Comment on this story

The treacherous ways of Jeffy the Lump

by Tony Basilio

Men’s basketball coach Buzz Peterson’s tenure at Tennessee has been marred by rotten luck. In his first year, he inherited a collection of underachieving kids who refused to grasp his system. In year two, Marcus Haislip bolted, while John Higgins was declared ineligible for the post-season. Good thing Peterson has his North Carolina family to fall back on in this time of need.

The Carolina family is a group of players and coaches bound by tradition, Carolina Blue and coaching legend Dean Smith. Maybe Auburn Coach Jeff “Lumpy” Lebo is a little confused about his side of the Carolina family tree. Lebo’s recent double-edged back stabbing of Peterson on the recruiting trail has me believing that being a member of the Carolina family is akin to Growing Up Gotti.

When Peterson arrived at Tennessee four years back, he brought high expectations with him. He told one and all that UT was going to win, and win with style. His predecessor Jerry Green (a mere distant cousin in the Carolina family) won with all the flair of a Krystal combo meal. By contrast, Peterson looked the part, talked the part and seemed to be made of the right stuff. Besides, the entire basketball world was convinced that he was the perfect fit for the job at UT.

Now comes a pivotal stretch for the UT coach. He’s staring down the barrel of a potential fourth season without an NCAA Tournament appearance. He’s also coming off a disastrous recruiting year. Highly touted Jackie Butler, an NBA wannabe, couldn’t qualify. Next up, Damion Harris could neither play nor qualify. Finally, Chris Lofton from Kentucky committed to Tennessee late in the process, only to be sidelined by appendicitis upon his arrival. He could still contribute this year, but the medical misfortune will surely set him back. Bottom line: Buzz of the Carolina family needs players.

Two weeks ago, his fortunes were looking up with the signing period for ’05-’06 beginning on Nov. 2. Tennessee had three commitments, with another one seemingly on the way. In the barn for almost 6 months were Jarvis Hill and Joey Cameron of Alabama. They were recently joined by Pulaski, Tennessee hotshot forward Tyler Smith. Now, thanks to some eleventh hour backstabbing from Lebo “The Lump” that would make Sammy “The Bull” Gravano blush, Peterson is down to only one prospect.

When Hill committed to the Vols back in the spring, it was cause for celebration in Big Orange Country. The 6’ 2”, 180-pound shooting guard was regarded as a fine way to start this fall’s class, as Tennessee was able to pry him away from the likes of Ole Miss, Mississippi State, UAB and Auburn. Hill was Tennessee’s to lose and Auburn’s to steal. Unbeknownst to Peterson, “Lumpy” Lebo brought Hill to Auburn during what was supposed to be the weekend Hill made his official visit to Knoxville. That Lebo never called Peterson is telling. Not only did his “friend” and former Carolina family associate steal the kid away from the embattled Peterson, he also ducked Peterson’s subsequent phone calls for an entire week. They finally spoke on the Friday before Tennessee played host to Auburn in football. Sources tell Metro Pulse that during this brief but heated conversation, The Lump explained to Buzz that Hill actually made the initial contact, along with the first and second move. In other words, Lebo played the part of the eighth grader explaining why he just kissed his buddy’s girlfriend.

But The Lump wasn’t finished. The sweetest part of Lebo’s alibi for his backbiting is that throughout his mea culpa, he was plotting to steal Cameron, another long-time UT commitment. Since he is a bruising 6’ 7” forward, and a top-50 player nationally, Cameron’s defection is a major blow to a UT squad that will surely be young up front in ’05. That Lebo never bothered to tell Peterson the young man was visiting Auburn the day after their conversation reveals everything you need to know.

All of which is certainly no way to treat a “family member” who needs players, and who some believe is fighting for his professional life. Unless, of course, you are a member of the Carolina family. Move over Gottis, and make room for the Carolina (B)Lucheses.

Listen up! Tune in and talk sports with Tony Basilio weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio WVLZ 1180 AM.

October 21, 2004 • Vol. 14, No. 43 © 2004 Metro Pulse