Pigram was briefly mentioned in article about being in this year's league. The "draft" is tomorrow with games starting Monday. I could not find a list of those available to play. Maybe it will be on their website after the draft.
I wonder if any other Bucs will be playing? I guess we'll know tomorrow for sure. I like the thoughts of our players competing against some solid competition.
They have the list of available players up, and it looks like Pigram is the only ETSU rep. But there is Skylar McBee an ETSU recruit. Looks like just about every UT player is on the list, including Scottie Hopson who is suppose to be a great one for Pearl.
Could be a relatively local recruit for us (Rutledge, TN.). McBee is apparently an all-state QB as well according to a quick google search. I've gathered that he's a big time scorer at a small high school, ala Mike Smith.
So if Pigram is playing in the Rocky Top League, does that mean that he has officially withdrawn his name from the NBA draft?
Doesn't have to, alot of players came and went last year, if he gets a call for a workout he will just skip the league games he needs to and go do that. Some of the players last year probably didn't play in more 2-3 games. I think Jalen Rose only played in 1 game.
I am glad to see Brown playing, this will help him a lot. Hamlin should do fine and Pigram was one of the better ones last year. Now it's just a matter of how many games they will show up for and play, but great to see ETSU represented with 3 players again.
Isiah Brown getting to play with Wayne Chism is a really good thing. One thing that does concern me is it basically just being a league for former UT players and guys from the local high schools, which btw, did ETSU recruit Tony White, Jr.?
Making a Name: Grainger's Skylar McBee was easily the most impressive of the three high school players in action Monday. McBee scored 18 points for Richardson Construction on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-6 beyond the 3-point arc. McBee has offers from East Tennessee State, Middle Tennessee State, UAB and Indiana State.
Courtney Pigram 17; Tyler Smith 32; Daniel West 6; Cole Rose 11; Chris Conner 11; J.T. Blair 5; Jason Seymore 8; Michael Jenkins 14; Kyle Huckins 7; Greg Hamlin 12.
News Sentinel (76):
Jalen Steele 5; Damon Johnson 15; Raul Placeras 11; Cameron Sharp 7; Chauncey Thompson 2; Ron Slay 28; Jeremy Saffore 6; Phillip Jurick 2.
HT Group 60 63 — 123
News Sentinel 32 44 — 76
Toyota of Knoxville (109):
Wayne Chism 19; Dane Bradshaw 27; Tony White Jr. 9; Jared Stevens 10; Rashard Lee 14; Tanner Wild 2; Kirill Yakvolev 4; Isiah Brown 10; Andy Tipton 14.
1st Tennessee (101):
Dustin Brown 2; Justin Walker 4; Eryk Watson 3; John Higgins 13; Jordan Howell 10; Cameron Tatum 39; Zach Hyatte 6; James Jackson 18; Ben Bosse 6.
Toyota of Knoxville (104): Wayne Chism 9, Dane Bradshaw 7; Tony White Jr. 14; Jared Stevens 9; Rashard Lee 28; Tanner Wild 2; Kirill Yakovlev 2; Isiah Brown 21; Carlton Hill 3; Andy Tipton 9.
News Sentinel (96): Jalen Steele 22; Damon Johnson 11; Raul Placras 13; Cameron Sharp 4; Chauncey Thompson 3; Keith Bauer 7; Ron Slay 30; Jeremy Saffore 6.
News Sentinel 52 52 — 104
Toyota 50 46 — 96
Richardson Construction (122): Adam Plavich 6; Skylar McBee 16; Andy Hill 3; Terrence Oglesby 35; Josh Tabb 28; Michael Blue 19; Bobby Guyton 4; John Mueller 11.
First Tennessee (118): Dustin Brown 3; Justin Walker 8; Eryk Watson 9; John Higgins 14; Jordan Johnson 4; Chris Carney 2; Cameron Tatum 42; Boo Jackson 30; Ben Bosse 4; Marko Costic 2.
Richardson 60 62 — 122
First Tennessee 52 66 — 118
HT Group (131): Courtney Pigram 45; Tyler Smith 29; Daniel West 15; Cole Rose 4; Ryan Walden 2; Michael Jenkins 23; Kyle Huckins 2; Greg Hamlin 11.
Ray’s ESG (128): Mario McClurie 2; Alex Bowers 4; Logan Johnson 23; James Gallman 3; Steven Pearl 7; Bobby Maze 47; Scotty Hopson 33; Ben Williamson 9.
I don't want to put too much stock into these games--it's a summer league after all--but it was nice to see Pigram play that well. Incidentally, he put those numbers up against UT probable starting guard, Bobby Maze.
These former players need to get over themselves. I am sorry they seem to be having a hard time adjusting to the fact the glory years have passed them by but get real. It is a friggin pickup game the fans are coming out to be entertained and watch thier favorite players doing things they know they couldn't/wouldn't do in a real game. They need to run this Campbell guy off before Pearl decides to pull the plug and tell his players not to play. I wonder how the crowds would be with no current Vols on the floor just former players and a bunch of pickups.
Tennessee forward Wayne Chism found that out at halftime of Toyota’s 104-96 win over the News Sentinel Wednesday night.
Former UT players Dane Bradshaw and Rashard Lee let Chism know he needed to pick up his game after the News Sentinel led by double digits in the first half en route to a 52-50 lead at halftime.
Chism didn’t play in the second half and left the bench before the game concluded at Bearden High School. He could not be reached for comment.
“I just told him I wanted to see the real Wayne Chism,’’ said Toyota coach Rick Campbell. “I know it’s a grind for him throughout the year, but I’ve got to cover the other guys who are playing hard. Everyone on this team wants to win.’’
Bradshaw, who was best known for his competitive fire during his UT playing days, said there are times for fun and times to be serious.
“We got down by 12 or 15, and we were like, ‘let’s take this seriously,’ ” said Bradshaw, who played for Toyota last season. “Wayne was just trying to entertain the crowd, but sometimes we need him to be more serious. We’re trying to win out here.’’
Chism, the second overall pick in the league draft, was 4-of-10 shooting and 1-of-2 from the free throw line for nine points when he left the game.
Former Eastern Michigan player and first-team All-CBA player James “Boo” Williams played Chism even during Monday’s first game. Chism had 19 points (7-of-14 shooting) and 13 rebounds, and Williams had 18 points (9-of-15 shooting) and 13 rebounds.
Former Carson-Newman standout Andy Tipton, an unsung hero on the Toyota team last year, said the team takes itself seriously.
“Coach Campbell is real competitive, and he wants people to play hard,’’ Tipton said. “That’s the only way to play basketball. If you don’t play hard, you don’t play at all; he (Campbell) doesn’t care who you are.’’
Former UT standout Ron Slay, who scored 30 points for the News Sentinel in the loss, said Chism is only hurting himself by not doing his best.
“Wayne has to keep his head in it, but I know this is kind of how Wayne is in pickup games,’’ Slay said. “But he can definitely make gains in his game out here and work on things. You’ve got to use this league to your advantage.’’
Slay, Bradshaw, Lee and Damon Johnson — all European professionals — certainly play hard.
“I love Wayne; he’s a great kid,’’ said Campbell, a former Lincoln-Memorial assistant. “Maybe we can work out a trade if it will help him. I’m a huge fan of the Vols and I want to see him do well.’’
UT captain Tyler Smith had yet to arrive for his 9 p.m. game when Chism left the gym, but he heard about the situation and said he planned to seek him out.
“It is competitive out here, and I know Wayne has been working hard on his game,’’ Smith said. “Maybe someone just touched a nerve. I’ll ask Wayne about this; we need to talk about this.’’
Bradshaw joked with Slay that he’s worried about the News Sentinel’s team chemistry after they fell to 0-2.
Slay fired back with a smile: “It has been horrible so far.’’
Notebook: The News Sentinel played without incoming UT freshman Phillip Jurick, who is out with an undisclosed foot injury. ... UT center Brian Williams did not show up. ... Incoming UT freshman Renaldo Woolridge isn't enrolling until the second term of summer school (July 7) and might not play in the league.
Of course it's not the NCAA tournament, but I am glad the players (and coaches) are taking it serious though. I wouldn't want to watch a Harlem Globetrotter clowning around exhibition. And I doubt others that are going to these games do either.
Of course it's not the NCAA tournament, but I am glad the players (and coaches) are taking it serious though. I wouldn't want to watch a Harlem Globetrotter clowning around exhibition. And I doubt others that are going to these games do either.
Look at the scores.. you think somebody is playing defense? People are going to watch their favorites past and present not watch Chism set on the bench while some guy from Carson Newman plays.
Of course it's not the NCAA tournament, but I am glad the players (and coaches) are taking it serious though. I wouldn't want to watch a Harlem Globetrotter clowning around exhibition. And I doubt others that are going to these games do either.
Look at the scores.. you think somebody is playing defense? People are going to watch their favorites past and present not watch Chism set on the bench while some guy from Carson Newman plays.
I agree, Rod. I think this coach needs to realize where he's coaching.
I have no idea what Chism was or wasn't doing to cause problems, but from that article even the players seemed to be frustrated with him. I knew I should have gone Wednesday night!
Doesn't suprise me at all, at the game I went to last year Duke Crews was the exact same way. ALl he was interested in doing was big dunks, he didn't get back on defense and he was constantly calling for the ball no matter what, yelling at teammates. He actually got booed by the UT fans, took his jersey off at halftime and walked out.
Thought I would share my impressions from the RTBL games on 6/23. First, it was an incredible crowd with standing room only for the first games. In terms of our players, here are some of my observations:
-Isiah Brown looked exceptional. He's extremly quick off his feet and blocked several shots with ease and authority. He plays excellent overall defense, especially in the post. He absolutely posterized Tyler Smith on a post move one time. Granted it was a summer league game, and Smith didn't play strict defense, but it was still rather impressive. He's surprisingly good off-the-dribble too. He's weakness right now is definitely his outside game.
-Greg Hamlin played extremey aggressive. He had a few dunks that were high-flying acts. Played great defense in the post.
-CP was...CP. I wish Tyler Smith played for us. They have great chemistry.
-Skylar McBee, a potential recruit who we've offered, looked like a "must-get". Very smart, great handle, quick, and has a picture-perfect outside shot. Most important, he was absolutely fearless playing against some good competition. He'll be a senior in H.S. this year. Someone told me at the game that other schools are taking notice and that Auburn has recently jumped on.
Non-UT players, such as CBA newcomer of the year James “Boo” Williams and ETSU’s Isiah Brown, have raised eyebrows with elevated play. Williams played UT forward Wayne Chism even Monday, scoring 18 and pulling down 13 rebounds to Chism’s 19 and 13 rebounds.
Five things to watch this week at the Rocky Top League
By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 06:16 p.m., June 21, 2008
Updated 06:16 p.m., June 21, 2008
Quote:
Five things to watch at the Rocky Top League
1. Cameron Tatum
Tatum leads the league in scoring (40.5) and goes head-to-head against Hopson at 6 p.m. Monday. Tatum will compete with both Hopson and J.P. Prince for playing time at UT.
Tatum, who redshirted last season, will tackle Tyler Smith and the HT Group Wednesday night.
2. Tyler Smith
Smith could score 50 a game if he wanted but takes it upon himself to play team ball and guard fellow UT players in an effort to improve his game as well as theirs.
The unquestioned leader of the Vols, Smith is a shining example of how a star should carry himself.
3. Bobby Maze, and Daniel West
UT’s point guards of the future have put on quite a show, and not of the showboat variety.
Despite hard-scrabble social backgrounds — Maze from Washington, D.C., West from Saginaw, Mich., — there’s very little “street’’ in their games. Both play a controlled game with fundamentals and compete like champions.
4. Scotty Hopson
The McDonald’s All-American has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to dominate like many believe he can. Hopson clearly needs work on his 3-point shot and defense, but his driving and dunking abilities are otherworldly.
5. Courtney Pigram
That wasn’t Chris Lofton stroking 36-foot 3-pointers and draining 11-of-12 treys Wednesday — it was Pigram.
Pigram, along with All-Atlantic Coast Conference freshman Terrence Oglesby (Clemson), provides UT players the competition needed to get better.
Tyler Smith, Pigram deliver again
By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 11:14 p.m., June 23, 2008
Updated 11:14 p.m., June 23, 2008
Quote:
The one-two punch of Tennessee's Tyler Smith and Courtney Pigram was enough for the HT Group to knock Toyota of Knoxville out of the top spot of the Pilot Rocky Top League on Monday night.
HT Group stands alone as the only undefeated team after rallying from a 12-point second-half deficit in its 102-99 win before 2,500 fans at Bearden High School.
"I notice Tyler really trusts Courtney, and if you get too busy worrying about him, Courtney will keep moving and Tyler will find a way to get it to him,'' said Toyota's Dane Bradshaw, the former Tennessee player and an ex-teammate of Pigram's at White Station High School in Memphis.
"They are a team that can shoot themselves out of a game or into a game. Early on they were missing, but it was just a matter of time.''
Smith scored 29 points on 13-of-25 shooting to lead all scorers and East Tennessee State's Pigram scored 21 for HT Group (3-0).
UT's Wayne Chism led Toyota of Knoxville (2-1) with 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting (5-of-6 from the free throw line). When Chism wasn't dominating above the rim, he was scrapping in the paint, hitting the floor numerous times.
But incoming UT freshman point guard Daniel West had the final say in the game, hitting a free throw with 14.6 seconds left to give HT Group a three-point cushion.
First Win: The News Sentinel won its first game 106-96 over Richardson Construction.
Damon Johnson led the News Sentinel (1-2) with 34 points. Carson-Newman's Cameron Sharp had 21.
Notebook: UT sophomore post Brian Williams and incoming freshman post Phillip Jurick returned to play Monday night. Williams played despite pulling a chest muscle lifting weights last week. Jurick returned from a foot injury.
I have yet to make it to one of these games, and probably won't because of work, but from the box scores it looks like all of the Bucs are holding there own offensively. Pigram is second in the league in scoring and Brown has put up some good offensive numbers. Hamlin is doing well also. I think this has really helped those guys to get ready for the upcoming season. It looks like Pigram's team will be in the finals Wed.
I have yet to make it to one of these games, and probably won't because of work, but from the box scores it looks like all of the Bucs are holding there own offensively. Pigram is second in the league in scoring and Brown has put up some good offensive numbers. Hamlin is doing well also. I think this has really helped those guys to get ready for the upcoming season. It looks like Pigram's team will be in the finals Wed.
We still need help down low, but I feel better about our inside game after watching both Hamlin and Brown in this league. It's exciting that we have Brown for 4 years.
MVP Finalists: The list of candidates for the PRTL MVP race has been cut to five.
Tyler Smith and Courtney Pigram represent the HT Group, while Bobby Maze and Hopson are candidates off Ray's ESG. Tatum is First Tennessee's representative.
Hope the hot shooting continues for Pigram's senior year. Sounds like Hamlin and Brown gained a little experience and confidence in the RTL. Too bad some of the other players didn't participate.
I wonder how Courtney will feel after playing in a packed gym every game at Bearden (yes, they're getting more fans than ETSU gets at many of their games), then going back to play in the empty confines of the dome.
That performance should have been enough to win him the league MVP.
R
I agree CP should win the MVP, but I don't actually think he will. Its not called he Rocky top classic for nothing, no way a Tennessee player doesn't come away with it IMO.
On the subject of Isiah Brown, if he puts on weight, develops any kind of game beyond 5 feet from the basket, and stays aggressive he's going to turn into a heck of a player EVENTUALLY. Thing is, right now he is VERY raw and is basically 95% reliant on pure athleticism. The great news is that he has 4 more years to develop, the not so great news is that since it appears we're done with the 08 class, we're going to need him before he's ready IMO.