Leaving the opening gallery behind, I realized this wasn’t a collection you could appreciate with a quick walk-through. Every few feet, something else caught my eye—a photograph, a jersey, a trophy or a program that opened another chapter in Tennessee basketball’s past.
Larry Smith never hurried us.
Instead of moving from case to case, he encouraged us to stop, look closely and ask questions. A photo of the first basketball team and the basketball from the first game in 1909 in Asheville against the YMCA team. Larry explains how the captain was always holding the ball in the pictures. In 1909, the captain of the basketball team was also the captain of the football team: Nathan Dougherty. We saw memorabilia from 1917, when we beat Kentucky four times. If Tom recognized a player or I paused over an old photograph, Larry was ready with the story that brought it to life. The tour unfolded at a comfortable pace, more like a conversation among friends than a museum presentation.
How much do we pay for tickets in 2026? See the 1940 tickets ($6.50) as Larry says, “That’s what we pay for popcorn.”
What impressed me wasn’t simply the number of artifacts Larry has collected over the years. It was how well he knew each one. Every item had a history, and Larry seemed to know exactly where it came from, why it mattered, and how it connected to the people who helped build Tennessee basketball. The bricks and tartan surface from Stokely Athletic Center brought back memories of a time gone by.
Watching my brother enjoy the tour made the experience even more rewarding. A lifelong Vol fan and UT alum, Tom immediately recognized many of the names and memorable moments. Time after time, Larry added details that surprised both of us. Those unexpected stories became some of the highlights of the afternoon.
As we moved through the first exhibits, I began to understand what makes this museum so special. The artifacts are impressive, but they aren’t the real attraction. They simply open the door to stories that might otherwise have been forgotten. Larry has preserved much more than keepsakes—he has preserved the memories that give them meaning.
By the time we reached the end of the first section, I wasn’t thinking nearly as much about what we’d seen as what we’d learned. The museum had already changed the way I looked at Tennessee basketball history.
Tomorrow: Part 3 of Inside Tennessee Basketball: A Walk Through History
The deeper we explored, the more I realized this museum tells the story of Tennessee basketball one conversation at a time. Next, Larry connects memorable players, unforgettable games, and the traditions that continue to shape the program.
Missed the beginning? Read Part One: Stepping Into Tennessee Basketball History.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter. Comments may be sent to news@knoxtntoday.com.
