Jun 19, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra talks with the media prior to practice for game seven of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Winners like to surround themselves with other winners.
That’s why the friendship that’s developed between Vols head coach Butch Jones and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra should come as no surprise.
Spoelstra and Jones, who share an agent, have developed a close bond over the past couple of years. Jones has been courtside at several Miami Heat games, including the clinching game of the past two NBA finals games, which Spoelstra and his Heat won.
Jones invited Spoelstra to come to Rocky Top on Wednesday to check out a practice and speak to team 117.
Just like with everything he does, Jones bringing Spoelstra to Knoxville has a deeper meaning than just having a friend in town, wide receiver Devrin Young understands that.
"Young: It’s definitely an honor and I feel blessed just to get to hear from somebody who has won it all. I really appreciate Coach Jones for doing that. He’s doing all he can to just get us prepared and show us what it takes mentally and physically to win a championship"
Butch Jones uses every moment as a teaching point, and Spoelstra’s visit was no different.
Jones has already brought a different attitude to Tennessee, and it’s starting to rub on the players, as evidenced by wide receiver Jason Croom’s words about Spoelstra’s visit.
"Croom: It’s nice to have winners around here because that’s what’s about to happen here."
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