Tennessee's season gets off to a start in a big way Sunday evening in Thompson-Boling Arena, and not just because Baylor is ranked No. 7 in the country.
It's like 6-foot-8 big.
Lady Bears center Brittney Griner, a true freshman and consensus national player of the year last year, makes her collegiate debut against the Lady Vols on Sunday.
She also marks something of a first for UT forward Kelley Cain.
"I can honestly say I don't think I've ever played anyone taller than me," Cain said. "That's exciting. I'm just looking forward to this game."
The Lady Vols are looking forward to a clean slate after last year's disappointing exit in the first round of the NCAA tournament. And as always, they're diving right into another difficult schedule.
"It's very exciting," junior Angie Bjorklund said. "Our whole team has been looking forward to this game for a long time. I think coach set us up for a tough game right at the beginning for a reason. This will be a big test for us."
And it starts with Griner, who can dunk with ease. But just because she has hops like former Lady Vols star Candace Parker doesn't mean she's the same type of player.
"She doesn't have the skill set that Candace has, but she's got so much size and shot-blocking ability," Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt said. "In the paint, that's going to be a big challenge for us. Kelley Cain, we're expecting her to go right at her. At the same time, we've got some other options to try and pull her away from the basket. If she wants to stay home, we'll have to work through some other options."
But as far as Bjorklund goes, dunking isn't one of them. She's told several students around campus that Griner has the ability to dunk, but she said Tennessee doesn't want to let that happen, especially at home.
"I won't make some of the comments that we make on it," she said. "Just the way the women's game is elevated these past few years with women dunking now, I think that's great for the game.
"If that brings in fans, so be it," Bjorklund said, before adding with a smile, "Our goal is to not let her dunk, hands down."
The light is on the green and Brittney Griner is going to dunk on the Lady Vols once or even twice. It's prime time TV and the start of a new season, the newest Lady Bear is going to make a statement. It will be great for woman's hoops. But the real deal is not about Brittney. The question is are the Lady Vols a better team than last year? After the whole front line get tested by Ms Griner and company we will have a few things to talk about. Along with the play of the freshman point guard. " Go Vols "
I was at the game and diffinately missed her big dunk!!!!!! GO LADY VOLS