Scotty Hopson: Facing UK ‘special,’

Kentuckian Scotty Hopson acknowledges that Tennessee’s game against Kentucky Tuesday night captures his full attention.

Hopson, who played for University Heights in Hopkinsville, became a national prospect with his play in the spring and summer recruiting circuit. He originally committed to Mississippi State, then signed with Tennessee despite overtures from UK.

Hopson is averaging 8.6 points. He’s started 10 of 14 games. He’s made 47.4 percent of his shots (41.5 percent from three-point range).

Here’s a portion of a question-and-answer session Hopson had with Tennessee’s press corps Monday night:

Q: As a Kentucky native, is this game a little more special than most to you?
HOPSON: “Of course it’s a big game. This is why I came to Tennessee, to play against Kentucky in a game like this and hopefully get a victory.
“Of course it’s not going to feel the same. I’m from Kentucky, so it’s a big game for me. My family’s going to be here — more of my family, I mean. It’s going to be a big game.”

Q: What do you know about this Kentucky team?
HOPSON: “From seeing the scouting report, they run a lot of screens for Jodie Meeks. He’s going to get his shots, and (Patrick) Patterson’s going to get his plays, so we’re just going to have to stop them.”

Q: Do you worry about getting too hyped up for this one? You usually look like a pretty calm guy.
HOPSON: “It’s another SEC game. I’m geeked up for this game, just like I would be any other game. I’m going to go out there and be confident and do the best I can.”

Q: Have you noticed a different intensity during SEC play?
HOPSON: “The intensity is another level, man. Watching film is a lot longer. You have to do a lot more. The preparation is a lot different, so it feels pretty big.”

Q: Where is your game right now, offensively?
HOPSON: “I think my game has really come around, in terms of being an all-around player. At the beginning of the season, coaches told me to really look for my shot and hunt that shot. Coach Pearl is still telling me that, and I’m still working toward it, but putting it on the floor is my game. I’ve got to go to my strengths and stay away from my weaknesses. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Q: Getting back to Kentucky, what do you have to focus on when guarding Meeks?
HOPSON: “I saw a lot of screens on film. I saw a lot of shots, and a lot of them going in. I’m just got to the best I can defensively to stop him when I get the chance. Hopefully I can help my teammates out against him.”