Ex-McEachern Star Enters the Madness

Former basketball star Trae Golden is wrapping up his freshman season at the University of Tennessee, which will play its first game of the NCAA Tournament against Michigan at 12:40 p.m. today in Charlotte.

Getting ready for a big tournament game is nothing new to Golden, who was Georgia's Mr. Basketball in 2010. McEachern qualified for postseason play in each of his four years in high school.

But Golden said it’s a lot different at the college level.

“It's more strenuous at the college level to prepare,” he said after a team practice this week. “Right now we're preparing for Michigan, ever since we found out on Sunday. And, like I said, it's strenuous; it's intense in making sure we're prepared for them.”

Tennessee is the No. 9 seed in the West Region. If the Volunteers beat No. 8 seed Michigan today, they'll likely face top-seeded Duke on Sunday, with powerhouses Texas and San Diego State possibly in their future if they pull off that upset.

Golden acknowledged that the Volunteers have a tough draw but said his team isn’t looking at any game other than Michigan.

Golden also spoke about some of the differences between his time at McEachern and his first year in college and was candid about the personal adjustments he has had to make.

“Coming off the bench is different than starting at McEachern,” said Golden, who averaged 29.8 points per game during his senior season with the Indians. He averaged 2.9 points per game this year at Tennessee and 13.2 minutes of playing time. “Coach (Bruce) Pearl and all the coaching staff have really helped me with this; they've stayed confident in me.”

Golden had a few other sounding boards to help him through his first season of college basketball. He said he has stayed in touch with McEachern head coach Mike Thompson on a regular basis, and those conversations have meant a lot to the McEachern alum.

“Me and Coach Thompson talk all the time,” Golden said. “Coach Thompson helped me a lot during my freshman year this year. He called me, I called him, and I still talk to a lot of the guys on the team.”

Golden also couldn't help showing off his school spirit when speaking about his alma mater. “I'm proud of my Lady Indians, making it all the way to the . You know, once an Indian, I'm always going to be an Indian.”

Golden said his parents have been a huge help to him this year. “They're at every game. They're regulars, and they know everybody around here pretty well.”

Because Tennessee will play its first NCAA Tournament game close to home in Charlotte, not only will Golden’s family make the drive to North Carolina, but he also may have a bigger cheering section than normal.

“My mom and my dad and my sister” will be there, he said. “I think a couple more of my family members might actually come, but I don't know for sure yet.”