Ray Mears, the “Father of Tennessee Basketball,” coined the term “Big Orange Country” for the UT fanbase when he was hired. This was just the beginning of his promotional flair for the Vols, as he would also become known for his bright orange blazer, having the basketball team run through a giant “T” as they took the court, incorporating the UT band as part of the game day experience, and popularizing the playing of “Rocky Top” to hype up the fans. His teams won, too. He coached legendary Vols Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld to an SEC championship and NCAA appearance in 1977, his final season at the helm of the program.

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