Lady Vols Heading Back to Junkanoo Jam

Lady Vols Heading Back to Junkanoo Jam

Posted on May 22, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

BIMINI, Bahamas – The schedule and field for the women’s 2018 Junkanoo Jam at Resorts World Bimini were announced Tuesday, and the Tennessee Lady Vols are headed back to the islands.

Eight NCAA Division I women’s college basketball teams will compete in the 16th annual Junkanoo Jam, held Nov. 22-24, 2018, at Gateway Christian Academy in Bimini.

The tournament, hosted annually over Thanksgiving, will feature Clemson, Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, UAB and West Virginia. The field will be split into two divisions of four teams, the Junkanoo and Bimini Divisions, and each division will crown a champion.

Florida State, Iowa, Oklahoma and Tennessee all return to the Bahamas as past Junkanoo Jam champions, with Oklahoma winning most recently in 2015 and Tennessee seizing the Lucaya Division trophy in Freeport, Bahamas, in 2013. UT beat Virginia, 76-67, and trounced SMU, 87-47, to bring home the hardware on Nov. 28 and 29, 2013, with Meighan Simmons grabbing MVP honors.

Tennessee will be making its third in-season trip outside the U.S. during the Holly Warlick era and fourth international excursion during the past seven years. As mentioned, UT was 2-0 at the 2013 Junkanoo Jam, went 3-0 during a tour of Italy during the summer of 2015 and posted a 3-0 mark at the 2017 Cancun Challenge last fall for an 8-0 mark on foreign soil under Warlick.

The Lady Vols will return three starters and seven total letterwinners from a squad that finished 25-8 overall, 11-5 in the SEC and ended up ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll and No. 13 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.

Returning starters include 6-2 sophomore forward Rennia Davis (12.0 ppg., 7.6 rpg., SEC All-Freshman), 6-0 sophomore point guard Evina Westbrook (8.4 ppg., 4.3 apg., SEC All-Freshman) and 5-11 senior wing Meme Jackson(8.2 ppg., 4.2 rpg.), as well top reserves 5-7 sophomore guard Anastasia Hayes (9.3 ppg., 3.4 apg., SEC 6th Woman of the Year) and 6-3 senior forward Cheridene Green (4.1 ppg., 3.7 rpg.). UT also welcomes the nation’s No. 4-ranked freshman class and a 6-3 graduate transfer forward from Washington State (Lou Brown), who has 71 career starts and averaged 6.4 ppg. and 6.0 rpg. in 2017-18.

“We’re extremely excited to announce the women’s field for this year,” tournament director Becky Adams said. “These teams are some of the best programs in women’s college basketball, and we can’t wait to get them on island to enjoy everything Bimini offers.”

The Junkanoo Division features Clemson, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and UAB. The Clemson Tigers and Tennessee Lady Vols will tip off the 2018 event Thursday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m., followed by UAB and Oklahoma at 5:15 p.m. Losing teams will return to Gateway Christian Academy the following day to compete for third place with tipoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Winning teams will have a one-day respite before facing off in the division championship at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24.

The Bimini Division will tip off Friday, Nov. 23 and feature Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Iowa, and West Virginia. Eastern Kentucky and Florida State will compete in the opening game at 3 p.m., followed by West Virginia and Iowa at 5:15 p.m. Competition concludes Saturday, Nov. 24 with the third-place game at 4:15 p.m. and the championship game at 6:45 p.m.

All games will stream live at www.FloHoops.com. To access the live event coverage and replays of the Junkanoo Jam, users must sign up to become FloPRO subscribers on www.FloHoops.com.

Teams and fans will stay at the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, the official partner of the Junkanoo Jam. Built in 2016, the resort features eight restaurants and bars, three pools, a casino with a sports book, snorkeling, big game fishing, and is located less than a 10-minute walk from the game site at Gateway Christian Academy.

Located just 50 miles off Florida’s coast, Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, boasting miles of pristine beaches. Known as Ernest Hemingway’s favorite escape, Bimini showcases the history and culture of the Caribbean. Visitors from around the world travel to Bimini to enjoy its warm weather, expansive beaches and crystal-clear waters.

For more information about the 2018 Junkanoo Jam and to purchase fan packages, visit www.junkanoojam.com.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Junkanoo Division

(Nov. 22)
Clemson vs. Tennessee at 3 p.m.
UAB vs. Oklahoma at 5:15 p.m.

Nov. 23, 2018
Loser #1 vs. Loser #2 at 7:45 p.m.

Nov. 24, 2018
Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 at 2 p.m.

Bimini Division

Nov. 23, 2018
Eastern Kentucky vs. Florida State at 3 p.m.
West Virginia vs. Iowa at 5:15 p.m.

Nov. 24, 2018
Loser #1 vs. Loser #2 at 4:15 p.m.
Winner #1 vs. Winner #2 at 6:45 p.m.

All game times are Eastern and subject to change

 

UT Athletics

Thomas Rhett Says Multidimensional Ed Sheeran “Is a Huge Inspiration and Hero” When It Comes to Global Success

Thomas Rhett Says Multidimensional Ed Sheeran “Is a Huge Inspiration and Hero” When It Comes to Global Success

Posted on May 22, 2018

With No. 1 hits like “Crash and Burn,” “Die a Happy Man” and “Craving You,” Thomas Rhett’s musical portfolio is sonically diversified, which has helped him earn CMA and ACM Awards, as well as Grammy nominations. But with aspirations of taking over the musical world—like his pop hero Ed Sheeran—TR told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown that a multifaceted attack is essential.

“As an artist, I think we always love being challenged in so many different ways,” says Thomas Rhett. “And there’s so many artist these days that are doing it all. I look at somebody like Ed Sheeran as a huge inspiration and a hero to me because that guy goes out and sells out stadiums and he plays acoustic. He produces all of his own records. He writes all of his own songs. He did a guest role in Game of Thrones. I think, nowadays, as an artist, it’s tough to be only a one-dimensional artist.”

Thomas Rhett has already made multidimensional strides, including: his 2017 album, Life Changes, which debuted atop the all-genre Billboard 200 chart; his face has been on boxes of Cheerios as a spokesman for Outnumber Hunger; and he’s designed a clothing line for an L.A. pop-up store.

“You’ve gotta be willing and able to do so many different things as an artist ’cause people want to see a multifaceted artist,” says TR. “Somebody who can play multiple instruments. Somebody who can also act a little bit. Somebody who is gonna do some sort of clothing line or liquor line or whatever that may be, and I think that you’re just kind of an all-around entertainer, if you will, and I think you’re gonna have to put on that hat these days to be globally successful.”

TR recently capped the May leg of his Life Changes Tour, which will kick back up in September. TR will open a number of summer dates on Kenny Chesney’s Trip Around the Sun Tour, starting on May 26 in Atlanta.

photo by Scooter / AFF-USA.com

Watch Luke Bryan Sing New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” on “American Idol” Finale

Watch Luke Bryan Sing New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” on “American Idol” Finale

Posted on May 22, 2018

Before American Idol crowned its Season 16 winner on May 21, judge Luke Bryan took the stage to perform his new single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” is featured on Luke’s 2017 studio album, What Makes You Country, which has already spawned two No. 1 singles, “Light It Up” and “Most People Are Good.”

Luke also teamed up with finalist Gabby Barret to sing his most recent No. 1 hit, “Most People Are Good.”

Luke will kick off the second leg of his What Makes You Country Tour on May 31, including more than a dozen dates at stadiums and ballparks.

“I’m excited to kick this summer tour off and get back in front of the fans,” said Luke. “To think about the opportunity to also include 13 stadiums is unreal. This lineup is going to have so much energy. Can’t wait!”

Check out Luke’s performances below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Pruitt believes grad transfers should go where they want

Jimmy’s blog: Pruitt believes grad transfers should go where they want

Posted on May 22, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Jeremy Pruitt finished his college playing days at Alabama, but he didn’t begin his career with the Crimson Tide.

Pruitt started his first two seasons at Middle Tennessee State before testing his skills at the SEC level.

He transferred to the school of his dreams and was eligible to play right away, going from Division I-AA to I-A.

“I was allowed to do that,’’ said the native of Rainsville, Ala. “They let me do it. I didn’t sit out. I went and played.

“I’m thankful that he (MTSU coach Boots Donnelly) gave me an opportunity to kind of go try to fulfill my dreams.’’

Another transfer issue has arisen that impacts Pruitt – as a coach, not a player.

Alabama backup center and graduate Brandon Kennedy wants to transfer, apparently in an effort to seek more playing time. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban is blocking the move, not granting a release for Kennedy to play in the SEC or with a future Alabama opponent.

Saban did the same thing two years ago to defensive back Maurice Smith, refusing to release Smith to play for Georgia and its first-year coach Kirby Smart, who had worked for Saban for more than a decade at Alabama.

The SEC stepped in and granted Smith the chance to play right away at Georgia.

Kennedy has expressed an interest in playing at Tennessee and Auburn. The SEC likely will step in to support Kennedy – if Saban doesn’t release Kennedy.

Pruitt was asked his philosophy on grad transfers.

“Obviously, I don’t think they would be leaving a situation where they felt like they could continue to have success,’’ Pruitt said. “If they’ve earned their degree, in my opinion, they’ve earned the right to choose where they want to go by their maturity and the things that they’ve accomplished.

“We’ve had some guys that elected to leave here (Tennessee) and that’s their decision and we’ve supported them. The way I look at it, who am I to help determine where someone is going to go to school?

“They’ve earned the opportunity to pick where they want to go.’’

Whether Kennedy elects to attend Tennessee or Auburn, Pruitt is right. By graduating, Kennedy has earned the right to transfer wherever he wants and play right away.

In fact, the NCAA should have a rule allowing grad transfers to go where they want and play immediately.

And no coach – including Saban – should stand in their way.

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Ashley McBryde Announces “The Girl Going Nowhere” Tour

Ashley McBryde Announces “The Girl Going Nowhere” Tour

Posted on May 22, 2018

Ashley McBryde will be hitting the road this fall and winter for her headlining The Girl Going Nowhere Tour.

Kicking off on Sept. 5, Ashley will play more than 30 dates, including stops in Atlanta, Nashville, Philadelphia and more, as well as six international stops in England and Scotland. Dee White will serve as the opener for most of the U.S. dates.

Tickets go on sale on May 25.

The Girl Going Nowhere Tour

Sept. 5 – Terminal West, Atlanta, GA*
Sept. 6 – 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA*
Sept. 7 – Blind Horse Saloon, Greenville, S.C.*
Sept. 8 – Rome City Brewing Company, Rome, GA*
Sept. 11 – Mammy’s Kitchen, Bardstown, KY
Sept. 12 – Washington County Fair, Abington, VA
Sept. 13 – The Hamilton, Washington, D.C.*
Sept. 14 – Phase 2 Nightclub, Lynchburg, VA*
Sept. 20 – Red Rocks Amphitheater (w/Little Big Town), Morrison, CO
Sept. 22 – Arkansas State University, Mountain Home, AR
Sept. 27 – The Basement East, Nashville, TN*
Sept. 28 – Zydeco, Birmingham, AL*

(International Dates)
Oct. 3 – O2 Institute (w/ Luke Combs), Birmingham, U.K.
Oct. 4 – Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Luke Combs), London, U.K.
Oct. 5 – Shepherd’s Bush Empire (w/ Luke Combs), London, U.K.
Oct. 7 – O2 ABC, Glasgow (w/ Luke Combs), Scotland
Oct. 8 – O2 Ritz Manchester (w/ Luke Combs), Manchester, U.K.
Oct. 10 – Islington Assembly Hall, London, U.K.

Oct. 13 – Mighty Mississippi Music Festival, Greenville, MS
Oct. 25 – Elevation, Grand Rapids, MI*

Nov. 1 – The Lyric Theatre, Oxford, MS*
Nov. 2 – The Barn at The Wicked Wheel (benefiting Girls Inc. of Bay County), Panama City, FL
Nov. 7 – Brick Street Bar, Oxford, OH*
Nov. 8 – The Bluestone, Columbus, OH*
Nov. 9 – Eight Seconds Saloon, Indianapolis, IN*
Nov. 10 – Dusty Armadillo, Rootstown, OH*
Nov. 29 – The Blue Note, Columbia, MO*
Nov. 30 – Revolution Music Room, Little Rock, AR*

Dec. 5 – Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY*
Dec. 7 – The Foundry at the Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA*
Dec. 8 – Chameleon Club, Lancaster, PA*
Dec. 12 – Jergel’s Rhythm and Grill, Warrendale, PA*
Dec. 13 – Iron Works, Buffalo, NY*
Dec. 14 – The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA*
Dec. 15 – Anthology, Rochester, NY*

*special guest Dee White

photo courtesy of Katie Kessel/EB Media

Watch Darius Rucker Sing “Wagon Wheel” on “American Idol” With Finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Watch Darius Rucker Sing “Wagon Wheel” on “American Idol” With Finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Posted on May 22, 2018

Darius Rucker took the stage at the American Idol finale on May 21, teaming with finalist Caleb Lee Hutchinson to sing his 2013 No. 1 hit, “Wagon Wheel.” Penned by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, “Wagon Wheel” earned Darius the 2014 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.

“It’s so inspiring to see how much talent, passion and ambition these contestants have,” said Darius. “I loved being a part of Caleb’s experience on American Idol. He’s got that old-school voice.”

While Caleb finished as the runner-up, Maddie Poppe was crowned American Idol’s Season 16 winner as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie gave her a standing ovation.

Watch Darius and Caleb Lee perform “Wagon Wheel.”

photo by Eric McCandless, courtesy of ABC

Schofield Would Need to be First-Round Pick to Stay in Draft

Schofield Would Need to be First-Round Pick to Stay in Draft

Posted on May 22, 2018
Schofield after his workout with the Nuggets

By Josh Ward | @Josh_Ward

Tennessee basketball player Admiral Schofield worked out for the Denver Nuggets on Monday as he continues to go through the NBA pre-draft process.

Schofield, who helped lead Tennessee to a regular season SEC championship last season, hasn’t signed with an agent and has until May 30 to decide if he will stay in the draft or return to Tennessee for his senior season.

All indications right now are that Schofield will return to play for the Vols.

Schofield was asked by Michael Spencer of CBS Denver on Monday what it would take for him to remain in the draft.

“Honestly, everyone wants to be a first-round draft pick, but for me, that would be it – first round draft pick,” Schofield said. “I don’t think I’m that yet, which is fine. I haven’t had a team tell me that, which is fine.

“I still have plenty more workouts to do; I’m gonna keep competing and hopefully get an opportunity, but if not, go back to school and get better.”

Schofield’s return would play a big role in Tennessee’s attempt to build on a successful 2017-18 season. The Vols have been projected as a preseason top-10 team next season by several national outlets, including CBS Sports, ESPN and The Athletic, with those projections based on Schofield returning to school.

Gary Parrish of CBS Sports ranked Tennessee No. 3 in his most recent “Top 25 (and one)” that he posted on Tuesday.

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said earlier this month during a Big Orange Caravan stop that Schofield’s experience during NBA workouts should help him if he decides to return to Tennessee for his senior season.

“We’ve talked after each one of (the workouts) and he has told me what a great experience it has been,” Barnes said, “and from his point of view it’s made him realize that a lot of the things we do has helped him get ready for this point.”

Luke Bryan Will Try to Score His 21st No. 1 Hit With New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” [Listen]

Luke Bryan Will Try to Score His 21st No. 1 Hit With New Single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” [Listen]

Posted on May 21, 2018

Now that the weather is heating up, Luke Bryan will try to score the 21st No. 1 hit of his career with the release of his new single, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”

Written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” is featured on Luke’s 2017 studio album, What Makes You Country, which has already spawned two No. 1 singles, “Light It Up” and “Most People Are Good.”

“Most People Are Good” reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in March, extending Luke’s streak of consecutive No. 1 singles to 12.

Luke will kick off the second leg of his What Makes You Country Tour on May 31, including more than a dozen dates at stadiums and ballparks.

Check out “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” below, as well as the lyrics.

“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”

Your daddy had a lake house
He had me paint it that summer sophomore year
Said I could stay for free, a couple buddies, a couple weeks
You rolled in in a little red Honda and headed straight for the pier
Tank-top and cut-off jeans, little PacSun underneath
Who knew it was ‘bout to be

Chorus:
Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat
Moonlight, all night, crashin’ into me
Nothin’ll ever be easy as you and me
Tangled up and nowhere to be
Just sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat

Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat
I turned those shutters the color of your eyes ‘til the day turned into night
And took turns with a jar, turned that boat dock into a bar
And then we passed the guitar around the fire to each other
And watched all of our friends pair off with one another
We fell like the stars we were under
And everybody knew that that was our summer

Repeat Chorus

Whoa, we set July on fire
Whoa, yeah girl, you and I were
Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat

Repeat Chorus

Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat

Whoa, we set July on fire
Whoa, yeah girl, you and I were
Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat
Sunrise, sunburn, sunset, repeat

photo by Jason Simanek

Vols to Face Gonzaga in Phoenix Dec. 9

Vols to Face Gonzaga in Phoenix Dec. 9

Posted on May 21, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

The Tennessee basketball series with West Coast powerhouse Gonzaga is set to resume next season, as the Volunteers will battle the Bulldogs in the inaugural Jerry Colangelo Classic in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Dec. 9.

The one-day, doubleheader event—which also features a matchup between Nevada and Grand Canyon—is organized by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, presented by Citi and will take place at Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.

This will be the sixth all-time meeting between Tennessee and Gonzaga (all coming since 2007) and the fifth at a neutral site.

The Vols and Bulldogs have previously met in Seattle (2007 and 2015), Orlando (2008), Nashville (2016) and once in Knoxville in 2009. Gonzaga leads the series, 4-1. At least one of the teams has been ranked in the AP top 25 for four of the previous five matchups, and both squads are projected to enter the 2018-19 season featured prominently in the polls.

“We look to play a challenging, national schedule every year,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “Adding a game like this against an elite, well-coached program like Gonzaga is going to serve as a great early-season test for us. I appreciate the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for giving our program the opportunity to be a part of this inaugural event that salutes one of the most respected figures in the game in Jerry Colangelo.”

Tickets for the Jerry Colangelo Classic will go on sale to the general public on May 29 at 1 p.m. ET via all Ticketmaster locations. Fans can also purchase tickets by calling the Talking Stick Resort Arena box office at (602) 379-7800. Television broadcast information and tipoff time will be released at a later date.

“Jerry Colangelo, the remarkable Chairman of the Board for the Basketball Hall of Fame, has a storied history with the city of Phoenix,” John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, said. “We are very proud to host the inaugural Jerry Colangelo Classic at Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix in his honor. The four teams participating in this year’s event, and their fans, are certainly in for a treat of great basketball and Arizona winter weather.”

Shortly after Barnes was hired at Tennessee in the spring of 2015, he and Zags head coach Mark Few scheduled a two-game, neutral-site series that saw the Vols travel to Seattle (Key Arena) in December of 2015 before the Bulldogs came to Nashville (Bridgestone Arena) in 2016. Gonzaga won both contests.

Tennessee’s lone win in the series was an 82-72 victory in Seattle on Dec. 29, 2007.

Last season, Gonzaga (32-5) made its 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to its fourth straight Sweet Sixteen after capturing its sixth straight West Coast Conference championship. Returning GU forwards Rui Hachimura and Killian Tillie are both projected as first-round NBA Draft picks in 2019.

In 2017, the Zags made their first-ever Final Four appearance and finished as the national runner-up.

Tennessee is coming off a 26-9 campaign that saw the Volunteers win the SEC Championship and earn a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. All five starters—and the top six scorers—from that team are likely to return next season.

The Vols also are set to face Georgia Tech and Wake Forest next season in addition to joining  Kansas, Louisville and Marquette for the NIT Season Tip-Off in New York City.

ABOUT JERRY COLANGELO
One of the most innovative and influential owners in NBA history, Jerry Colangelo has spent most of his life involved with the game of basketball. A graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned All-Conference honors as a player, Colangelo began his NBA career in 1966 with the Chicago Bulls’ front office. In 1968, he became the youngest general manager in professional sports with the expansion Phoenix Suns. In only his second season with the new club, Colangelo turned the Suns into a legitimate playoff threat. In 1976, Colangelo received his first Sporting News NBA Executive of the Year award for taking the Suns to the NBA Finals. A respected member of the NBA Board of Governors, Colangelo played an integral role in the formation of the WNBA in 1997. He has also served on the NBA’s the Long Range Planning Committee, the Expansion Committee and the Competition and Rules Committee. Since 2005, Colangelo has served as Managing Director of the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team program, and he has served as he has served as Chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame since 2009.

 

UT Athletics

Watch as Dierks Bentley Chooses Sides in the Coke vs. Pepsi Cola War

Watch as Dierks Bentley Chooses Sides in the Coke vs. Pepsi Cola War

Posted on May 21, 2018

Dierks Bentley has partnered with Pepsi for the launch of its Pepsi Generations campaign.

The new campaign features a seasonal collection of Pepsi Stuff that fans can win, including concert tickets, instruments, coolers, clothing and more. Other artists featured in the summer campaign include Michael Jackson, Ray Charles and Britney Spears.

Pepsi will also sponsor Dierks’ upcoming Mountain High Tour and the Seven Peaks Music Festival, which Dierks is curating on Aug. 31–Sept. 2.

Check out Dierks’ new ad spot for Pepsi below.

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