Posted by chrisw2967 on November 1, 2007 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

his lost not Pearls , probably wouldnt of fit in with Pearls style of play.

Posted by POWER_T on November 1, 2007 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Big disappointment; could have used him...

Posted by Hunter on November 1, 2007 at 1:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we were Memphis fans we'd talk about how overrated he was and how we didn't want him anyway. If coaching was a big criteria, he missed the boat. Pearl is a fantastic coach on his way up. Coach K is a living legend, but Duke isn't the Duke it used to be.....

Posted by utchris2003 on November 1, 2007 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that he would have definitely fit into the system. If not then, Pearl would not have laid out the Royal Treatment to get this kid. Pearl definitely out recruited the other coaches, but the kid apparently had been a long time fan of coach K. I thought UT might sneak out this battle bc he fit the style of play and bc he would have the best chance to make an immediate impact at UT with the loss of Lofton after this year.

Posted by lpelleg1 on November 1, 2007 at 2:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't he going to announce his decision at a press conference on Friday? His coach kind of took the fun out of that, so much for the drama...

Posted by juce on November 1, 2007 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, I think the Vol coaches were worried most about Duke in this recruitment, but they should not be too disappointed as they gave it their best attempt. UT probably would have been his next choice. I wish him the best.

Posted by Plasticman on November 1, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have never like Coach K or Duke. I guess he decided to play at a program that has reached its peak rather than playing at a program on it's way to the top. THis definitely hurts Coach Pearl and our Program. I really thought he would step in for Lofton/Smith next year. Now I have a feeling after a great season this year, we are going to be hurting for shooters on next years team.

Posted by jweaver3 on November 1, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FIRE COACH PEARL!!! HE OBVIOUSLY CAN'T RECRUIT ANYMORE, HE HAS LOST HIS TOUCH, PLUS HE HAS NEVER WON A CHAMPIONSHIP!!! HE MUST GO!!!
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by hiresanders on November 1, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least at Duke, he will have to go to classes.

Posted by bigbluevol on November 1, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hilarious as always, sanders

Posted by King30 on November 1, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Best of luck, Elliot. Now, we have to turn our attention to Chris Singleton. He's 6'8, but he's more of a perimeter player with that outside shot we're gonna need. We'll have to get him away from Ky and Fla St from what I understand. Maybe with Elliot going farther east, Chris will see this as an opportunity to play the 2 or the 3 in Pearl's offense.
Good to be recruiting against the likes of Duke and KY for these blue-chippers!

Posted by clowdog2323 on November 1, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Singleton already said it's down to only Florida State and Kentucky. He ruled out Tennessee last week. Pearl either goes JUCO or saves the schollies for 2009.

Posted by marc_ash on November 1, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tough loss. However, it is tough to compete with Duke in BB, I will agree with that. Have a solid corp that should make a good run this season. As UT continues to win, they will glean more attention from recruits.

Posted by volguy on November 1, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least he's not staying in Memphis

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like Pearl's attitude about keeping the scholarships open if he isn't getting the players he needs to fit his system.
Buzz Peterson would just take "whoever's left" in those situations.
Regarding Hunter's comment that "Duke isn't the Duke it used to be...", this website makes a pretty good argument against that:
http://www.coachk.com/duke-basketball...

I have a lot of hope for Bruce Pearl to get UT up to that level soon, though. I also hope we can keep him here for a LONG time.

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why would Singleton be considering Florida State? Does he want to be "the guy" on the team? If that's the case, I don't think UT would want him. That attitude reminds me of Tony "I tattoo'ed my first name on my arm" Harris.

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey VolCR-- get over it. I disagree with your opinion about firing Fulmer, but haven't insulted your intelligence. Opinions are not indicative of IQ levels.
I have repeatedly posted reasonable arguments on GVX boards for why Fulmer should be kept for another season if he wins 8 games this season.

Posted by Plasticman on November 1, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's not sugarcoat the loss of Elliot Williams. THese are the type of players we have to get to have a top level program.KY is now getting these players with Gillespie as their coach. I wonder how much the Duke Crews and Ramar Smith incidents played part in Williams decision? I have a feeling, those incidents swayed his decision towards Duke if he was 50/50.

Posted by silentfan on November 1, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IMO, the fact that the Vols were a serious competitor against Duke for a prospect of this caliber is a remarkable turnaround. As far as a blow to the program, well, it always hurts to lose a top prospect, but I think we should remember that Duke has lost 2 of their top 3 targets to other schools this year. 2 or 3 more years of Bruce, and UT will look a lot better to the 5*'s of the prospect world, though certain players will always consider the academic issue to be an advantage for the Dukes of the world while other equally good prospects will see it as a disadvantage. BTW, as we know, the Vols already have 2 former 5*'s on their roster in Crews and Prince.

I suspect Woolridge's committment probably cooled Singleton's interest.

There is another sg on the Vols' board. A 4* Lithuanian kid named Dulkys who is noted as a shooter. I don't know how much the Vols want him, but, if he's like so many good euro players, he could be interesting. Let's see if he visits.

Anyway, good luck Eliot, hope you do well except when you play TN, of course.

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, then VolCR-- while I wouldn't BET* on it happening, it is still highly possible that Fulmer DOES win an East Championship this season. The biggest barriers to that would be (A) Monk's return to the Arkansas lineup-- they are now two-dimensional so they are a better team than their SEC record indicates, and (B) if Bolden gets in trouble bad enough to be sidelined for one of the remaining SEC games. (Point B could be negated by JT Mapu returning to his dominant form exhibited his sophomore year, though).

* Betting on College football is mostly for folks who don't really like to keep money. A small number of people might be successful at it, but long term most would be down at least 10% (due to "juice").

GO VOLS!!! Win on the gridiron AND the court!

Posted by mattlock on November 1, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke makes sense from an academic standpoint. I have a feeling if this guys parents didn't care as much about academics, UT would have won. Lesson learned: b-ball smarts good, book smarts not so good. . .we just want them barely eligible :)

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats on being able to do that-- it is pretty hard to predict what will happen in most CFB games, especially this season.
I quit trying to bet on CFB years ago, because I kept making the classic mistake-- ignoring the idea that "past performance is no guarantee of future results".

Posted by Oenoboy on November 1, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Isn't this a basketball article? VolCR has becomed obsessed with Fulmer like a stalker. For some reason he isn't satisfied with the fact that everyone on this site is beyond being well aware of his position on Fulmer and has a need to keep repeating himself over and over and over and over again about how much he hates Fulmer.

We get it VolCR. Really, we do. No, no…really, we all truly know and believe you want Fulmer fired. Thing is, it’s not going to happen this year or next so can you move on to a new subject? I’m one season away from being in your camp but even then, I’ll make my opinion known and hopefully move on to the next subject. It’s called social grace.

Posted by Oenoboy on November 1, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now to the subject at hand. This is very dissappointing for UT but it's hard to fault his decision. As much as I pull against Duke no matter who they are playing, they have a great coach and great acedemics.

Here's to the Pearly Vols making him look back in a couple of years and say "what if".

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by jhenson on November 1, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN made a good point. A few more years like last year and we won't lose too many more coveted recruits to Duke. That's the kind of program we attain to be and we're well on our way. He definitely would have fit in here or Pearl wouldn't have been so high on him, but our future looks promising regardless.

Posted by 55Vol on November 1, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VolCr.... dude...where you been the last two weeks? LOL..VolCR....good one.
Be careful telling folks that you bet and win on CFB games....that might explain your distain for Fulmer...he has cost you money by not covering the spreads. Hope Pearl gets the boys healthy in time for the season so you don't lose money there either. Go Vols

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Academics is bull. We didn't lose this kid over that. Any 5-star recruited by Duke is planning on a career in the NBA at which point he can have other Duke grads doing all the "academic" stuff for him. If you have watched Duke the past couple of years, they haven't really been invincible like they used to be. Lost their edge psychologically over the rest of the ACC, you might say. I'm guessing he saw an opportunity to play immediately for a more prestigious (at this point) program and took it. Here's also guessing his "couldn't wait for the press conference to announce it" coach wanted that feather in his cap as well. The fact that we were on the short list this late speaks volumes about where Pearl has the program in just 2 years. Things are definitely looking up. Go Vols!!!

Posted by cjraney on November 1, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Williams hasn't signed anything yet.

Posted by newtonrail on November 1, 2007 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This was a BB article, not a FB or illegal Betting article. I'm surprised the KNS hasn't excised the VolCR articles on betting before the Feds come down on them.

Posted by bugman on November 1, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Tennessee was a better opportunity to play but it isn't the fans decision to make and we should bash someone for choosing their own path in life. Sometimes fans take this stuff a little too seriously. Kind of like the football program.

Posted by marc_ash on November 1, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its hard to pass up a sure thing for the "flavor of the month". I love Tennessee basketball and would never insult the program, but realisically recruits are putting the two side by side and wondering if Tennessee is the real deal. This is an example of a gamble vs a sure thing for a recruit. Going to Duke surely puts you high in the media spotlight and guarantees you the opportunity to play for a hall of fame coach. Hard to pass up on a sure thing for a program like Tennessee that is fresh on the basketball scene.

Not to mention Tennessee plays a unique and amazingly fun style that embraces team more than most. I think this hurts us somewhat, but not as much as some might think due to the deepness and changable parts the Vols have. UT doesn't need as many "studs" as they do players that can compliment the style. UT will be just fine.

Posted by CatScratchFever on November 1, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No big surprize here. Williams has his eyes on the NBA and Duke offers a better fit at this time to accomplish that goal.

I would not put too much into 4 and 5 star ratings either. Yeah they are fun to talk about, but it does not mean a thing until a player can prove it on the college level. There are some diamonds still out there....a little difficult to find, but manageable. Ratings help in building your recruiting resume, but I would rather have a 2 or 3 star player that will fit my teams chemistry.

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stones, VolCR, you've got stones.

Posted by bricker865 on November 1, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate Duke. I could think of 100 or so other schools I would rather see him playing for.

Posted by ZacharyUTK on November 1, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to see UT basketball play Duke. That's be a great game.

His loss, though.

Posted by CatScratchFever on November 1, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bricker.....I am with you....I cannot stand Puke. Ever since Laetner stomped on Aminu Timberlake of Kentucky in the 92 East Reg. Finals when he was on the floor....I have hated them.

Check out http://youtube.com/watch?v=fYOgC2Qbqh4

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate the Dukies too. I'm also not on the Coach K bandwagon as much as most. Lots of wins, but except for a few years in the 90's, not much out of them. Kind of reminds me of another coach around K-town. If I were bound and determined to go ACC, I would be a Tar Heel. If Duke recruited him, I'll bet Williams did too. His loss not playing for a guy like Pearl. However, another poster said our play requires more "team". Probably true. A kid who thinks he should walk into a Division I school, whether it be UT, Memphis, or Duke, and be an immediate player/star likely has ego issues which BP wouldn't tolerate. Of course, there could be dozens of reasons he made his choice, none of which are really our business, I suppose. Good luck, Mr. Eliot and I hope we get the chance to knock you out of an NCAA sometime in the next 4 years! Go Vols!!!

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey CRVol-- your strategy on betting on SEC FB games is pretty interesting. I've always heard that home field advantage in CFB games is worth 3 pts-- I wonder if that holds true with SEC games. Judging by the numbers you gave, it doesn't sound like it. Maybe the Vegas oddsmakers should adjust that to a 1 or 2 pt home-field advantage, if any.
Speaking of "Road Dog"-- if you're ever out in Colorado and if you like dark beer, I recommend Road Dog from the Flying Dog brewery. You can get it around here at some places, but it is sometimes overcarbonated, which is awful-- that's why I recommend only getting it out in CO. Of the two cases or so that I've gotten of it since it started showing up here in K'town, 3 of the 6-packs had that overcarbonation problem. Getting back to the gambling thing-- "I don't like those odds." Have I mentioned that I digress?
GO VOLS!!!

Posted by spam247buster on November 1, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, if talking about betting is illegal, then how does KNS get away with printing the Vegas lines for all the games?
As I mentioned, I don't bet on CFB, but I find it interesting to look at the lines because the oddsmakers make careers out of picking winners, point spreads, and over/unders with some degree of likelihood.

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spam,

I don't bet either but it is interesting how close to the final score the lines will be as the season goes on. Case in point: Saturday's game with USC. For all the ups and downs, missed plays, and missed FG's, the final line was Tennessee minus three. Scary! Of course, for UT to beat someone by 30 would require the defense to force at least a couple of punts, so, if I were a bettor, I would take ULL and the points. But there's no way we don't win. Just think, 49-20 and you still don't cover. How can we be 30 point favorites over anybody? Go Vols!!!

Posted by bricker865 on November 1, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd like to see Duke (Crews) play Duke.

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't gamble, VolCR, but I do have a pretty good understanding of math. For any stat like that to be useful, you have to be willing to bet EVERY involved game EVERY week, and then take your losses when the stat occasionally proves wrong (any given week). Also, isn't the biggest part of that stat Auburn and Georgia not only beating the spread on the road, but winning outright? I guess you could get down to handicapping each team, which I'm sure you do:). Gambling is a game of statistical averages over the long haul. Betting every game every week is scary stuff, as it should be. Even folks who like to gamble are usually unwilling to play the game your way. Stones, my friend, you've got stones. No way we cover 30 on ULL though - our D just isn't good enough to get that kind of separation on the scoreboard. Go Vols!!!

Posted by threehundredbowler on November 1, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dream on cr,dream on.You are an expert on all things.Sure would be nice if we could all live in the world of make believe.The only thing most of us agree with you on is that you are not like most people.Most people do not live in Disneylands world of make believe.Get back on your Piper Club and fly away to never land.

Posted by asleep on November 1, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, so I used to dabble a little, but never armed with your stats or intestinal fortitude. I was a loser, as are most folks, and gave it up nearly 20 years ago. But it is fascinating to me now to see the lines, formulate a strategy (which my aforementioned lack of stones will not allow me to implement), and then see how it theoretically would have turned out. Also, I loathe losing anything, especially money, so I'll never be willing to jump back in, no matter what statistics I have. Surprising UT is that good ATS on the road b/c they are an absolute nightmare at home the past few years. Go Vols!!!

Posted by TommyJack on November 1, 2007 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN: You're right about Duke. they don't call it The University of New Jersey at Durham for nothing.

Posted by doctorvol on November 1, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT undergrad, Wake Forest med school--all the ACC types get along pretty well, except with the Dukies. They are very important people. Hopefully, Mr. Wms avoids this mindset.

Posted by BluetickBlues on November 1, 2007 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This guy will be regretting his decision next year.

Posted by DSaVol on November 1, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In no particular order:

PLASTICMAN: "I wonder how much the Duke Crews and Ramar Smith incidents played part in Williams decision?" Are you truly a moron or just an addicted conspiracy theorist? I guess the Duke Lacrosse thing was just a blip and the way that University handled it was certainly admirable now wasn't it. Puhleeeeeze!

SPAM***BUSTER: "Buzz Peterson would just take "whoever's left" in those situations." Uhhh...I believe Mr. Peterson's last "whoever's left" was a guy named Lofton. But you'd probably call him some kind of potted meat. And by the way, I'll bet you a grand (or more) that Fulmer does NOT win even an East title this year.

On the subject of wagering though, there are two and ONLY two sure fire, certifiable ways to make money - A. Do not ever wager on more than 3 games on any given Saturday. B. ALWAYS find those games that public is heaviest on yet the line is going against them. I guarantee you will hit 80% or better over a full season if you have the guts to play some wacky games/teams and the discipline to limit the number of games.

AIRFORCEONE: "Williams has his eyes on the NBA and Duke offers a better fit at this time to accomplish that goal." Is that some kind of George Bush rationale???? Who has Duke EVER put into the pros that has lived up to the hype???? Duke and Coach K might be the TN and "coach" Foolmore of the hoops world - they're living off alot of past glory that is very faded and tattered.

CJRANEY: "Williams hasn't signed anything yet." Truest words on the board tonight!! Not saying he won't go ahead and sign with the Dookies but sometimes things aren't always as they appear.

Finally, are there ANY good sporting events on campus this weekend??? Just wondering.....

Posted by Plasticman on November 1, 2007 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry DSA, forgot you are the all knowing. My comment was based on the fact that Williams on campus visit occurred the weekend that Crews got in trouble and it was all over the News Sentinel. Based on what I have heard about the type of family Williams comes from, I would say this didn't help our cause. Just my opinion, after hearing all summer that we had a great shot at getting this guy. Damn, I was I had your knowledge (yeah right!)

Posted by murrayvol on November 1, 2007 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wish I thought he would change his mind but I don't think so. Williams is a very good and possibly great player who would fit in Pearl's system, K's system, or damn near anybody's system. The good news is we've hit the radar of some top tier talent and that's a good thing. We'll be just fine for as long as Pearl calls Knoxville home.