By now, I had stopped looking for my favorite exhibit. Instead, I found myself wondering what story Larry Smith would tell next. Ray Mears’ story was a definite highlight. From his play at the University of Miami to his service time in the Army, we learned about a giant in UT Basketball. Photos of Mears showed his coaching journey starting with a high school team to his first college coaching at Wittenberg, where he won the National Championship in 1961, which brought UT calling.
As Larry guided us through this section, I noticed how often the conversation drifted beyond the artifacts. What first appeared to be an ordinary keepsake often represented years of dedication, sacrifice and school pride.
We won the SEC championship in 1967 against Mississippi State, and the game ball is proudly displayed in this Ray Mears’ room.
Tom paused often, studying familiar faces and recalling games he remembered watching years ago. Larry listened, smiled, and added another detail that brought those memories into sharper focus, like reminding him when Billy Justus made the free throws to win that SEC Championship game. Another photo of “Stu” Aberdeen, Ray Mears, John Ward, and more returning on the plane from that game cemented this memory.
Championships may fill trophy cases, but they never tell the whole story. Behind every successful season are countless people whose contributions deserve to be remembered.
That is what makes Larry’s collection different.
Tomorrow: Part 5 of Inside Tennessee Basketball: A Walk Through History
The museum’s heart isn’t found in its trophies—it’s found in the people whose lives shaped Tennessee basketball.
Catch up on the series:
Part 1: A Walk through History
Part 2: Building the Vols Tradition
Part 3: Championship Moments
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