Tennessee junior guard Scotty Hopson changed his jump shot last season and made last-minute winners against both Florida and Kentucky.
This season he's decided to change his haircut. Think a slightly less dramatic "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" fade. For those of you drawn to long-ago basketball stars, recall J.R. Reid during his freshman season at North Carolina in 1989.
"I thought I'd take it back to the [19]80s," Hopson said last month. "But I'm keeping it low."
With UT coach Bruce Pearl attempting to ride out the NCAA hot water he's in, many thought expectations for the Vols might lower. To that end, both the media and coaches predicted them to finish fourth in the SEC East.
"I think we will be great," the 6-foot-7 Hopson argued during his appearance at the league's media event three weeks ago. "Probably better than a lot of people think."
Hopson has been expected to be great from the first moment the 2008 Parade All-American from Hopkinsville, Ky., signed with Pearl's Vols.
Many thought he might jump to the NBA after his freshman year. Most believed he would depart after his sophomore season and the Vols' Elite Eight run.
"I just didn't want to leave," said Hopson, who averaged 12.2 points a game last season. "I felt like there were still things here I wanted to accomplish."
To that end he spent the summer working on his ball-handling, passing and defense, as well as playing for USA Basketball's men's national team.
"I just think Scotty wasn't ready to leave his teammates behind," Pearl said. "And we're certainly glad he's back. He's just a little better in everything. He's stronger physically; he's better defensively. He's ready to lead this team."
Leadership has not previously come easily to Hopson, who admits he always has felt uncomfortable stepping to the forefront on a team heavy with older players. But Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince, Tyler Smith, etc. are gone now.
"Some people might not see him as a leader on the court, but off the court he's been helping the freshmen most of all," senior post player Brian William said. "And on the court he's expanded his defense and his consistency. I think he's ready to put the Volunteers on his back both offensively and defensively."
Fortunately for the Vols, Hopson agrees.
"I think my mental focus has really changed," he said. "I just feel that right now, as a leader on this team, I have to do more and step up."
In other words, keep the fade confined to his 'do.