By TEARSA SMITH
6 News Anchor/Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The halls of East Tennessee Children's Hospital were taken over by some larger than life young men on Wednesday.
"Yeah, I didn't think that they would be that tall. I thought that it was you know, the cameras. Them being far away and everything," said patient Trey Daugherty.
Instead of visits with nurses and doctors, children were greeted by University of Tennessee men's basketball players.
"I mean, it means a lot. To be able to take time out of our day to do this and to come and play with the children. We get to meet great kids. It's just a good time," said guard Trae Golden.
Parents were just as excited as their little ones to get the unexpected drop in.
"Oh, I think it blew his mind!" said one mom. "Really good. Really helpful. He enjoyed it. Really helpful."
These guys, towering at more than six and half feet tall, seemed like giants, but played with unusual gentleness with small fans. They even played with one child in the community playroom, cheering him on as he put together a puzzle.
"It gives us a perspective on our lives. It shows how truly blessed we are to be healthy and play a sport in college. It gives you a good perspective on life," said guard Skylar McBee.
The players say they are the ones that are receiving a bit of happiness.
"It's more joyous for me to be able to realize how blessed I am and to allow these kids to watch us on TV," guard D'Montre Edwards.
Though basketball has been a big part of their college career, so much more has come with it.
"You know being a college athlete isn't just about playing basketball, it's also about academics and also about doing things in the community," said McBee.
"And that's what we are here to do. Hopefully to be positive examples for all the kids."
They even played with one child in the community playroom, cheering him on as he put together a puzzle.
"Yeah, I didn't think that they would be that tall. I thought that it was you know, the cameras. Them being far away and everything," said patient Trey Daugherty.
Players get back to what they know best with one patient.
"It's more joyous for me to be able to realize how blessed I am and to allow these kids to watch us on TV," said guard D'Montre Edwards.
