From Tennessee's message board, a note from Tariq's dad-
Posting as Onative in another thread, Tariq's father explains his leaving. Thought this deserved a thread of it's own since so many had read the other. Sounds like his dad knows his basketball and just looking out for his welfare. Wishing him great success wherever he chooses to go.
"First I would like to say how much it was a pleasure being around the great University of Tennessee. Myself and my son Tariq Owens never wanted to leave Tennessee. When coaches change and the entire staff changes it makes for a very difficult situation. This decision wasn't a easy one but it was one we felt we needed to make.
For the most part it has been positive feed back. Few of you guys are passionate fans and have said some negative things and that's your opinion. Some of you guys have never played competive sports on a high level. Whether we want to accept this fact or not college sports is a business. My son has his own goals that he wants to try and achieve he has a small window to try and make that a reality.
The difference between staying and leaving came down to two important factors. Under the CDT staff we knew that they would recruit other players but what a lot you don't know is that this team would have been built around the players they have and they would have a opportunity not a guarantee. We all know you don't produce you not going to play much. With Barnes there is no relationship and nothing vested in the boys on UT now. No disrespect to Coach Barnes he has to do what he feels is best moving forward. Tariq could have benefitted by redshirting this year. But due to the personnel and previous coaching change they needed him to play early. He showed signs of his upside even given away 30-40 pounds most nights when he played against the other bigs. He average 6-7 minutes a game this year and that came in the later part of the season. If you know basketball you know he has potential he's not there yet but it will come.
The other determining factor is not having anyone from CDT staff stay. Atleast one that has a relationship with the current boys. Coach Pinkins could help with the transition the team trust him. That's not in place. The question for me was do Tariq stay at Tennessee where he may not get the opportunity to maximize his potential or do we look for another opportunity where he will have that opportunity. It's better to be where your celebrated and not tolerated. If CDT was still at UT we wouldn't even be having this discussion. Sometimes life throws you curves you have to deal with it. I wish nothing but the best for The VOLS and will follow the boys who stay progress. GOD BLESS all you and I appreciate all the ones who ever supported Tariq Owens. The ones who didn't I appreciate you too because criticizing helps you stay focus and working hard as well.
Thanks again Renard Owens"
/...
Karma... she's a beast.
Yeah, I'm cynical about this, but after you read that, it sure feels more like Renard's decision that Tariq's. I wonder how many coaches really want to give him a shot given the track record of the last 2 years? I'm a UC fan after I'm a Bobcats fan, and I can't see why Cronin would want Tariq given that he already has three guys like him that are proven. I guess having four 6'10" guys is a good thing. It worked well for UK and Wisconsin.