Category Archives: Vols

Via The Vol Historian: Ernie G of Tennessee

Citing his love for the game, Ernie had a great line for Marvin West, who covered Ernie’s time at Tennessee for the then Knoxville News-Sentinel.

“I just enjoy going onto the blacktop and working in my jump shot,” he said.

West couldn’t resist another question. “How about a hot afternoon by yourself, just shooting and chasing rebounds?” he asked.

Grunfeld’s reply was on message: “There are not that many rebounds when I shoot.”

I will never forget the Kentucky game at Stokley during in the 1976-77 season (Ernie’s senior year). I sat in the student section. Acually, sat isn’t exactly right: I stood the whole first half and stood on my chair for the entire second half. Best basketball game I have ever attended and I’ve been to many. Ernie and Bernie were magic that night.