A double dose of Big Orange

Pearl spent half his time talking about the Lady Vols' coaching legend just as Summitt spent half her time discussing the Vols' charismatic second-year coach.

The prevailing perception had been that Knoxville wasn't big enough for a successful men's and women's basketball program to co-exist, particularly with UT football's monstrous following.

Pearl and Summitt sharply disagree with the theory, and their close relationship and support for one another provides ample proof they're not just paying lip-service to one another.

"People say Tennessee is a football state; how preposterous is that statement?'' Pearl said. "One of the things that has separated Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols is how popular the women's game is in Tennessee.

"They sell out and TV comes to see Pat Summitt and 18,000 or 19,000 at the arena,'' he said. "So I think people in Tennessee love basketball. They just prefer winning basketball.''

Summitt has heard for years how her dominance in women's basketball -- a 913-177 record and six national championships -- has damaged UT's ability to build a men's program.

"So many people had said, 'You can't build a men's basketball program because it's football and women's basketball here,' and there's no truth to that,'' Summitt said. "I think Bruce's success really allowed us to fast-forward the fundraising for the practice facility.''

Indeed, an estimated $30 million will be spent between the new Pratt Pavilion practice facility and the renovation of Thompson-Boling Arena over the next few years.

The dynamic between Pearl and Summitt is not only measured in dollars; the two have used one another to recruit with more success, market the sport and even swap Xs and Os.

"When we lost (Alexis) Hornbuckle last year we were getting ready to play Georgia, and I called Bruce and said 'I need your help,' '' Summitt said. "We're playing the quickest team in the league.

"He and his assistant Jason (Shay) met with us and gave us a couple set plays we used in the game, plus he gave us a press break,'' she said. "We gave him credit; we called one of the plays 'Pearl.' ''

Pearl, meanwhile, said he constantly picks Summitt's brain.

"I've never seen a better-run practice than coach Summitt's,'' Pearl said. "And nobody is hungrier for knowledge. She's on the cutting edge of everything, constantly bringing in other retired coaches for ideas, and she's on top of what they're doing in Europe.

"Every time I see her, I say, 'What's up?' because she knows everything that's going on in the basketball world.''

Summitt and Pearl make it a point to introduce every recruit that comes through to the door to the other coach.

"When our kids visit campus, they get to visit the finest coach in the world in Pat Summitt and witness one of the greatest women to play basketball in Candace Parker,'' Pearl said.

"Sometimes I talk to these recruits about the possibility of maybe you could date (Lady Vols star sophomore) Candace Parker,'' Pearl said jokingly, "and I tell them, 'Just think if you got together how talented your child would be.' ''

Summitt rolled her eyes at that one, but conceded there is more than just respect between the programs.

"We're a basketball family, which has helped both of us,'' Summitt said. "I'm excited about what the men have done and the excitement they've brought to the community. I think people understand that Bruce and I are for each other.''

So much so that the two are already to the point where they can playfully tease one another through the media.

Pearl said the arena renovation was important because "that way in 10 years, when Pat has won her 1,400 game, the next coach can come in and have great facilities.''

"Bruce,'' Summitt chuckled, shooting a 'What-next' look at the ceiling. "Math obviously wasn't his best subject.

"I don't know how long I'll be there, but I hope I'm (at UT) long enough to see Bruce win a national championship. It may be I have 1,400 wins.''

Summitt, who like Pearl, attracted the largest group of media in her respective session. She proceeded to give her scouting report on Pearl's team.

"I have reason to believe they'll definitely be ready,'' Summitt said. "Bruce has a young basketball team. Watching his kids, they practice with great intensity, and they're a confident group.

"Every night, his kids will play their hearts out and win the hustle plays, that won't change,'' she said. "I believe he'll get it done.''

Should either coach hit a snag, the other is just a phone call or short drive away