DETROIT — Tennessee men's basketball assistant coach Gregg Polinsky is well-traveled in his basketball coaching career, and his final NBA stop before joining the Tennessee staff was in Detroit, where the Vols will try and make their second-ever Elite 8 appearance.
Polinsky spent three seasons as a director of player personnel for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA, and he is back in Little Caesars Arena for Tennessee's Sweet 16 matchup against Creighton on Friday. Polinsky said his experience in the city probably doesn't matter much to the Tennessee players.
"I don't think the guys care one bit that I was here at any given time. I think they're just excited about their opportunity here," Polinsky said.
The assistant coach also noted he doesn't have much insider info to offer his guys regarding the court they'll be playing on.
"I know the Red Wings play here too, so there's ice underneath, but nothing else," Polinsky said. "I think this is a really good venue for any team to play in."
A win for Tennessee against Creighton on Friday night won't just mean the team's second Elite 8 appearance in program history, but also a little more time for Polinsky to see loved ones in the area.
"Well I have a daughter here, and I have old friends here as well that I worked with during my time with the Pistons," Polinsky said. "Hopefully we can do a great job Friday and have a chance to visit with them Saturday."
Polinsky is reminded of what he enjoyed about being in Detroit with the NCAA Tournament taking him back here, but Polinsky also remembers another aspect of the city he was not so fond of.
"This city will support a winner," Polinsky said. "It's got a midwestern feel to it, I grew up in St. Louis. I really enjoyed my time here, other than the weather."
Tennessee will play Creighton in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 29 at approximately 10:09 p.m. That game will be broadcast on TBS with the winner of that matchup taking on the winner of Purdue-Gonzaga on Sunday.