The numbers can be staggering.

Why do so many high school athletes cement themselves with the notion that Division I is the only way to go?

For those fortune few that dream is realized, but as the previous story eluded to the numbers are low and the opportunities are few and far between.

So why limit yourself. There are numerous opportunities in the basketball world that offer full scholarships, play very competitive basketball and offer a first class education that don't fall under the Division I umbrella.

Players, please listen closely, if the D1 coaches have not rung your phone off the hook, or bombarded your mail box with a plethora of humorous and creative correspondence by the time your senior year gets underway then guess what..it's not going to happen.

The coaching staff's of most D1 schools have concluded their recruiting for the year and are already making headwaves with the next bunch of athletes coming down the pike.

Fear not however, the well is not dry and the chance to be great is not out of your reach. Today we will profile the Division II and III schools that reside in the great state of Tennessee. These academic institutions offer quality education and the chance to play very competitive basketball. The DIII schools don't have the luxury of offering an athletic scholarship but have the means to make very good school packages to those athletes who had the drive and determination to keep their books in working order.

Yes, sports fans the academics come into play when these schools come calling you.

Carson Newman

Small town fun can be a major selling point for the Eagles of Carson Newman College. Located in Jefferson City, Coach Dale Clayton will be patrolling the sidelines for an unpresedented 18th year and has new blood assisting him in his endevours. Former D1 assistant Chuck Benson returns to the ole alma mater and will bring a much needed spark back to Eagle hoops. The Eagles currently play in the South Atlantic Conference and have three former Tennessee high school players on their roster.

Tusculum

In Greenville the Pioneers will begin year two of the Jim Boone era with much anticipation and hope. The second year mentor has loads of D1 experience and brings his gaudy 70% lifetime winning percentage to the South Atlantic Conference sidelines. The Pioneers currently have 4 players on their roster from the Volunteer state.

Lincoln Memorial University

The newest member of the South Atlantic Conference welcomes the chance to compete for gold with their Tennessee bretheran. Venerable coach Hugh Watson roams the small area in front of the bench with the experience and saavy of a veteran of the college basketball wars. The Railsplitters have the luxury of one of the finest arena in all the DII landscape calling spacious and lovely Tex Turner arena their home. LMU currently lists 5 former Tennessee high school hoopsters on their roster.

Maryville College

Little Maryville is known for much more than it's dominating high school football team. The Scots of Maryville College are one of the finest DIII programs in the entire country. They have become synonoumous with NCAA DIII tournament play and this season should be more of the same. Running the show will be the incomperable Randy Lambert. Coach Lambert finds players who fit into his system and he makes them play well above their ability and is truly one of the best mentors in the state on any level. The Scots participate in the Great South Athletic Conference and basically dominate their unprepared opponents. Maryville has more former Tennessee high school players on their roster than any college or univeristy in the state. The Scots list 15 players from the Volunteer state on their vast player scribe. Boydson H. Baird gymnasium will again be rocking when the Scots take the court in 2006.

Rhodes College

Herb Hilgeman leads the DIII Rhodes College Bulldogs into action. The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference member resides in the Bluff City of Memphis and uses the vast array of players in that area to fill potential roster spots. The Bulldogs currently show 7 players from Tennessee on thei roster.

Sewanne College

The University of the South prides themselves on academic quality and will not be left out in the cold when it comes to competitive sports teams. The Tigers will make some heads turn with their run this season in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and coach Joe Thoni is looking for good things from his vast array of ballers. Sewanee currently shows 7 players from the Volunteer state on their roster.

Fisk University

Tradition rich Fisk is a staple of excellence in the Music City community and has been for many years. The school has produced numerous famous athletes and coach Larry Glover hopes he can produce some from his up coming hoops squad. Fisk resides in the very competitive Great South Atletic Confernce. We were unable to ascertain the Fisk roster.

The basketball landscape is wide and rich with hope. So stay tuned for part three of the four part series when we will profile the schools that make up the NAIA.