Tennessee Vols Top 30 Memorable Moments of the Adidas Era

Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self during the first half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament against the Wichita State Shockers at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

17. Men’s Basketball Upsets No. 1 Kansas in 2009

This is a basketball upset of epic proportions that only a Bruce Pearl-coached basketball team could pull off. For context, the Kansas Jayhawks had started the year No. 1 and had not lost to that point.

By contrast, the Vols were a solid 11-2 and ranked No. 15 in the country, but earlier in the week they had four players, including their best player in Tyler Smith, suspended for the game due to a legal issue. Smith was dismissed from the team, and all hope seemed lost on the year.

But with still a couple of stars like Scotty Hopson and the help of guys like Renaldo Woolridge, who never played, and walk-ons, a cast of rejects welcomed the Jayhawks into Thompson Boling Arena and shocked the world.

Walk-on Skylar McBee nailed a crazy three late in the game that was the dagger. Woolridge hit four threes. The Vols could only go nine-deep with three walk-ons and stunned the No. 1 team in the country 76-68. It was truly one of the best moments in Tennessee men’s basketball history.

And when it comes to heart and fight and effort, it is hard to find a moment more impressive than that one.

Next: #16: Football Team Stuns Miami on the Road in 2003