University of Tennessee Athletics
Chism Adds Toughness to His One-of-a-Kind Game
February 27, 2010 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 27, 2010
By Zach Stipe, UT Media Relations
Wayne Chism still remembers the first 3-pointer he made in a game for the University of Tennessee.
"The first 3 I shot when I got here, I heard the crowd shout, `Nooo!,'" Chism said. "They didn't know I could shoot the ball. I made myself very comfortable shooting the 3, and I made the crowd comfortable. I've made them believe in me - believe I could make that shot."
The 6-9 senior center is right. He's given Vols' fans ample evidence of his outside shooting ability throughout a four-year career that has seen him recently eclipse the Tennessee games played record.
Chism started honing his 3-point shot during his prep days. After transferring from Jackson Southside to Bolivar Central High School for his junior year, his new coach, Rick Rudesill, suggested he add a jump shot.
"My new coach told me, `You aren't going to be able to play in the post your whole life so you're going to have to learn to shoot,'" Chism said. "I was in the gym the whole summer shooting jump shots. That's how I got comfortable shooting 3s."
There aren't many post players in the country who are as apt at pulling up for a 3 as they are at lofting a hook shot. But that's what makes Chism's game so unique. He can finish with either hand in the paint, sink a turnaround jumper or sneak behind the arc for one of his game-changing 3s.
"Wayne makes my job easier," senior point guard Bobby Maze said. "Anytime we need a bucket I feel like I can count on Wayne. He's so versatile. His left hand is better than some guys' right."
His basketball game isn't the only thing unique about Chism. The Jackson, Tenn., native has a one-of-kind style that can be seen on and off the court. The headband he sports during games rests on the tip of his head, always looking like it will slip off, but staying firm. Outside of hoops, Chism can be seen walking around campus with his jeans tucked into his socks, which are often different colors.
And just like 3-point prowess, Chism developed his fashion sense before his arrival at UT.
"I developed that stuff when I was in high school," he said. "I just wanted to be myself - just be me. My personality is fun and I like to dress different to show my personality."
Always quick to flash a wide smile, Chism has had to grit his teeth more than any year before during this season. As he battles through injury after injury, Chism's proving that he will he go down in Tennessee basketball history as more than just the center with the outside shot and tilted-back headband. He'll be remembered as the senior who ignored his injuries and put his team on his back.
"I just have to play through it," said Chism, who has battled through multiple injuries in his senior campaign. "Playing hurt is tough. I sacrifice my body for my team because I want this team to be successful."
The Vols have had an unprecedented run of success since head coach Bruce Pearl took over the Orange and White in 2005, challenging for the SEC title and national acclaim every season. Chism came to Rocky Top a year later, and has been a major reason for the revival of Tennessee hoops.
"Wayne's certainly been a big part of our transition to being competitive again," Pearl said. "He has been the face of Tennessee of basketball for a number of years."
