For the last four years, the Lee Humphrey versus Dane Bradshaw debate has been a hot topic among basketball fans in Knoxville. Many thought Buzz Peterson made a huge mistake by not offering Humphrey a scholarship, forcing him to leave Maryville to play for one of the Vols most hated rivals.
In his first two seasons, while Humphrey was knocking down three pointers in Gainesville for the Gators, Bradshaw was trying still trying to prove he could play at the SEC level. He averaged just over two points per game.
It wasn’t until Bruce Pearl took over the program in 2005 that Bradshaw began to define himself as a player. Under new coaching, he was able to improve in nearly every statistical category.
The last two seasons Vol fans have grown to appreciate the heart, toughness, and overall grittiness that Dane has shown on the basketball court. Here are his thoughts on the Lee Humphrey rivalry from the Tony Basilio show on Friday.
“I was definitely aware of it but the media tried to create more of a rivalry than Lee and I did. We were two guys that get along well. We would see each other at different summer camps and events. So it really wasn’t a rivalry between us.
The reality is that Scooter McFadgon took the last scholarship so if there anyone to blame it’s Scooter, not me. The irony of the whole thing is that I think Lee and I would have been great teammates. The way he can spot up and shoot the three and the way I can penetrate and can get guys open, you could have seen great things from us on the same team.
There was never any rivalry between us but obviously when you are playing for Florida and you are playing for Tennessee there is going to be that sense of rivalry. I wouldn’t trade my situation for anybody and I’m sure he wouldn’t either. We’re with the programs at two different stages of their success. I’ve been able happy to help play a small role in rebuilding our program and on the other end he’s been able to win a national championship and has another opportunity ahead of him.”
Bradshaw was also asked about Arizona transfer J.P. Prince, who will be eligible to play for Tennessee in January of 2008. The two were high school teammates at White Station in Memphis, winning two state championships together in 2002 and 2003. Dane describes Prince as a “long” player who plays good defense, has excellent court vision, and has a great basketball IQ. He believes J.P.’s ability to penetrate should create some open looks for Chris Lofton next season.