With possible NCAA sanctions looming, Tennessee officials are confident new men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin will win "the right way."
Martin accepted the job well aware of the potential hurdles swirling around the program.
The former Missouri State coach said during his introduction Monday that he has done his homework on the possible NCAA punishment and has also received assurances from athletics director Mike Hamilton regarding the situation.
"It's a great job. It's a great opportunity, has great tradition, great history," Martin said. "For me, as far as the NCAA is concerned, Mike has assured me that everything will work out, and I support that 100 percent. Whatever happens with the NCAA, I will be the coach."
Martin was one of 14 candidates Hamilton said Tennessee seriously considered and was introduced a week after Bruce Pearl was fired for recruiting violations. Pearl and the Vols' basketball program have been charged with 10 violations, including an unethical conduct charge against Pearl for lying to NCAA investigators.
School officials will go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions on June 10-11, with final word on the Vols' punishment likely not coming until the fall.
Hamilton said he talked to Martin's former coach and boss at Purdue — Gene Keady — before deciding to hire him as someone who can win at Tennessee.
"Cuonzo will win at the University of Tennessee ... More than that, he's going to do it the right way," Hamilton said.
Tennessee gave Martin a five-year deal guaranteeing him $1.3 million plus bonuses related to the team's success with the option of a two-year extension after a 24-month review.
The school also gave Martin protection in his contract against whatever sanctions the NCAA does hand down. His original deal will be extended based on the number of years Tennessee is punished either w