Barring the worst April Fool’s joke in the history of the world, Scotty Hopson committed to play for the BIG ORANGE today! Choosing UT over in-state Kentucky and the school he previously committed to, Mississippi State.
With the loss of Chris Lofton and Jajuan Smith at both shooting guard positions, there was definitely a big hole the Vols needed to fill, and with this most recent commitment consider that done. Scotty Hopson is ranked as the second best shooting guard and 9th best player in this year’s class, according to Rivals. He is also Pearl’s first McDonald’s All-American commit.
At 6′5 Hopson is a very versatile player that could be a star at not only the college level, but also in the NBA. His upside is through the roof, and has even been compared to Vince Carter athletically. However, his jump shot is his best asset because of the height he gets on it, and his range.
With the addition of Hopson, the Vols look to trot out another team that should be the favorites to win the SEC, and possibly contend for a National Title, that is if Tyler Smith doesn’t decide to go pro. The rotation is going to look something like this:
PG- Ramar Smith, J.P. Prince, Daniel West (2008 commit)
SG- Scotty Hopson
SG- Cameron Tatum, Josh Tabb
SF/PF- Tyler Smith, Duke Crews, Renaldo Woolridge (2008 commit, #57 on Rivals 150), Ryan Childress
PF/Center- Wayne Chism, Brian Williams, Phillip Jurick (2008 commit, #63 on Rivals 150)
This team may not be as good as last year’s team, but they will definitely have more talent and size. We will replace two 6′1 guards with two 6′5 or 6′6 guards in Hopson and Tatum. A very talented 6′8 small forward with a great shot in Renaldo Woolridge. Plus, we will finally have a true center and point guard in Jurick and West, respectively. Not to mention all the talented players that remain on the team.
I don’t know how this team will pan out, but one thing is for sure, “There is always next year,” just got a lot easier to swallow. Go Big Orange!!
GO BIG ORANGE! GO BIG ORANGE!
ROCKY TOP, YOU’LL ALWAYS BE HOME SWEET HOME TO ME, GOOD. OL. ROCKY TOP (no woo) ROCKY TOP TENNESSEE!!!
I’m happy you wrote this because it’s the Week From Hell at work for me this week, along with my other job, too.
I really don’t think there could be better news for UT. Hopson has a streaky shot, but he can get to the rim, and everybody knows that Tatum can shoot. Bottom line is we’re not going to have the outside shooting that we had this year, but I think we’re definitely going to be able to match up better defensively, athletically and we’ll still be able to shoot.
Now, the big thing is getting Tyler to stay … If that happens, I honestly believe we’ll be better next year.
I’m just looking forward to watching a 7-footer run up and down at Pearl’s pace. It’s almost a shame that Steven Hill is a senior at Arky. I’d love to see that matchup.
Yeah dawg!!! We gonna run the SEC again!!!
GO VOLS!!!!