Posted by Plasticman on February 14, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keep 'em focused on the Bulls-Eye Coach P. THis team has the potential to go as far as it wants to if they stay focused and play "team" ball. Keep stepping up Duke and CHism. We need you all to be MEN in the paint!!

Posted by GerryOP on February 14, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do you think that maybe Bruce Pearl understands the meaning of EXCELLENCE? He is probably not going to consider an SEC East Division Championship a token of success!

Posted by 02champs on February 14, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jurick is a stud...great post defense and rebounder.

Posted by volnfl on February 14, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jurick reminds me of a young jesse walker!

Posted by Lofton4three___MONEY on February 14, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me just say I'm glad this ridiculousness these KNS writers have been writing about "*Insert SEC team here* is the only team coach Pearl hasn't beaten at home/on the road" now that he's beaten them all at home and on the road.

I know they're trying to give him a compliment by saying he's beaten most of the teams in the SEC really quickly, but it's a depressing stat and they never say 'in only 2 1/2 years of coaching.' It looks like he's getting dominated by one team or another, when he's only played the SEC west teams 3 times.

Does coach Pearl have a checklist that he needs to beat every team in the SEC at home and at their place, and then he knows he's a good coach? I doubt it.

We need more of these writers to be homers for Tennessee. Not ridiculous unrealistic homers, just guys who like the University, like the coaches and like the players. Is that too much to ask?

Coach Pearl is the best thing to happen to this basketball program in a long time. He has a system that allows players to play and doesn't require All-Americans to be successful, he has great assistants, players who seem to value the team concept and work hard, and an excellent insight into the fan's perspective that most other coaches don't have. It doesn't get any better than that.

Go Vols! Keep up the good work and enjoy these seniors while they're here!

Posted by stevefrommemphis on February 14, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding Jurick, I am a little surprised that his high school team is only 4th seed in a 9 team district 6-AA which is a very poor basketball district, Chattanooga Howard excepted. What's the deal there? I guess one good player can't carry a team even in that weak district?

Posted by mparker on February 14, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think CBP will be working on some things when he can:
-half-court D, especially aginst the pick and roll. we are still getting exposed on that one

-half-court O, as in the Kentucky and LSU games.

UT can run with almost everyone, but I worry about them meeting a team like Butler or an ACC team with a strong, patient half-court game.

I don't have the same expectation this year as last. We had a good draw. The game with Ohio State in the tournament was SO upsetting. I'll never forget it: Conley going to shoot FT's time after time. Phantom calls. Then, Ramar drives, Conley bodies him, and....no f*cking call.

That game will always be a heartbreaker: UT's average players against Ohio State's all-world team, and UT had it.

Posted by orangeblood on February 15, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We matched our win total 2 years ago....with a lot of games left to play...wow

Posted by pdhuff on February 15, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP 10:02 2-14 - Did our SEC East Trophy ever arrive? I think the SEC runner-up certificate did. Wished they'd have at least framed it.

Posted by GreerVol22 on February 15, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay away from the Lady Vol type effort and remember the 3 F's. Faith , focus, and finish!

Posted by TurboFan on February 15, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, to your point about the pick and roll, I've wondering why, after Fla was having their way with us in the first half, they went away from it in the second.

Posted by huckle309 on February 15, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Have any of you ever seen Jurick play? I have on several occasions. He is definitely NOT a stud, more like a DUD. He is 6'10" and averages less than 15 PPG. One game I watched, he only scored 6 points against a team where the tallest player was 5'10". I really don't see what BP sees in him, and he is not going to qualify. The boy has NO fire! A good friend of mine is one of his teachers and he NEVER goes to class. He told me that he doesn't even think he is going to graduate. CBP would be better served concentrating on developing Williams.

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 15, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jurick stats,
Judge for yourself.
http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewpro...

huckle, you've only posted twice on this site and both times were negative Jurick stuff. Do you really have insight or somehting against Jurick?

Posted by GerryOP on February 15, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pd (6:59) - Ain't seen hide nor hair of it. It is being shipped in the same truck that is carrying the "Highest Ranked Four Loss Team" trophy. Check's in the mail, truck's on the road, and ... well, you know. Still looking in Cracker Jack's boxes for the rings celebrating these events.

BTW, you and the hounds still living in the barn or has Ma let you return to the marital homestead?

Posted by RockyTopRK on February 15, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Huck - I appreciate your comments and passing on what you have heard. However - I have "great" respect for Bruce Pearl's eye for talent. If he thinks Jurich fits his system and will work out well for Tennessee than I'm behind him 100%. Maybe he sees some raw talent that hasn't been developed and he's the best at doing that. Let's all support CBP 100%. He's the best thing that ever happened to Tennessee men's basketball!

Posted by asleep on February 15, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton...

I still don't think we have beaten Auburn on the road. We're a whopping 0-1 in Beard-Eaves. I guess they just dominate us at home, huh? LOL. I agree, what useless stats for a coach in his 3rd season, especially against western division teams we only play once per year!

Go Vols!!!

Posted by huckle309 on February 15, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have nothing against Jurick, I just am judging from watching first hand as a referee and an East Ridge High alum. This might be the biggest gamble that CBP makes so far at Tennessee.

BTW, those stats are from 2005 on the rivals site. They haven't improved since his sophomore year.

Posted by volroadwarrior on February 15, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP and all of the nagging nellies can't resist bashing our football team on even on a positive Bruce Pearl article. According to them Fulmer has caused tornados, hurricanes, global warming, bed bugs and every malady known to man.

Posted by GerryOP on February 15, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volroadie -- and some maladies and natural weather disasters yet to be identified!!! Sorry, roadie, but it is extremely difficult to not compare the two. However, in a dozen years we may be saying the same thing about Bruce Pearl. "Boring and stale" is a contagious disease that comes with age and longevity in a job.

Posted by supersteve17 on February 15, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have also seen Jurick play several times and he has some stuff you just can't coach. For instance, he has a college body right now. He would have been the biggest player on UT's team this season with the possible exception of Brian Williams. He can also run the court. I saw him follow up a steal by a guard at half-court (he was in the paint) with a dunk at the offensive end on a fast break. Coach Pearl was there that night and I realized why he was recruiting Jurick. He is not a very polished offensive player, but he can run the court, rebound, defend and block shots -- and he is every bit of 6'10", maybe bigger. I think we could use one of those! As to his academics, I have no idea.

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 15, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone have any better stats than the 2005 Jurick?

Posted by gator4life on February 15, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A serious question for you Vol fans to ponder from a fan of the enemy:
How much is UT willing to pay to keep BP after the end of this season?
With several high profile schools on the lookout for a new coach, the market will probably be in the 3 mil a year range. Is UT willing to pay more for the mens BBall coach than they do for the womens? Or how about more than the HC for football?
And no i'm not trying to stir things up (I personally think the pay thing has gotten way out of hand).
Just wondered the take from you guys...

Posted by drwfocus on February 15, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen Jurick play several times over the last couple of years. I agree with "supersteve's" assessment; he has some skills you cannot coach. He is a diamond in the rough. But, like "huckle", I have seen him be lackadaisical and lazy. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that in most games he is a man among boys as compared to the competition. Coach Pearl obviously thinks he can work with that and develop him into an SEC caliber player.

Posted by brownsvillevol on February 15, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

remember tyler hansbro was a good player but did become great until he developed by nc jurick is going to be the next tyler hansbro trust me i have affiliation with the memphis grizzz and they like this kid

Posted by brownsvillevol on February 15, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

remember tyler hansbro was a good player but did become great until he developed by nc jurick is going to be the next tyler hansbro trust me i have affiliation with the memphis grizzz and they like this kid

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 15, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gator,
I don't think UT would let money get in the way. Better question is Would Pearl want to coach at at a more "premier" school, say Duke, NC, Kentucky, Indiana..... or even NBA. Guess we won't know that unless it happens.

Posted by brownsvillevol on February 15, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

plus he could possibly be 7' when he gets to tenn and 7'2 if he stays four years

Posted by brownsvillevol on February 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

he's committed to building tradition at tenn

Posted by gator4life on February 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

f83,
Thanks for the reply. I know it bothers a few UF fans that Donovan makes more money than Meyer (I think they both make too much, lol). I have heard that UT would never pay more for BBall than the football coach gets. I would think if the AD wants to keep his job, he better not let BP get away because of money(at least not to another school).

Posted by brownsvillevol on February 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

katz and bilas are morons they both ranked tenn#6 in the new power 16 and hubert davis dropped us one from last week to #4 and then moved ucla up above us after a loss what idiots

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Half of Pearl's job is to put butts in seats. As long as he is doing that, I don't think money should be an issue. Of course, I don't have to pay, so that's easy for me to say.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 15, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gator4life, two things occurred to me to add to fundamentals83's post. The first is that it would take a program of the stature of those "fundy"(just didn't want to type your whole screen name again; no offense!) mentioned to cause CBP to leave here. Of those, the only ones likely to be open in the next few years are Indiana and Kentucky. In Indiana's case, whoever coaches there will forever be compared to Bob Knight, and I don't think CBP would want that. I also think he has too much respect and gratitude for UT giving him his "big break" to go another SEC school--at least I hope that's true! I don't think money would be a problem if other schools really starting coming after him in a big way. Finally, he doesn't strike me as an NBA guy, though I could be wrong about that, too. I think he enjoys working with college kids who will respond to his enthusiasm and motivation better than he would with jaded, overpaid pros.

Posted by 55Vol on February 15, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOp...using your logic...when will you be voluntarily quitting your job? 5 years in? 8 years? YOu will be old and stale soon also.

Posted by auttat on February 15, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00, you didn't want to type the screen name but you were willing to type 12 words explaining why you didn't. LOL!!

Just messing with ya! But it is funny!

Posted by TurboFan on February 15, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two things to consider: it's all about money and BP was Hamilton's hire. While Hamilton has a vested interest in retaining BP and would up his salary considerably to do so, there is limit and that limit is related how much to pay to get 105,000 butts in the seats at Neyland 6 or 7 times a year. UTFB, I would hazard a guess grosses 3 to 4 times what UTBB does.

Given the relatively small venue of the O'Connell Center (12k I believe) I would be surprised if Donovan would be able to stay ahead of Meyer for long.

Posted by GiveHimSix1387 on February 15, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bilas and ESPN can disrespect us and the RPI all they want. The tournament committee seems to love us and the RPI. They respect Pearl for going out and playing a tough out of conference road schedule. Even with a loss to Memphis... I think we still have a good shot at getting a 1 seed. Jay Bilas is sooooo ACC biased. Don't take anything he says to heart.

Posted by GiveHimSix1387 on February 15, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Won't it be great if Bilas works the Tenn-Memphis game?!?

Posted by THE_VOL on February 15, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another trap game on Saturday - Vols will roll though.

Can we just maybe let Jurick DO SOMETHING - like maybe arrive on campus - before we start annointing him as a great one???? I'm sure he's another IMPACT player though - even though he'll have FIVE guys ahead of him at the start! LMAO!

Bilas isn't working the MemPiss game - Vitale is.

Posted by GerryOP on February 15, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ahhh 55_Vol, when will I be quitting my job? Nice try! I retired almost 5 years ago, the day I turned 59 1/2! And have been enjoying life ever since.

And, yes, most professionals would tell you the same thing. Anyone who spends 15 years working for the SAME COMPANY in the SAME POSITION tends to lose perspective of what is going on in the "outside" world. Just as Coach Fulmer said last Fall. "Been doing it like this for 15 years and it has always worked before. No need to change now." But, times change and people need to also. We will see how the new hires affect his perspective.

Posted by volroadwarrior on February 15, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

55_Vol--You don't expect the nagging nellies to understand logic, do you? It's like the idiots swooning and drooling over Obama's empty talk of "Change" without a clue of what "Change" will bring.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 15, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat, you caught me in a "senior moment"(:-D)! I'll shut up now and turn in for my afternoon nap.

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 15, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kelvin Sampson is a practitioner of rat finkism. After canning Sampson, I hope IU stays away from BP, but I have a feeling they will go after him aggressively as their top choice. We've gotta pay the freight to keep him here, literally whatever it takes. I don't give a damn if we're allegedly a football-first school. Don't we have to win a championship maybe once in a decade to call ourselves that? A BCS bowl game appearance perhaps? BP is the best thing that has ever happened to our basketball program and heads must roll if we lose him.

Posted by letshave1more on February 15, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BP need a pay raise and a big one!! ESPN has reported that he will be on the short of the Indiana Hoosiers when they fire their coach at a news conference this afternoon....

Posted by 55Vol on February 15, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP...not so sir. This professional has been at the same company for 28 years now and has about 10-12 more years before retirement. To keep ahead of the competition, one must always look at the competition, review the landscape, look at the different things being tried to see what is working, and then innovate. Has Fulmer always done that?? I would agree no he hasn't. However, he has now hired outside the football family of the past 15 years. Time will tell if the change will be good or bad. It is up to him. But to say one should move on or be "retired" by the boss just because of length of service is not logical.

Posted by 55Vol on February 15, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP...BTW...Pearl will be as good as he is now for as long as he wants to be at UT. I hope it is for the next 20 years. He is that good.

Posted by TurboFan on February 15, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Isn't BP blackballed in the BigTenleven?

Posted by VolCane7979 on February 15, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uh, you think IU wouldn't jump on him in a heartbeat? Without question they would. I don't care if he was blueballed... ok, that was just wrong, sorry.

Posted by murrayvol on February 15, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40: Only @ Illinois. On your 8:32 post re UF abondoning the pick and roll: Perhaps they wanted to keep the game in the 80s (they did for them at least), or they needed to work on their perimeter game, or Donovan had a braincramp. Seriously, I have no idea but I'm happy they did.

Posted by jweaver3 on February 15, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The unknown at IU is what type of sanctions and restrictions will there be!!! No one really knows until the hearing this summer. It will be hard to get a big name coach with a lot of unknowns still lingering at IU!!!
GO VOLS
IN MIKE WE TRUST TO OPEN THE BANK FOR COACH PEARL!!!
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by fundamentals83 on February 15, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IMO, Fulmer and Summitt's salaries shouldn't factor into Pearl's salary. They are very different jobs. You pay the man the going rate for a top caliber mens basketball coach. (whatever that is.) If mens basketball coaches make more than football coaches, then so be it.

Posted by GerryOP on February 15, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, 55_Vol, as far as Coach Fulmer goes, it appears we are in violent agreement on most issues! The next couple of seasons should be interesting.

Posted by tloutn on February 15, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Huck, apparently some people think the kid can play. Being selected as a McDonald's All-America, even on the state level is a big deal.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/news/sports/big...

As for this year, Jurick is averaging 17pts, 15.8reb according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Sounds to me like you have something against the kid, so be it. I think CP understands the game a little better than most of us do.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 15, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding CBP's salary, someone made a good point above that the fb program probably grosses four or five times what the bball program does, but I would guess that the expenses of the bball program are only a fraction of what fb costs. Also, the fb program supports most of the non-revenue sports. I would say that UT makes a substantial profit on about 20,000 fans 15 or so times a year. In fact, IIRC, someone calculated that CBP earned his original salary from the INCREASE in attendance the team had. All the overhead was covered by the 12- to 15-thousand we were drawing before. I know, that figure doesn't necessarily equal fannies in seats, but it does represent tickets sold. In fact, since most of the seats these days actually DO have fannies in them, they make more on concessions, flags, T-shirts, etc., than they have ever made. I think a solid financial case can be made to pay CBP pretty much WHATEVER it costs to keep him.

Posted by dc4 on February 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"CBP" as y'all refer to him is an outstanding coach, but to say that Jurick is his biggest gamble is an understatement. This guy is not major D-1 material, and the guy who claimed to have affiliation with the Grizzlies has got to be joking. He'll never stay at UT for 4 years, let alone make a living playing ball.

He is a thug version of Ryan Childress. Limited athleticism, but with Jurick you've got no motor. The kid does not care and it's evidenced in his numerous 6 and 8 point outings against BAD teams in Chattanooga.

check here for senior year box scores:

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/...
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/...
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/...

They are embarrasing numbers for a guy who is one of two prized recruits of a Top 5 school. The new tatoo he is rockin' will look real sharp in a big orange uniform...(click the third link)

By the way, to the idiot who compared Jurick to Hansbrough... I don't even know where to start, so I'll just point out that Hansbrough was one of the most highly sought after recruits in the country in 2005 (#10 nationally according to Rivals) and he averaged 28 points a game his senior year at Poplar Bluff.

Jurick is a joke, and he's a big gamble for a program that is supposed to be moving in the right direction. Don't get ahead of yourselves and act like CBP is a "great" talent evaluator after all his three leading scorers were all recruited by Buzz... And he has yet to bring a pure scorer to Knoxville and this is his 3rd/4th recruiting class...

Posted by mdvol on February 15, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looking ahead to the SEC tournament, the East #1 seed plays at 1pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Let's pack the Dome!

Posted by pdhuff on February 15, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP - maybe if BP and PS had a kid, he'd either be Candance II or Ernie G II. Just a thought, they'd have to get hitched first.

Or they could have a Dupree.

Posted by Plasticman on February 15, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, looks to me like East Ridge gets blown out by 40 and 50 points alot. I hope Jurik can play but based on the links from dc4, I have my reservations about it. Only time will tell I guess. We really need a shooter. Any news on the kid from KY?? He could come right in and start next season.

Posted by huckle309 on February 15, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dc..thanks for bringing some sanity back. I thought I was the lone ranger on Jurick.
It is funny how everyone sees so clearly about Phil's Vols, but sport orange colored glasses for Pearl's picks.

Posted by volssam on February 15, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols Fans - I live in Memphis, and I have two tickets to the UT-Memphis game next Saturday and am looking to possibly sell them. They are in Section 222, Row L, Seats 15 and 16. There was a pair that are 4 sections over from that in section 226 that sold today for at least $800 on ebay. If anyone is interested, let me know. I haven't decided for sure yet if I want to sell them or go myself. I'd like to get at least $625 (including shipping - or if you'd rather meet me in Memphis, that's fine) for them. Anyone interested? If not, I may place them on ebay this weekend.

Posted by footballfan on February 15, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A good interview from CBP on his take of how much coaches make. He stated that he felt they made too much money. So if he really likes where he is, and his team really likes him, I doubt he would be going anywhere else for a little more money. Maybe for a higher profile job, but not money IMO. I hope he stays until the wheels fall off. Go Vols.

Posted by GerryOP on February 15, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pd, more'n likely a Bobby Knight or a Dean Smith. Not sure either Pat or Bruce was all that good with the ball in their hands.

BTW, I'm kinda thinkin' about maybe flyin' into Memphis next weekend for THE GAME. Never been to Memphis 'cept once in my life and that was kinda' jus' passin' through. Any suggestions on motels/hotels?

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on February 15, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CBP did say coaches make to much at his level. Hell Floirda is paying Donovan over $4 milion a year.

I do think Bruce is worth a million a year. But the Vols make that money in sales and other areas, Tennessee provides no funds for sports programs.

A few have said that teh Vols need to distance themselves from the Lady Vols. Do you really mean that??

Step up if you do, I'd sure like to hear why! I sure respect CBP, I never imagined that the Vols could be so great, so fast!

We are big supporters of the VOls, but the day that teh Vols, decide to step away from the Lady VOls in the Basketball arena, will be the day that I realize CBP is not in control of his team.

Posted by abrown on February 15, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys -- yes we have to finish, but whoa!! It is plain nutty to look at the Luke Wynn's power rankings and see that "Power T" at numero tres. When Hamilton introduced Bruce Pearl...whuda thunk?

Posted by FulmerRulz on February 15, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssam, myself and my father are UT alums living in Memphis. If you are serious about selling your tickets then please email me at plantsthatbloom@gmail.com Thanks

Posted by bricker865 on February 15, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is AirForceOne? I can hear you breathing buddy. Don't worry the Vandy game is in the rear view mirror, but then again I know how much you like to dwell on history.

Posted by jevolball7 on February 15, 2008 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where are the pussy-cat fans?

Posted by jevolball7 on February 15, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dc4:PUT DOWN THE PIPE! Next week you will get your taste. Your team "should win. You're at home,ranked higher,and have NO competition in your league. You should beat us. The line is 5. I don't blame you for getting excited. It's the ONLY sport your little school can really afford to play.

Posted by Volssux on February 16, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LadyVolsEighTimes-

1 milion? The going rate is going to be close to 2 million in order to pay Pearl in the range of the Top 10 coaches.

Posted by jevolball7 on February 16, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator4life: rest assured if we want to pay WE CAN.You see, our tradition and fan base goes back farther than 1985. We can pay basically whatever we need to. Let's put it this way, you guys won't be in the mix!

Posted by dfreeman on February 16, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are whispers that IU is going to ask to speak to Pearl after they fire Sampson and that's a done deal! Just a matter of time! Personally I don't think he takes it! IU will be on probation. I think he has exactly what he wants right here in TENN! We truly have the best coach in America!! I am praying that he stays here until he retires!! This stuff makes me nervous only because he mentioned a time ago that IU would be a dream job!!

Posted by jasvol on February 16, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posters - go to the Memphis paper www.comercialappeal.com and harass the their B-ball fans. It's too easy!!!! They are way too sensitive...

Posted by Volssux on February 16, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jasvol- Come on down we will play!!

Sensitive? You guys are a close second to Ole Miss fans!!!

We have nothing to lose so what are you going to say Tiger High? My Tiger High degree has helped me get paid VERY WELL!!

Posted by pearlman on February 16, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Think if this happened; Pearl to IU, Knight to LSU or KY. Who do we get to replace Pearl? No one. I have said it for 2 years. Give him the raise he deserves.

Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How much does Pearl earn?

Posted by johnlg00 on February 16, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It occurs to me that if IU had really wanted CBP, they could have had him instead of Kelvin Sampson. After all, he was well-known in Indiana bball circles from his years--and D2 national championship--at Southern Indiana. Now that they see they made a mistake in hiring Sampson, and see how well CBP has done at UT, NOW they want to hire him away? They may, but I think CBP is pretty happy with the way things are working out here. I think a key point is that IU is likely to be on probation for at least a couple of years. That might temper some of the unrealistic expectations that any new IU coach would otherwise face. I am sure that if the Vols reach the Final Four, as many here hope and expect, the pursuit from all quarters will quicken dramatically. As I have said before, we need to be ready to offer WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep CBP here, but I DON'T think we have to go to $4 mil/yr to do it. Two mil with incentives for winning the SEC, making the Final Four, high graduation rates, National Championship, etc., will probably do it for the foreseeable future.

Posted by jasvol on February 16, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux: you proved my point. Like most Tiger High fans. It's obvious you wish you were able to come to UT and enjoy the atmosphere of winning and competing for championships on a regular basis.

Posted by johnlg00 on February 16, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Somewhat disturbing to hear the slams on Jurick. At this point, I think we have to trust CBP on judging Jurick's potential, if not his present performance in every respect. I think CBP has earned that trust. Besides, his recruiting so far hasn't been THAT bad. He brought in Crews, Chism, Ramar, Tabb, Tatum, and Williams. Granted, not all of those have reached all-star level, but all have great potential. CBP also helped convince JP and Tyler to transfer. If he had landed Eliot Williams, shooting guard from Memphis who signed at Duke, as he had expected to, we would all be celebrating his recruiting prowess. We will see in the NEXT recruiting season if he can get us in the mix for the blue-chippers. Bear in mind that most guys in that category are one-and-doners these days, so it is, IMHO, a crap-shoot whether we are better off with a lot of guys like that anyway.

Posted by Volssux on February 16, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jasvol- As I have stated over and over again, I turned down a free ride to UT to goto Memphis. Sorry, I did not like Knoxville or UT.

Posted by Volssux on February 16, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack
According to USA Today Bruce makes $1.1 million so he will be getting a raise one way or another (staying or leaving). But, remember he will not get more than Summitt so both will be getting a raise. At least UT has the money to spend on its coaches!! To keep Pearl will cost over $2 mil, about that to keep Summit happy, and Fulmer makes over $2 mil too.

Posted by TommyJack on February 16, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hard to imagine UT losing Pearl over $. Would be criminal.

Posted by jasvol on February 16, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux: I'm from Memphis and the best part of the city is I-40..leaving. Oh, and the Bar-b-q is top shelf!

Posted by Volssux on February 16, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jasvol- If you don't like it then leave. If you have any skills to offer you should be able to move and we will not miss you here!!!

Posted by jevolball7 on February 17, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IU ain't got enough catfat. Unless he wanted to go. They are an old re-tread. But to their advantage, they don't have to pay a football coach, and are not held hostage by an overpaid womens coach. I thought we had seperate athletic depts.???? That's a head scratcher,huh???!

Posted by 98reax on February 17, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach will not leave UT to go to IU. He would be out of his mind. IU is a has been. UT is unique. UT is the team everyone loves to hate. Coach Pearl is right for UT. Coach looks good in orange body paint.

Posted by Volssux on February 17, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has been vs never was.

Who will win!!!!

Posted by jasvol on February 17, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssux: My skills enabled me to skip Memphis with a full ride to UT. That's when my eyes were opened to the best side of the state, Knoxville or even middle TN for that matter.
Anyway, good win by the Tigers. I'm glad they pulled it out. That way it will hurt even more when your in-state rivals hand your first loss of the season on ya!

Posted by Volssux on February 17, 2008 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well we will see. And with Duke losing it may be 1 vs 2. Hopefully it will not come down to free throw shooting since both teams suck at it!!

Posted by jasvol on February 18, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volssux: free throw shooting...we talkin bout practice, I mean practice. No, no, not a game, but practice. we talkin bout practice, practice.

Posted by Volssux on February 18, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1 VS 2, Got my tix and am ready to GO!!!!

No losses before Saturday!!!