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Message: [QUOTE="EricLA, post: 2808809, member: 26"] Whilst I LOVE your prediction and sentiments, I don't believe Tennessee will ever be irrelevant. Don't get me wrong - I will always root for them to drop out of the top 25 forever, but the history of WCBB is not THAT long and Tennessee is the 2nd greatest program of all time. That reputation and aura will at least get them in the door with recruits. If you look at the current list of top uncommitted recruits, Tennessee is often in the final 5. Additionally, people have often wondered why Tenn continues to get top 10-15 kids. Just my $.02 but i think it's a couple reasons. First, the history/repuatation. Besides UCONN, there is no program that has achieved anything close to what Tenn did under Pat. Many kids would love to be the next Catch or Holdsclaw or Lawson or Parker. Second, from what I understand, Pat and her staff have done a terrific job of being on talented kids early and often. Additionally, they preach a "family" atmosphere and developing strong relationships with recruits can't be over stated. Third, once you have a couple talented kids it's easier to get more to come. "Commit to Tenn and play with Russell, Nared, Hayes, Davis, Westbrook, etc etc." It doesn't seem to matter to these kids that they aren't developed. Last, the fan base. Tenn is always in the top 5 in attendance and easily has one of the most rabid and committed fan base in WCBB. Recruits WANT to play in legendary TBA in front of 15,000 rabid fans. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach