Feb. 27, 2007

Dane Bradshaw's name may not be listed among the top scorers in Tennessee history. It may not be there among the great rebounders either. A quick look at the list of UT's All-Americas or All-SEC performers doesn't reveal his name. Unfortunately it is impossible to keep records for the size of a player's heart, toughness, intelligence, grit or just what he has meant to a program. If there was, Bradshaw's name wouldn't just be at the top of the list, the award would be named after him.

As his career is winding down, the 6-foot-4 senior from Memphis has a lot to be proud of in his four years at the University of Tennessee. He became one of the most versatile players in the nation by starting at power forward and serving as the backup point guard for a team that has earned national rankings in both his junior and senior seasons. As a junior he played with a torn ligament in his shooting wrist while leading the Vols to the SEC Eastern Division championship. As the lone senior on the 2007 team he has helped lead the Vols to wins over four nationally-ranked teams.

In 2006 he was named to SI.com's All-Glue team, a squad picked by Sports Illustrated's Seth Davis to recognize the players who do the little things that make teams stick together. Last week, Davis named Bradshaw the captain of the eighth annual All-Glue team.

Off the court he has been equally as impressive, earning his communications degree in three years and currently working toward his master's degree in sport management.

During the past four seasons, college basketball fans, media, coaches and players have all taken notice of Bradshaw's value to the Vols. Following is what some of his admirers have said about him.

"Dane Bradshaw is so good for college athletics. He is such a smart player, such a heady player. If he doesn't represent that Tennessee across his chest, I don't know who does. I'm going to miss him more than any player I've ever coached. Every team could use a Dane Bradshaw." -- Bruce Pearl, Tennessee head coach

"In my view Dane Bradshaw is all about winning and truly embodies the best qualities of a student-athlete. It has been an honor to compete against him and his team the past four years. I wish Dane the best of luck in the future.'' -- Dave Odom, South Carolina head coach

"He's a wonderful young man and a terrific basketball player, just an absolute competitor. Whatever he has in his body, he gives. And as coaches, you want guys like that." -- John Calipari, Memphis head coach

"He's not the quickest guy. He's not the strongest guy. He's not the biggest guy, but 10 times out of 10, he seems like the smartest guy on the court to me." -- Duke Crews, Tennessee freshman forward

"Dane has represented UT in every aspect of his game. He goes into every game focused and it shows throughout his play every time he steps out on the floor. His work ethic on and off the floor is one to commend and take notice of because of his success on the court and also in the classroom. Dane was one of the best teammates to play with while I was at Tennessee and also a great friend. Congratulations Dane on your great career and go Vols!!" -- C.J. Watson, former teammate

"He's a coach on the floor who will be a great coach on the bench when he succeeds Bruce Pearl here in 2028. The coaching profession will never have too many Dane Bradshaws. I hope he gives it a try." -- Haywood Harris, UT historian

"He's the blender that makes everything mix up and come out with a lot of wins." -- Jimmy Dykes, ESPN

"I don't think anybody would pick him out of an AAU game to recruit but, I'll tell you what, every coach in the SEC or opponent of Tennessee would love to have Dane Bradshaw. He can do it all." -- Eddie Fogler, FOX Sports

"That's Dane Bradshaw for you. Twist and tear the ligaments in his wrist. He won't yield. Whack him in one shoulder, then the other. He keeps coming at you. It's only a flesh wound." -- Mike Strange, Knoxville News Sentinel

"Throughout his life we have watched Dane giving the game his all in the hope of living his dream to be part of a major program. Playing basketball at the University of Tennessee and playing for Coach Bruce Pearl has been his dream come true. Every night is memorable with the greatest fans in the SEC. There are no words to say how hard it is to let go. Thank you to everyone who has made this dream possible for our son. The administration, coaches, teammates, fans and media have all contributed to making it a thrilling ride. It is so great to be a Tennessee Vol!" -- Mike and Linda Bradshaw, Dane's parents