UT Hoops Family Praising New Coach

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Tennessee basketball players know what’s expected of them — not much in 2011-12.

“Even the fans around here think we’re going to be sorry,” guard Jordan McRae told CBSSports.com’s Jeff Goodman.  But the Volunteers believe they’ll surprise some folks.  And they seem to believe in new coach Cuonzo Martin.

According to Goodman’s piece:


“McRae raves about his new coach despite the fact that Martin’s personality and approach couldn’t be more different than that of his predecessor (Bruce Pearl), the guy who recruited McRae to Knoxville.

(Tobias) Harris spent a few weeks with Martin immediately following the change and echoes the vote of confidence.

‘He works people to the limit,’ Harris said.  “He’s going to make people better.  I would have loved to have played for him.”


Instead, Harris will be in the NBA next season.  Considering the players Martin has returning and the fact that Kentucky, Florida and Vanderbilt — all Top 15 projected teams — are in his division, maintaining his players’ buy-in might be the biggest challenge UT’s new coach faces this winter.