Hopson's turnaround looks like good shot

By Mike Griffith
Published Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tennessee men's basketball sophomore Scotty Hopson knows all about perception, and now it's up to him to change it where his game is concerned.

Hopson will get his first opportunity today (TV: SportSouth, 9 p.m.) when the Vols host Austin Peay in their season opener at Thompson-Boling Arena. It's the first time UT has played the Governors, an NCAA tournament invitee last season, since 2000.

Hopson hopes to put on a show to follow up on his two 20-point performances in the two exhibition victories. It's what many expected of the McDonald's High School All-American from Hopkinsville, Ky., last season when he entered his freshman campaign projected as a "one-and-done" player.

Only it didn't turn out that way: Hopson averaged a modest 9.2 points per game last season and disappeared at crucial stretches, often deferring to veteran teammates.

"I've made a total turnaround in that respect,'' Hopson said. "Talking to my teammates and playing open gym with them has helped me know when I need to make a play.

"I don't defer like I did last year.''

Hopson is better equipped to be the go-to guy. Hours spent in the weight room and on the practice floor have enabled him to be more physical and aggressive taking the ball to the basket.

The arc on Hopson's 3-point shot, which UT coach Bruce Pearl once said "dusted the roof,'' has been adjusted, leaving him with one of the prettiest shots since ...

"Chris Lofton, yeah, I've heard I'm supposed to be the next Lofton since I signed,'' Hopson said, talking about the former UT All-American who also hailed from the Bluegrass State. "I look at the things Chris has done for the program, and it's tough to come in behind him.

"When I was in eighth grade, we went to the state tournament and I had a chance to watch him, and he really lit up Hopkinsville.''

Hopson's not intimidated by the expectations; if anything, it flatters and motivates him.

"I talked to Chris a lot when he was back, and I've tried to emulate a lot of the things he was able to do,'' Hopson said. "It's more than just trying to be a great player. It's being a good person all the way around, and representing myself and Tennessee in the right way.''

Lofton, an All-American who holds the SEC's record for 3-pointers, got a chuckle when hearing that Hopson was dealing with the pressures of trying to fill his shoes at shooting guard.

"He really doesn't need to be hearing my name, and there's no pressure following me,'' Lofton said. "I was on some great teams - it wasn't just me. Scotty has all the right tools, and I believe he and his teammates will put it all together this year.''

Senior captain Tyler Smith said he's relieved Hopson and other young players are ready to step up and take off some of the pressure that was on his shoulders last season.

"Scotty is a great player who makes great shots,'' Smith said. "We'll need to him to do the things we want to do. Really, we'll need everyone.''

Pearl has said it's all about players accepting roles, and that's one reason he has been on Hopson to get even better on defense.

Lofton, playing the same spot in the press as Hopson, ranked among the Vols' steals leaders consistently.

"I absolutely want Scotty to make more plays defensively, more steals,'' Pearl said. "He's up front in the press, so often times he makes the first read and how he reacts puts all the other players in motion.

"He could make a few more steals, make more plays trapping and in transition coming in from behind.''

Hopson's highlights are sure to come. His impressive vertical leap and explosive first-step makes him a common target for the alley-oop pass.

UT point guard Bobby Maze said Hopson is a different player than a year ago.

"There were times I had to force Scotty to shoot the ball last year,'' Maze said. "But he's worked on his shot and he's so much more comfortable now. People have to realize this year's team is going to be different.''

McRae Signs: As expected, Jordan McRae, a 6-6, 180-pound shooting guard signed his letter of intent Thursday morning.

McRae is a senior at Liberty County High School in Midway, Ga., and plans to enroll at Tennessee this coming summer.

"Jordan has been committed to UT for a couple years,"<0x2008>Pearl said in a UT release. "His length, his athleticism and his ability to shoot the ball at a high level make him a real special prospect. His offense is ahead of his defense. And once he gets into our weight program and starts to strengthen his build, he will be even more of an impact player."

UT is waiting on point guard Trae Golden of McEachern High in Powder Springs, Ga., to sign his papers. That is expected to happen Monday or Tuesday.

Notebook: Veterans and their families can purchase tickets tonight for $5 by presenting their ID at the main ticket office, and others can purchase tickets in the upper level for $10.