Monochromatic makes low impact in loss
By Marcus Fitzsimmons | (marcusf@thedailytimes.com)
KNOXVILLE — Perhaps if Tennessee had won Friday night the new uniforms might have garnered more attention.
Instead the debut of the monochromatic orange adidas uniforms went largely unnoticed or unmentioned in the wake of the Vols’ 85-80 loss to the Tigers. The never-before-seen orange-on-orange uniforms were a surprise to the players as well as the fans gathered at Thompson-Boling Arena. Similar to the NBA’s Christmas Day initiative, adidas approached Tennessee about the orange-on-orange attire that featured a solid color blocking on the team logo and a shimmer finish.
The new uniforms were secretly laid out in the Tennessee locker room during warm-ups, and the players were greeted with them when they returned for the final game prep before tip-off.
There are currently no plans for the uniforms to be used again this season, although that may be reconsidered. Likewise, adidas has no plans to offer a consumer version of the monochromatic for retail sale to the public.
The Vols have only worn orange tops at Thompson-Boling five times, including during Friday’s loss, going 3-2 on those occasions. In March of 1989 the Vols lost to Florida, 76-71. UT won in orange tops in an exhibition against the Soviet National team in 1988, against Kentucky at the tail end of the 2009-2010 campaign and against Brevard during the 2010-11 season.
Coach Martin didn’t mention the uniforms in his postgame press conference. Neither did his players. And the media didn’t address any questions about the new look to Martin following the loss to the Tigers.
The Vols are expected to be back in their white uniforms Wednesday when they host Ole Miss in the Southeastern Conference home opener.
