University of Tennessee Athletics
Staying Ready: Kenny Hall
January 25, 2011 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 25, 2011
Todd Mounce
UTsports.com
When Tennessee sophomore Kenny Hall moved from California to Georgia, he couldn't imagine how much his life would change.
Not only was the move a change in scenery for Hall, but it also marked the start of his basketball career. Having only played hoops on the playground on the West Coast, the now 6-8 forward was noticed for his size in Georgia and encouraged by a classmate to go out for the team at age 14.
"The first year I didn't try out--I wasn't really into it," Hall said. "But the second year I went out for the team. I was tall so I made it."
By his junior year and after playing a season on the AAU circuit, he was drawing interest from some of the country's top programs. He began taking the game more seriously. As a result of his dedication, the Stone Mountain, Ga., native was eventually able to be a part of Tennessee's unprecedented run to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Though the Elite Eight may be the last thing on the team's mind right now, Hall believes the experience from its run a year ago can get the Vols back on the right track this season.
"It was a good thing to get to the Elite Eight, but we weren't content with that at all because we were trying to cut down some nets, go to the Final Four, on to the Championship and actually win," Hall explained. "We weren't complacent with the Elite Eight, and I think that is something that these guys need to hear. We need to come together as a basketball team, stay focused at the task at hand, put the bad games behind us and get ready to go out there and compete."
In Hall's mind, SEC play is a new season for the squad, offering a fresh start. With the arrival of conference play, however, the minutes distributed have resulted in his playing time being diminished. But Hall has already shown perseverance in his brief career at UT.
"A situation happened last year which kind of caught me off guard so I have to stay ready" Hall said. "Just me as a person, as a ballplayer, it is just natural that you stay ready and be ready for when your number is called."
When he got the call last season, Hall didn't disappoint, leading the team in field-goal percentage (.578) in 35 appearances during his first year on Rocky Top. He attributes his success to the trust he has in his teammates to make the right decision and fulfilling his part by crashing the boards on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Bruce Pearl tabbed Hall as a big part of the future because of his freshman year and knows that, when needed, Hall rises to the occasion.
"If it weren't for having two senior posts in Brian Williams and John Fields, Kenny would be out there getting his share," Pearl said. "He has accepted that role behind those guys and he is going to continue to prepare himself."
Had he not decided to accept a challenge to play basketball in high school, Hall may not have known how great it is to be a Tennessee Volunteer and play in front of 21,000 fans at Thompson-Boling Arena. In a business-like manner, whether it is at the friendly confines of TBA or on the road, the end result for Hall is to put a tally in the win column after each game.
"It is a great feeling to come out and see a sea of orange," Hall said. "We have so much support. We just have to go out, execute and do what we are supposed to do."
