Graham leaves basketball team

From Vanderbilt's Athletic Communications Office:

NASHVILLE - Guard Jamie Graham has decided to discontinue his basketball career at Vanderbilt in order to devote his full attention to football.

"We agree with and totally support this decision," said Vanderbilt head basketball coach Kevin Stallings. "We wish Jamie the best of luck and look forward to following his success on the football field."

Graham, who joined the basketball team as a walk-on in 2007, played in five games on the hardwood in 2009 and did not score. On the gridiron this year, the wide receiver/running back had three touchdown receptions and one rushing touchdown, and helped guide the Commodores to their first bowl win in 26 years in the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.

Graham was the only player in the SEC to play both football and basketball in 2007-08 and 2008-09, and the first Vanderbilt player to play both sports since Fred Baker did it in the 1994-95 academic year.

Stallings discusses Graham's return

During Monday afternoon's press conference at Memorial Gym, Head Coach Kevin Stallings talked about Jamie Graham's return to basketball practice:

“We’re getting him a month later than we got him last year, and all for great reasons. I’m thrilled about them going to the bowl game and thrilled about them winning. We’ll have to put our patient hat on because today will be his first practice.

“Last year it took us a couple of months before we got him ready to play, and if it takes that long again, then obviously, people are going to have to be patient that."

“When he came out last year, I didn’t even think he would play. I was just doing Bobby (Johnson) a favor. Then I realized he’s a good player. So we’ll see how long it takes him to get familiar with what’s going on."

“He’s a tough guy that plays real hard every day. He has a great attitude and is great in the locker room and a great guy to be around.”

Graham returns to the hardwood

It didn’t take long for Jamie Graham to put his focus back on the hardwood.

Less than a week after helping the football team to its first bowl win since 1955, the sophomore guard participated in basketball practice for the first time this season on Monday afternoon.

“I was happy that we won the bowl game, but my mind has also been on basketball,” said Graham, who spent the last few days relaxing with family in Nashville. “I’ve been watching a lot of basketball lately and shot some the other day just to do something. I’m feeling good right now.”

With the Commodores preparing for its SEC opener at Kentucky Saturday, the sport transition won’t be easy. Graham made the switch last year a month earlier (Dec. 4, 2007) and was able to contribute in four games before conference play.

“It’s a lot harder (than last year) because I’m coming in right during SEC time. It’s when the game really starts getting tough. I’m going to have to make a big adjustment coming in from football.”

Graham will also have the grueling task of receiving little rest between sports.

“I’m sore, but that’s why I came out here this week. I have to get my body back in shape for basketball and hopefully I’ll work all the soreness out.”

A crowd favorite off the bench, Graham played in 15 games last year, averaging 4.3 minutes and 1.5 points per game. He had career-highs in minutes (10) and points (6) in the Commodores’ NCAA loss to Siena.

While his return date to the lineup is still in question, one thing is for sure. Graham will be looking forward to moving back indoors.

“It started getting a little too cold outside so it’s time for basketball.”

Holidays have a tragic tone

While you're spending the holiday season with friends and family... make sure you take a minute to read a great article on two-sport star Jamie Graham by Maurice Patton in today's Tennessean.

With the Vanderbilt football team virtually building an offense around him and the Commodore basketball team anxiously awaiting his arrival, it would seem that these are the best of times for Jamie Graham.

But even as the former Whites Creek star has played a key role in ending Vanderbilt's 26-year bowl drought, December is by far Graham's toughest month and Christmas his toughest
holiday season.

Click Here to read the rest of Patton's story.

(Also, Commodore Nation magazine had another piece on Jamie from last April that's always worth a second look.)