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Durability and consistency frame Akins’ résumé. In 138 career games he poured in 1,252 points—32nd in Michigan State history—and joined just 17 Spartans to eclipse 1,000 points, 400 rebounds and 150 assists. He drilled 187 triples, sported an 81 percent free-throw clip and produced 64 double-figure scoring nights, all while shadowing the Big Ten’s most dangerous scorers.

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CONGRATULATIONS: Tom Izzo Receives Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for Unparalleled Contributions to College Basketball Following His ….…… See full details

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  • Durability and consistency frame Akins’ résumé. In 138 career games he poured in 1,252 points—32nd in Michigan State history—and joined just 17 Spartans to eclipse 1,000 points, 400 rebounds and 150 assists. He drilled 187 triples, sported an 81 percent free-throw clip and produced 64 double-figure scoring nights, all while shadowing the Big Ten’s most dangerous scorers.
  • ESPN NEWS: Michigan State to Honor Beloved and Legendary Coach Jud Heathcote with Prestigious Posthumous Award—A Tribute to the Architect of Spartan Greatness! Jud Heathcote: The Visionary Who Built Michigan State’s Basketball Legacy with Heart and Purpose!
  • CONGRATULATIONS: Tom Izzo Receives Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for Unparalleled Contributions to College Basketball Following His ….…… See full details
  • CBS NEWS: East Lansing, MI — Tom Izzo Makes Blockbuster Hire, Adds Former Legendary Big Ten Head Coach to Michigan State Staff in Bold Championship Push
  • Happy 70th Birthday, Tom Izzo, The Maestro— From Iron Mountain to College Basketball’s Mountaintop, Celebrating Tom Izzo’s 70 Remarkable Years! 70 Years of Passion, Purpose, and Spartan Pride! Happy Birthday, Coach Izzo!
  • Heart Over Hardwood: Tom Izzo’s Enduring Legacy Lives Through Children Rocky and Steven — A Powerful Testament to Family, Values, and the True Meaning of Greatness
  • In a move that has fans buzzing with excitement and nostalgia, Michigan State basketball icon and former all-time leading scorer Shawn Respert is officially returning to his alma mater—but this time, not as a player. The MSU Hall of Famer will now walk the sidelines beside longtime head coach Tom Izzo, joining the Spartan coaching staff and bringing with him decades of basketball wisdom, passion, and an unmatched Spartan legacy.
  • RETIREMENT VISION: Tom Izzo Purchases $39M Georgia Ranch to Create Family Outdoor Haven — Complete with Wakesurfing Lake, Hunting Grounds, and Custom Racetrack
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“From Rocky Top to Rising Sun: How One UT Grad Built a Big Orange Haven in Tokyo”
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

“From Rocky Top to Rising Sun: How One UT Grad Built a Big Orange Haven in Tokyo”

Elijah OgboleBy Elijah OgboleMay 29, 2025No Comments2 Mins Read
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In the bustling heart of Tokyo, amid neon lights and the hum of a city that never sleeps, there’s a surprising splash of orange and white that stands out — a Vols-themed bar that proudly celebrates the spirit of Tennessee. Behind this unique cultural fusion is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and pride in one’s roots. Meet James Holloway, a University of Tennessee graduate who turned his love for his alma mater into a thriving business in Japan.

James moved to Tokyo over a decade ago to teach English, with nothing more than a suitcase and his cherished UT hoodie. What began as a temporary teaching job soon turned into a lifelong connection with Japanese culture. But even as he embraced his new home, he never let go of the Southern traditions and college spirit that shaped him. “I missed game days the most,” he recalls. “There’s nothing like singing ‘Rocky Top’ with a crowd of fellow Vols.”

That longing sparked an idea — what if he could recreate the game day experience, thousands of miles away from Knoxville? That dream became reality when James opened The Rocky Top Tavern, a bar decked out in orange memorabilia, UT flags, and a menu that includes both Southern comfort food and Japanese fusion dishes. Every Saturday during football season, the bar transforms into a mini Neyland Stadium, complete with live game broadcasts, UT chants, and a loyal fanbase of expats, locals, and curious tourists.

But it’s more than just a bar. It’s a community hub, a home away from home for Tennessee fans and a bridge between cultures. “We’ve had Japanese customers become UT fans just by spending time here,” James laughs. “It’s amazing to see that kind of cultural crossover.”

James’s journey is a testament to what can happen when you bring your heritage into new spaces. His story reminds us that no matter where life takes you, staying true to your roots can be a source of strength and success. From Rocky Top to the Rising Sun, James Holloway proves that Vol spirit knows no borders — it only grows stronger.

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Durability and consistency frame Akins’ résumé. In 138 career games he poured in 1,252 points—32nd in Michigan State history—and joined just 17 Spartans to eclipse 1,000 points, 400 rebounds and 150 assists. He drilled 187 triples, sported an 81 percent free-throw clip and produced 64 double-figure scoring nights, all while shadowing the Big Ten’s most dangerous scorers.

By adminJune 26, 20250

SPARTAN STRONG: Jaden Akins Cemented His Legacy with Grit, Growth, and Game-Changing Impact at Michigan…

ESPN NEWS: Michigan State to Honor Beloved and Legendary Coach Jud Heathcote with Prestigious Posthumous Award—A Tribute to the Architect of Spartan Greatness! Jud Heathcote: The Visionary Who Built Michigan State’s Basketball Legacy with Heart and Purpose!

June 26, 2025

CONGRATULATIONS: Tom Izzo Receives Esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for Unparalleled Contributions to College Basketball Following His ….…… See full details

June 26, 2025

CBS NEWS: East Lansing, MI — Tom Izzo Makes Blockbuster Hire, Adds Former Legendary Big Ten Head Coach to Michigan State Staff in Bold Championship Push

June 26, 2025

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