Maze moving on -by Dave Ford

The 2010 Pilot Rocky Top League was a mixed bag of farewell emotions, solid pickup basketball and of course, several "Oh my gosh did you see that?" moments.

Along with his former University of Tennessee teammates Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince, Bobby Maze did his best to give his final goodbyes to the Knoxville community during cameo appearances June 30 and July 1 at Bearden High School.

The last time most had seen him around town was just after the Vols arrived home after reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament in March. And although Maze stepped up his level of play during the postseason, his future in basketball has been filled with conjecture and speculation.

Maze set the record straight last week after he led First Tennessee to a 147-124 win over DeRoyal.

"I'm just working hard, getting better every day," said Maze. "I've been training, gotten a lot stronger, faster, got my hops back. Right now, I think I'm gonna play in summer league maybe with Chicago and I'm just tryin' to play in the NBA … that's my dream."

Maze didn't disappoint in his first action before a Knoxville crowd since March 3 against Arkansas. In fact, he looked hungrier than ever to prove to everyone he was ready to play at the next level with a 37-point effort on 15-of-26 shooting from the floor, as well as 12 assists.

Maze showed up at the gym June 30 smiling as he heard widespread cheering from the mostly orange-clad fans in attendance.

And the 6-foot-3 speedy guard returned the love.

"The fans, I can't say enough about their support of the guys playing," said Maze. "It's great to come back and play in a league like this and get recognition from the fans."

Alongside the body art that serves as a timeline for Maze's ups and downs during his life, he wears his heart on his sleeve, evident by the close contact he keeps with his former teammates.

"I love my teammates," said Maze. "Every baller that's come through here I have a strong relationship with them because that's just how big this family is."

No matter what happens to Maze in his quest to become a professional ball player, one of UT's key components to the program becoming a household name will surely be welcomed back for years to come.