits. I'm sure CBP has checked into it. Once again, the state of Tennessee comes out a winner in Saturday's game. It will help both schools with future recruits. Let's hope all fans show respect and class on gameday.

UT wins 95-94 at the free throw line. Go Vols!!!!!

Posted by ncvol17 on February 18, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THIS KID WON'T FIT IN WITH THE USUAL THUGS THAT MIGRATE TO TIGER HIGH. HE SOUNDS LIKE HE COULD ALREADY BE A GUEST PROFESSOR COMPARED TO TIGER HIGH EDUCATORS.

SINCE I LIVED IN MEMPHIS IN THE 70'S WE HAVEN'T RECRUITED MEMPHIS WELL. THOSE KIDS DON'T WANT TO TRAVEL CROSS STATE 8 HRS TO KNOXVILLE. HOME TOWN MEMPHIS FITS THEIR NEEDS BETTER. THIS KID NEEDS TO GET OUT OF TIGER HIGH'S SHADOW WHEREVER HE GOES.

Posted by mparker on February 18, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we don't have a chnce with this kid. He is either a dukie or a UNC bound player. He doesn't sound like he's mentally tough, so a place like duke with a whole slew of mickey-d's all-americans can shield him.

sorry, I sound harsh. look at jajuan, at chris. those kids are so tough you could beat 'em with a bat and they'd still play. they value defense, and want the big shot.

Is this kid that tough? If he isn't, he will not play for Burce.

BTW: they need to retire Chris' and JaJuan's jersies at the last home game....okay, they won't, but those kids have helped save our butts!

Posted by Plasticman on February 18, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We need both Hopson and McDonald. With JuJuan, Lofton and Howell all 3 gone after this season, we need shooters more than anything. Immediate PT for both players if they come to UT. Vols win at Memphis by 6 points Sat.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So he would fit with the rednecks in Knoxville better?

Posted by budrhon on February 18, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ncvols17 the reason many of the memphis kids never wanted to come to UT during the 70's and 80's is because UT played a slow, methodical brand of Basketball. Your comments of "USUAL THUGS THAT MIGRATE TO TIGER HIGH" has racist connotations written all over it. Man, that is so uncall for. It's comments like that why key ball players like McDonald will probably go else where.

Posted by rockyknox on February 18, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux, why do you have to play the redneck card? This will be a great game that should highlight that Great basketball is played somewhere besides NC. But no the redneck comments have to come out, and since I have both Titans and Vols tickets for years and have never had 1 issue downtown I am offended by your comments.

Posted by dfreeman on February 18, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux - Knoxville isn't the city that holds the "redneck games" every year! with "bobbing for pigs feet" and "underarm farting" contests as some of their main events!! I'd check your facts before I made comments like that there cupcake!!

Posted by rockyknox on February 18, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux, I've got your cupcakes.

Posted by rockyknox on February 18, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry dfreeman, for a minute I thought cupcake, volssux,was coming after me.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello Vol Nation? First off let me say congratulations for your teams #2 ranking. Now the real reason I am here. Two of your wayward fans are on our message board causing a little havoc, so I thought one (in this case two) turn deserve another. This is a cause and effect, brought on by spidermonkey and orangejulius. Funny thing though, I didn't recognize their handles on this message board? All, this is the quite before the storm. Go Tigers! Five weeks and counting!!!

Posted by rockyknox on February 18, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Mem901(memtigers42),check the weather forecast. The storm will be heading west Saturday night.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, "QUITE." According to the American dictionary means "complete." Not Quiet. You see Zander gave you hill billies a little taste, but I will give you a complete dose. Thanks for taking the bait bossvol351:-).

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Boss,

This clown is only proving what an idiot he is. Same post on two different articles and now trying to justify it as baiting you.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is funny, I don't have to say anything more and you will kill any opportunity to bring in blue chip players. Might as well call Col Reb and see what its like to recruit the trash.

Posted by rockyknox on February 18, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Zander, Mem901, memtigers42 or whatever your name is, did you mean to say "This is the "complete" before the storm"? That makes a lot of sense.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have had enough fun playing in the shallow end of the gene pool. I will be back to laugh at you after Memphis wins. I was looking forward to a State pride game but now its back to "I root for Memphis and anyone playing UT."

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can we all just get along? Vol nation, Saturday is going to be a great day for both our Cities and Universities. Like me, I am sure some of you are sick and tired of those who can't just talk trash, but have to take trash talking to another level. I did not know this web site existed until several weeks ago when utchris2003 started post on the Tiger website. I think that's when "Zander" returned the favor. I hope to think that we all respect Freedom of Speech, but the name calling and the hatred is un-called for. Like you, when someone disrespects our school, we feel compelled to defend them. When one of our fans post here just ignore them. Speak about them only in the third person. Eventually they will go away. This has gotten way out of hand and it takes cooler heads to prevail.

Again, congratulations on the #2 ranking. Although I bleed blue and my heart is in Memphis, I can claim both Mem and Tenn. I serve in the military, so my home of record is Memphis, Tn :-). Unlike some of you, I am in a win, win situation. Go Tigers! and May the best (Tigers) Team win!

Posted by Tennisajoke on February 18, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee fans are all rednecks...end of story

Posted by utchris2003 on February 18, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is NOT the Tiger website. It is the Commercial Appeal's Sports page, which happens to be my hometown newspaper. This is a dedicated site to UT. The CA is not a dedicated Tiger site.

Posted by Mem901 on February 18, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351, sounds like you are jealous? Sorry, but I don't flame that way. DC current only.

I do agree with the ass part though. Like you, I will defend my school, but I will do it in good taste though. Zander is responsible for his actions, not me. I just love basketball. Just so happens, our state is doing pretty good this year, wouldn't you say so? That's if you can stop thinking about the "homo" stuff.

Posted by utstudent86 on February 18, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cant believe were acting like this is a rivalry!! This is coming from the team who is still celebrating their one football win over us ten years ago. Memphis wants to believe it is but we all know its not!! And for all you crazed Memphis fans....Your just mad Calipari still comments on his UMASS team every post game show!! A commuter school will NEVER be a national power and Calipari game time decisions will continue to suck!! GO VOLS!!

Posted by budrhon on February 19, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chances are this Kid will be headed to the NBA after 2 or 3 years in College. Yes, he's that good. He'll probably have to finish his major while getting paid to play basketball. If he really loves Basketball he probably will go to an ACC team like Duke or UNC. One thing to keep in mind Pearl has yet to land that "Star" player. What he has accomplished is quick fixes which have worked great with his coaching style.

Posted by Mem901 on February 19, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351, I think you have lost the premise behind "these" e-mails or you just never got it the third time I posted? First you need to look up the definition of stupid and see if you are using it out of context? Now if you had stated "ignorant" then you would have me. As with the CA website, there are only a few that perpetuate these type of personal attacks. Not all of us are Vol hating individuals. I am willing to bet that if the Vol were playing ole Miss, Arkansas, at least 95% (if not 100) would be pulling for the Vols. I am not try to prove my credibility. I am just trying to be a voice of reason for a situation that has only been exacerbated by a few.

Let it go guy. This is bigger than the both of us. Good night Vol nation. The next time you will hear from me is after the game. Only if you win and that will be to say Congrats. If we win, I will gloat on the CA message board. Go Tigers!

Posted by mparker on February 19, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

brother dave gardner lives on, I see.

quit being dumba$$es, everybody. The UT-MEM game is a great showcase for the the entire state of Tennesse. This might not happen again in our lifetimes, so why not enjoy it???

Man, it'd be great to run the table. I don't know that we can, or that we can get thru the SEC tournament, but I'll sure pull for it.

The vols have already won games I thought they might lose, so it's been a great season.

Posted by mike on February 19, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Rivals.com did a story on McDonald (ranked #16) a couple of weeks ago. He told them he was leaning to North Carolina. Of the 25 players nationally ranked a 5 star player (class of 2009), this would make the 5th in that class to commit to UNC. Before you start beating your chest and proclaiming that utk basketball is the new power house, do the math. How many 5 star players has Bruce Pearl landed?

Memphis is focused on the #2 player out that class, Xavier Henry from Oklahoma City. They also have the #5 player in the 2008 class, Tyeke Evans, making his official visit to Memphis on Saturday. He claims he is going to make his commitment this weekend. Memphis, the school you refer to as thugs and the coach you love to hate is out recruiting you all over the country. If McDonald wants to go play at UNC, good luck to him.

This story referred to Memphis as being rough on players that leave. Thaddus Young went to Ga.Tech and never was critized. Elliot Williams is going to Duke and I have not heard one negative word said about him either. Tony Harris was a different story. We lost 2 other Memphis players that year because they refused to play on the same team with him. Utimately, Larry Finch's insistence to sign him at all costs lead him to get fired. I am glad Tony went to UT, he was not someone you wanted on the floor at the end of a game was he?

Congrats to the Vols to get ranked this high. All the planets had to be in just the right alignment for this #1 v. #2 matchup on this weekend. But all the trash talking in the world is not going to win this game. You are about to find out this "mid-major" is loaded and ready to go off on the Vols. Good luck Saturday boys.

TIGRFAN in knoxville

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 19, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore,
Good analysis at 2/18 5:24p.m. I hope you know more about basketball than you know about football.

Posted by mike on February 19, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351... take a look at the polls, go back all year if you like, Memphis is no "johnny come lately".

You calling our players a thugs is out of line. Look at the arrest records of your football team.

You want to talk trash, go for it.

Posted by Ironcity on February 19, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Qu. If UT wins do we jump to number one or stay at number two. Just wondering.

Posted by ajs38mh on February 20, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee and Memphis both lose tonight. lmfao

Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Username:

Password:
(Forgotten your password?)

Your Turn: