Vertical Leap: Inside the Rise of Tennessee Basketball

by Dane Bradshaw

Book by Dane Bradshaw

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

Paperback

Published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vertical Leap: Inside the Rise of Tennessee Basketball by Dane Bradshaw (Tennessee Valley Publishing 2007) (Biography) (3813).

Dane Bradshaw of Memphis, Tennessee was the senior captain of the 2006-2007 University of Tennessee basketball team. An undersized forward, he was a fan favorite in “Big Orange Country.”

During his senior year at Tennessee, he kept a journal. This was in the days before the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in the college game made it possible for collegiate athletes to be paid to play. Though Division One collegiate players are routinely (and legally) paid for playing today, back in the dark ages of Bradshaw’s career, players were forbidden to accept benefits (money, meals, and anything else) from any source other than their school. Writing this book was obviously a successful (and legal) way to skirt the rules and to provide income for the student-author.

By Tennessee Volunteer hoops standards, the 2006-2007 team had a banner year. The Vols made it to the NCAA Tournament before losing to Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen.

In the years since, the Vols have never surpassed this team’s record.

There are still few former Vol players who are as popular among the Volunteer faithful as Dane Bradshaw.

The author has gone on to enjoy a successful career in sports broadcasting.

I purchased a used PB copy in like-new condition which had been inscribed by the author from McKay’s Books for $0.25.

My rating: 7/10, finished 6/10/23 (3813).

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[Robert Cortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of Tennessee Basketball and all the great players that come to mind, Dane Bradshaw might not have the stats some of the others have. But when you talk about how much guys mean to Tennessee and their culture, Dane has to be in that conversation. This book takes you through the team that put Tennessee back on the map, and paved the way for Tennessee Basketball to becoming one of the premier spots in college basketball!