MMcCroskey

They are still working on completing their team chemistry, and other than the win at Austin-East, haven't really been tested. Then again, 8-0 is still 8-0 I suspect this Tuesday (hosting Carter) will tell us exactly where they are, with the January 8th game (hosting Fulton) really showing what they have to offer. Team stats can be found at www.unapproved website.com.

Gatlinburg-Pittman did indeed travel to Catholic this past Thursday . . . and came away with a hard fought win. Catholic is obviously talented and looked frustrated on more then one occasion as GP took an early lead and never let go. Catholic made 2 serious runs at the lead, but fell short both times. It was a very interesting game, with the GP defensive effort being of special note. For a pre-season game, it was very intense and very fun to watch.

Isn't there a difference in a coach going out on his own and specifically asking a kid to come play at a school (not the case with GP), and a coach talking to many, many people (family, friends, other coaches) about the good things his program and school have to offer any intested kid, and then those kids and/or their families contacting the school? Do people seriously assert that Raul has been jetting across the US openly recruiting in various states? I am indeed unfamiliar with the lawsuit you cite. Would you please give some detail and how it applies to the current situation at GP? I would be very interested to learn some details about any rules that might be broken in this area.

I, and the community of Gatlinburg, truly regret such insults ever thrown at a player or coach. Unfortunately, at a public ballgame, you too often hear such ignorant tripe. I've heard it all over, from UT games to local pee wee games, and its very sad - but I would hardly judge a whole community over such stupidity. I will say I have never heard of anyone saying such BS in the two years my son has played, nor would I stand silent if I did hear such. Gatlinburg is, and has been an open community for some time; we have everyone from all points, including a fairly good sized hispanic community and even a fair few Eastern Europeans. There have been no community issues I know of as a result. We have, unfortunately, yet to totally irradicate ignorance such as you witnessed, but it is not our community way. I invite you to come walk the streets of Gatlinburg on just about any summer day and judge for yourself how everyone, local and visitor alike, is treated. You might even ask Raul Placeras how he has been treated here at GP.

A serious question . . . maybe I don't understand the rules - is it illegal for a coach to talk to anyone about his program and his school? I certainly don't think any of these possible transfers would not have known something about Raul (or know someone who knows him) before checking out GP (and knowing Raul's energy, I also have no doubt he talks to anyone and everyone about his program - the man is a true sportsman in every sense of the word), but I am very curious what the exact rules are as regards a TSSAA coach talking to any player or family that contacts him, and what violations even might have been made. I still haven't seen a post that outlines exactly what illegal act might have been made here, and I am very seriously asking what the concern is. My point about GPs academics is also very valid - we are certainly no basketball mill for college prospects. We are fairly well known for placing kids with scholarships in college. If sports exposure is the only consideration, I doubt GP would be a top choice. Please spell it out - what exactly is being questioned here as possibly illegal or illegitimate? This isn't a sales job, it is asking anyone questioning these possible transfers to spell out their exact concern before labeling players, coaches or a school of doing something illegal. That's a very serious charge. I also realize it wasn't you, Panther, that used the term illegal, but even the term illegitimate has nearly the same implication. I also appreciate the spirit of the well-wishes you are posting. I just wanted to "clear the air" before "rumors" get out of hand. I will also say this, if anything illegal HAS been knowingly done, I am the type to be one of the first leading the charge to call for the responsible parties to be held fully accountable.

My point was, and still is, specifically what would be illegal about any of these transfers. Just because someone knows about Raul and GP and decides to move to Sevier County (which while not immune to the current economic situation, is holding up relatively well atm), how are such transfers in any way illegal (or not legit)? I didn't think it was fair to have these kids (and by implication Raul) labeled as illegal, and I plainly said so. It isn't like GP is some basketball powerhouse known for state championships and college scouting. I would imagine if these kids want to attend GP, there is something very legitimate about the entire decision. My son has played for Raul now for 2 seasons, and I can tell you for a fact I cannot imagine being more pleased with his treatment, coaching, and attitude. Its not my son's playing time I am concerned with, it is his progression, and Raul has made all the difference in him (and the others) imo. Raul also understands, and consantly reminds his team, that utmost for them all is to have fun playing the game of basketball. I personally feel that is why GP has had 2 of its most successful years in a long time under his leadership (with less than top-ranked talent) - and is destined to continue to build on that success. The program (and school in general) deserves credit, and recognition, and I imagine these possible transfers and their families see the same thing.

"locals rebel"?!? I don't know how it is in your community, but we welcome ANYONE into the Gatlinburg community that has a sincere interest. As the father of one of the "locals", I can state quite clearly that Raul is respected as a coach, and we in Gatlinburg are VERY pleased to have these players interested in attending school and playing, no matter how many transfers become interested. Let me get this straight . . . a family should be questioned if they want their son or daughter to attend a well ranked scholastic school and play sports there under a coach they feel will work well with their child? I'm missing the big scandal here.

I don't know, maybe their families want them to play for a great coach like Raul and get a great education at the same time? Please let us all in on exactly what is "illegal" about any of this?

Not sure the point of comparing McBee's stats to Rasham's, you are comparing the senior star of a team to a sophomore on a top ranked team with alot of other talent. Either way, as I have said before, we shall see what we shall see. I will say this, GP will be a factor because of the way they play team ball, not because of a single star transfer. But there is no doubt that this added talent is very necessary if they are to compete with solid programs such as Fulton, Carter, AE, and Union County. I will also add this . . . Raul is a competitor, both on and off the court, and is well liked and respected as a coach in Gatlinburg. GP is a great school for any player for academic reasons, and any transfers aren't coming to GP just to play basketball. Can the recent transfer to Fulton say the same? Its going to be an interesting year for this district, no matter how you slice it.

Easy on the accusations of illegal recruiting . . . these kids are good students, good kids, and GP is one of the top academic schools in the SE. If these kids want to come to GP, they have every right. And to correct something, one of the kids has been in America some years now, he would be an out of state transfer. Like that never happens at any others schools in TN . . . riiiiight. I wish Seymour all the best with their new coach, but Raul is doing a FANTASTIC job at GP, and deserves a little better than cheap accusations not based on facts. We shall see what we see.

Don't know who is paying close attention, but the idea that Raul wants to leave GP is pure bunk, and time is proving just how much so. How Seymour wouldn't have at least considered him would also be hard to believe considering his progress at GP in just his first 2 seasons. GP is looking at a very interesting year upcoming, and Raul currently enjoys great support in the Gatlinburg community. For the record, I am the father of Jon McCroskey, upcoming junior on the GP squad. While you should never make too much of early summer team camps, GP is so far undefeated at both Karns and Maryville camps, including 2 wins over Seymour, as well as fairly wide margins against Farragut, Gibbs, Alcoa among others. We shall see what the future brings.

GP in District 2A has decent depth at all positions and better balance compared to last year's team. Taylor Ogle (Sr. - Power Forward) will be coming on a little late due to his broken thumb during fooball season (one or 2 weeks into the season). One of the keys for GP will be the play of center Alex Hinton (Sr.), who has shown steady improvement. McKinley Maples (Jr.), John Edwards (Sr.) and Jon McCroskey (So.) return some solid firepower at guard.

I'm surprised at the talk of GP being weak on the line. Is Bill Huskey (Sophomore) not considered a D1 prospect at this point? If so, is it a matter of there not being other linemen of note? Seriously curious.