University of Tennessee Athletics
The @Vol_Hoops Report: Oct. 20
October 20, 2014 | Men's Basketball
The Tennessee basketball team is exactly two weeks away from its exhibition opener vs. Pikeville on Monday, Nov. 3.
Fans don't have to wait the full two weeks to get their first hoops fix, however, because the Volunteers and Lady Vols are hosting a free "Big Orange Madness" event Friday at Thompson-Boling Arena.
With nine newcomers on the team, the Vols are looking to put their best foot forward when stepping onto "The Summitt" in front of fans for the first time Friday.
A one-hour program starts at 7 p.m. ET that will include player introductions, short intrasquad scrimmages by both teams, a brief 3-point shooting contest, a slam dunk exhibition and appearances by the UT band, dance team and cheerleaders and Smokey.
"We're all excited," freshman forward Tariq Owens said. "We're a new team with new faces. We really want to show people what we're about as a team."
In addition to introducing the team to fans, head coach Donnie Tyndall said Friday's event should also pay real on-court dividends to the freshmen and new players.
"Anytime young guys can get in front of a crowd and get some jitters out, it's helpful," Tyndall said. "I think that'll be the case with this team as well."
Free spectator parking will be available in lots G-3, G-4, G-5 and G-10 close to the arena. Fans are asked to enter TBA at Gates C and D and students through Gate A.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET. From 6-7 p.m., the Pride of the Southland Pep Band and DJ "Sterl the Pearl" will provide music while the UT athletic marketing staff conducts contests and interactive fan activities.
READY FOR TBA
Owens has heard the stories from his older teammates about playing in front of a packed house of Tennessee faithful at Thompson-Boling Arena. He and the team's eight other newcomers will be experiencing that for the first time when the team opens the season in November."When we go to the (arena), when it's empty, I just sit there and look around," Owens said. "I can't wait to see what it's like when the gym is packed."
Thompson-Boling Arena is entering its 28th season of service as the basketball home for Tennessee. The Vols have a 323-111 all-time record on their home court at TBA, thanks in no small part to the throngs of fans decked out in orange.
Tyndall's main focus at the moment, however, is not simply the first tipoff in Thompson-Boling Arena. He is getting his team ready to play its first exhibition of the season against Pikeville, the top-ranked team in the NAIA.
The preseason exhibition is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. ET at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Vols host a second exhibition game Nov. 8 against Lenoir-Rhyne at 7 p.m. ET. Both games will be shown on SEC Network+.
"I haven't given a whole lot of thought to playing in TBA other than I'm just excited in general to get our team on the floor against different competition," Tyndall said. "We've got a lot of work to do before then, and I think our players -- particularly those guys who have never played in TBA -- are excited to go."
For the most up-to-date information about the Tennessee basketball program, visit UTsports.com/basketball and follow @Vol_Hoops on Twitter and Instagram.
