May 15, 2021; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Class of 2020 inductee Tamika Catchings speaks during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
When Tamika Catchings joined the Tennessee Lady Vols back in 1997, Peyton Manning was entering his senior year with the Tennessee football program. Catchings’ hype as a freshman was similar to Manning’s hype back in 1994.
Both enjoyed their best seasons on Rocky Top that year. Manning should have won the Heisman but led the Vols to an 11-2 record and an SEC Championship, their first in seven years.