(Big Orange Tipoff Club) -- Another season is well underway and the Big Orange Tipoff Club starts this Wednesday with a noon luncheon at Calhoun’s on the River. This season of speakers promises to be a strong one and leading it off is a Tennessee favorite … Dane Bradshaw!

Bradshaw won the hearts of Big Orange Basketball fans with his clutch shots in big games and his humble attitude. The 6-foot-4 player from Memphis had a lot to be proud of in his four years with the Volunteers. He became one of the most versatile players in the nation by starting at power forward and serving as the backup point guard for a team that earned national rankings in both his junior and senior seasons.

In 2006, Bradshaw was named to SI.com's All-Glue team. Off the court, Dane was equally as impressive, earning his communications degree in three years.

After finishing his college career with the Vols, he spent time playing professional basketball in Europe. Dane also wrote a book titled, "Vertical Leap," which gave readers an inside look at the rise of Tennessee's program during his years in Knoxville.

In addition to Bradshaw, the luncheon will feature the News-Sentinel Players of the Week and the start of this year’s Pick ‘n’ Win.

Don’t forget our second road trip is THIS weekend! We leave Saturday morning for Athens to take on the Bulldogs. Come help the Vols pick up a win on the opening weekend of SEC play. An information sheet about the road trips is attached to this e-mail.

The trip will include luxury motorcoach transportation, a ticket to the game, a box lunch, and snacks (soft drinks, chips, etc.). Please e-mail us back immediately at tipoff@utfan.com or visit our website at www.utfan.com/tipoff if you have an interest in this trip. You can reserve your spot and pay for it with your credit card through the link we have provided to Paypal on our website. You can also download the form and bring it to the meeting (payment at the meeting must be by cash or check only).

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, January 7th at Calhoun’s on the River. The buffet opens at 11:15 with the program starting at noon.