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Does Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel have a dartboard with my photo on it?

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My literary contributors have commented on a wide range of topics this week. All of her posts were eloquently written and most made sense.

You worry about a contributor. Another is concerned about my high expectations for Tennessee football.

Basketball transfers raised one person's ire. And a patriotic author wants Tennessee basketball players to be on the court when the national anthem is played.

A literary writer is determined to be optimistic about the Lady Vols' new basketball coach, but his inner skeptic has expressed concerns.

James writes: If Coach Heupel doesn't have your picture on a dartboard, he should. I just read your article about TN improving and going to the playoffs. Great job setting unrealistic expectations for Vols fans.

My answer: Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava will throw the darts. If the Vols could win eight regular-season games with Joe Milton at quarterback, they could certainly win ten with Iamaleava. And 10 wins could get the Vols into a 12-team playoff.

Anything else would be a disappointment.

John writes: The portal has struck again. Like an addictive drug, the portal has influenced two very popular volumes: Aidoo and Awaka.

As a concerned fan, I wish these players all the best and hope the door doesn't hit them on the backside as they leave.

My answer: The transfer door swings in both directions. If it stops wavering, Tennessee could have a better roster than it did before it opened.

Billy writes: Hopefully the “home” that Jim apparently escaped from was able to trap him in one of those oversized basket nets like the ones you see in the cartoons. Also, best wishes that they got him back there and he feels comfortable again.

My answer: Since I consider my literary authors a family, it is heartwarming to read how one family member cares for another.

Major writes: My only question is whether the Lady Vols will actually be present and standing when the national anthem is played. It is so embarrassing that this once great program does not have the professional courtesy and class to stand on the field and in front of their fans when the national anthem is played.

My answer: Teams adhere to a strict pregame routine that often results in them not being on the field for the playing of the national anthem. That way, coaches and programs don't have to deal with the possibility of players kneeling during the national anthem.

As a veteran, I would prefer to see the players on the floor and standing when the anthem is played. But I'm also a big supporter of free speech.

However, if players want to protest, they should do so on their own time and not while representing a public university and all of its fans.

Chad writes: I have always respected your viewpoints and am looking for your articles. Anyway, I'll put it this way: I refuse to allow skepticism to arise. Kim Caldwell will bring the LVs back to elite status.

Of course, I have to say that I was shocked when I found out about Danny White's hiring… and of course I searched her on Google because I had no idea who she was. This is where my skepticism comes to expression. But I won't let her ruin my party.

My answer: First of all, I applaud your choice of reading material. Second, I wish you much success in your fight against skepticism.

Caldwell has not coached at this level, but has had success at her other two coaching stints. Their teams also play exciting and entertaining basketball.

Ted writes: Mr. Adams, I am a big fan of your column and enjoy your views on all topics, volumes. Or Lady Vols.

I personally hated seeing Kellie Harper go. She did have issues with recruiting, but overall I felt like she did a good job.

Pat Summit's legendary career is a dream come true in sports, but it's time we stop comparing every single female basketball coach to their accomplishments.

My answer: You can't expect anyone to have the success that Summitt has had. But you should expect the Lady Vols to have a national presence in the sport.

They have Summitt to thank for that.

ADAMS: A reader sees sexism in the firing of Kellie Harper. I didn't see that coming.

Darryl writes: It will be interesting to see which unlikely underdog between the Lady Vols' Kim Caldwell and UK recruit Mark Pope might bring glory back to the downtrodden former historic basketball programs.

I had never heard of either coach before their recent hiring, and certainly neither was the first choice for the ADs.

My answer: Auburn coach Bruce Pearl would have been a great fit for the Kentucky job. And I wouldn't have minded Rick Pitino returning.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He can be reached at 865-342-6284 or [email protected]. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

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