Greatest Sports Mascots of All Time
Smokey (Tennessee Volunteers) or The Suns Gorilla (Phoenix Suns)

Pick Your Favorite

SMOKEY (TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS)

VS

THE SUNS GORILLA (PHOENIX SUNS)
0%

Your GOAT List

Why This Battle Matters

Has there ever been a clash of mascots more steeped in the essence of their teams’ spirit than between Smokey, the bluetick coonhound, and The Suns Gorilla, the high-flying acrobat of the hardwood? One, a symbol of Southern tradition and collegiate pride, the other, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of professional basketball. This isn’t just about who entertains the crowd with more flair or who can pull off a stunt with greater ease; it’s a deeper battle for cultural supremacy and a reflection on what we value in our icons of sport. Will it be loyalty and heritage, or innovation and spectacle that triumphs?

🔥 Fan Takes

Wait, but both mascots kinda iconic in their own way... can't decide 🤔
Smokey brings real tradition, heart of the Vols right there. Suns Gorilla? Just hype.
lol who even compares a dog to a gorilla, Suns Gorilla wins bc he does backflips 🤣

How Fans Are Voting

In this battle:

Fans currently prefer The Suns Gorilla (Phoenix Suns) over Smokey (Tennessee Volunteers) when it comes to the greatest Sports Mascots of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick The Suns Gorilla (Phoenix Suns) 100.0% of the time over Smokey (Tennessee Volunteers).

Across all battles:

The Suns Gorilla (Phoenix Suns) win rate: 85.7%

Smokey (Tennessee Volunteers) win rate: 60.0%

Fan FAQs

What makes The Suns Gorilla one of the most loved mascots in basketball?

The Suns Gorilla brings a level of hype to Phoenix basketball that’s hard to match. Known for his acrobatic dunks and crowd-pumping antics, he’s more than just a mascot; he’s a performer who elevates the game day experience. His universal appeal transcends generations of fans, making him a standout character in the world of sports mascots.

What’s the big deal about Smokey from the Tennessee Volunteers?

Fans adore Smokey for his authentic representation of Volunteer spirit. He's not just a mascot; he's a part of the family in Knoxville, embodying the resilience and fighting spirit of the team. Plus, his presence at games, with that unmistakable bluetick coonhound charm, really rallies the crowd.

Why is the matchup between Smokey and The Suns Gorilla so tight?

This face-off is neck and neck because both Smokey and The Suns Gorilla carry huge fan bases that are deeply rooted in their respective sports cultures. Smokey embodies the traditional, spirited college sports vibe, while The Suns Gorilla brings that energetic, entertaining flair from the NBA. Fans are split because they’re not just voting on a mascot, they're backing the essence of their favorite sports memories.