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Feb

21

UT-Memphis: I’m so confused

By Matt Wilson | Filed Under Miscellaneous 

“Who’s going to win on Saturday?”

Several people have asked me this during the week in reference to Saturday’s colossal Memphis-Tennessee game.

I really should have a good answer. I should have an informed opinion.

But I don’t, really. Probably because I feel like I’m in my own personal episode of The Twilight Zone.

It’s probably because I never dreamed in a million years that I’d ever see No. 1 Memphis vs. No. 2 Tennessee in basketball.

I was born and raised in Knoxville and virtually grew up in Stokely Athletic Center watching Vols basketball games and listening to John Ward on cold winter nights. Later, I was present at the first game of Thompson-Boling Arena. (The Lady Vols played first that night and then the UT men beat Marquette.)

I saw Dale Ellis, Tony White, Fred Jenkins, Dyron Nix and eventually Allan Houston all wear the orange and white. I saw Greg Bell’s amazingly clutch shot to beat No. 9 Kentucky in 1988. I saw Houston and company upset Shaquille O’Neal and LSU in 1991.

I also saw a lot of really bad basketball.

After all that, I have to say it’s gratifying to see UT’s basketball program finally come into its own.

But I’m also a University of Memphis alum.

For four years I saw nearly every Tiger home game and even went on a harrowing 17-hour van ride from Memphis to Orlando to see the Tigers in the 1993 NCAA Tournament. (For the record, Memphis lost that one in one of the worst played, coached and officiated games by all parties involved I’ve seen in my life. It may be the worst game I’ve seen at any level.)

I’ve seen Penny Hardaway make mind-boggling passes and future NBA players David Vaughn and Lorenzen Wright star as Tigers. I saw a Tiger win over Arkansas in the Pyramid that almost sparked multiple fistfights in the concourse after the game and a Memphis win over Louisville were Tiger fans hung UL coach Denny Crum in effigy.

Trust me, a few people around the office are sick of hearing me brag on my alma mater’s hoops squad.

So what do I do on Saturday?

The game probably means more to Memphis fans. Memphis fans and alums have always had a sense of pride that the Tiger basketball program is much better than “that school from the East.” A Tiger loss at home to UT would be a devastating blow to Memphis fans.

At the same time, Tennessee sports fans have suffered a lot of heartache at the hands of the men’s basketball team. To defeat Memphis and become the No. 1 team in America would be the ultimate for fans that have taken so many lumps in the winter.

I can say this: It’s possible this may be one of the most electric atmospheres you’ll ever see at a college basketball game. Hey, Duke and North Carolina clash as No. 1 and No. 2 about twice a decade. This game is a once in a lifetime event. Actually, it’s even more rare than that.

And besides all the hype, it will be one heck of a game.

Whoever wins, as soon as it’s over, I get to move out of the Twilight Zone.

Until next Tuesday.

You see, I get my love of sports from my grandfather. He was a Vanderbilt alum.

Matt Wilson is the sports editor of The City Paper.

Comments

3 Responses to “UT-Memphis: I’m so confused”

  1. Bob Patterson on February 22nd, 2008 9:59 am

    What a great article. You’re in a unique position. Usually when someone supports “both side” the story is bland, but you showed passion on both sides. Thanks for the story

  2. Brett Travis on February 23rd, 2008 10:01 am

    Hey Matt! Great article, buddy. Can’t wait for the game tonight. Too bad it’s on so late. We might be watching the second half (gasp!) Sunday AM.

  3. Dee Beets on February 25th, 2008 11:10 am

    Matt, loved this! We’re so proud of you and your talent. Daddy would be just bursting with pride. I know your mother is — your aunt and uncle too. Loved the update throughout the game too. Whew! What a great game, especially since it ended with our team winning.
    Question: Has the men’s BB team ever been ranked higher than the Lady Vols? I can’t think of a time when that was possible. Anyway, great article!

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