Photo by University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee men's basketball team poses in front of the Statue of Liberty during a sightseeing trip to New York City on Thursday.
JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl stood on the deck of a ferry as it circled Ellis Island on Thursday afternoon and put his thoughts into perspective.
“There must be people from 100 different nationalities on this boat, but they’re all just like me in a way,’’ Pearl said as the Manhattan skyline passed by.
“Their families migrated through here. This (USA) has been a land of unprecedented opportunity.’’
Pearl used the team’s Thanksgiving Day field trip to the Statue of Liberty as another learning experience.
“It’s Thanksgiving, a day to give thanks for the blessing,’’ Pearl said as the Vols prepared for tonight’s game against West Virginia in the semifinals of the Legends Classic in Newark, N.J. “Our guys are tall, dark and handsome, and they have a lot of opportunities.
“To be at the University of Tennessee on scholarship, to have their education paid for and compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball, is a lot for them to be thankful for.’’
And they are.
“Growing up, people told me college is where great memories would be made, and that’s true,’’ senior JaJuan Smith said. “Coach Pearl has given all of us great opportunities that many others don’t have, and we appreciate that.
“We feel lucky and blessed that he’s here at Tennessee.’’
Freshman Cameron Tatum said trips like this should appeal to future prospects.
“I know in my eyes, having never really been out of the Southeast, it’s big,’’ Tatum said. “Trips like this give us more time to bond, and it’s a great experience for all of us.’’
Sophomore transfer Tyler Smith said he’s enjoying his first extended outing with his new teammates.
“It’s good to be with all of the guys because I missed going to Europe,’’ Tyler Smith said. “It’s fun; but we’re also here on a business trip, and we need to win this tournament for Tennessee.’’
Freshman Brian Williams, who is from the Bronx, N.Y., said his eyes lit up when he saw the Legends Classic on the Vols’ schedule.
“This is like a coming home present for me,’’ Williams said. “I’ve felt like the tour guide, telling the guys where to go and eat.
“Being from New York City, you feel like you’re better than others because it’s the greatest city on Earth.’’
UT senior Jordan Howell believes he’s playing on the greatest college team on Earth.
“Over the past five years these guys have become my family, and I love all of them,’’ Howell said. “This is one last chance to be on a big trip with my teammates. It’s Thanksgiving, and I realize the opportunity I have ahead of me my senior year.
“I give thanks for my family, my relationship with God and the brothers I have here.’’
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Comments » 4
nickperkinsalc#627224 writes:
Jordan Howell is a great young man, and a solid point guard.
andefromtn#212139 writes:
Pearl is a special coach and man. He is an educator which all coaches should be. Tennessee is lucky to have him. I am excited about the way his team and he are conducting themselves as representatives of UT.
mikeinknoxville writes:
One of your best columns Mike..We are lucky to have Coach Pearl and the things he represents. Good luck to the team in the big apple and the rest of the year
snowvol writes:
I've said it many times and it's worth noting again: I had the great pleasure, living here in the midwest, to watch Coach Pearl when he was at UWM. When I heard he was being courted by UT, I told anyone who would listen he would revitalize our program. It was no newsflash that he was a great coach but I don't think anyone, myself included, ever imagined he'd bring this program to the brink of Final Four-caliber in such a short period of time. That he is such a tremendous person beyond basketball is something that reflects on the University of Tennessee in ways well beyond wins and losses.
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