Tennessee is on the verge of making a case to be recognized as the best men's basketball team in the program's history.
UT (16-1) has the No. 1 RPI rating, which takes into account schedule strength as well as won-loss record.
The No. 6 Vols might also match - or surpass - the highest ranking in the program's history (No. 4) when the Associated Press poll comes out today.
Perhaps more impressive, the Vols will establish a mark for the best start in school history if they can pull out a win against Kentucky at Rupp Arena at 9 p.m. Tuesday (TV: ESPN).
UT coach Bruce Pearl prefers to live in the "now" and will wait until the end of the NCAA tournament before he weighs in on the evaluation.
"I will say it was a very good weekend for Tennessee basketball,'' said Pearl, who ran his record to 38-2 in Thompson-Boling Arena with wins over Vanderbilt (80-60) on Thursday and Ohio State (74-69) on Saturday. "The crowds we had were just phenomenal.''
Tuesday night's crowd as Rupp Arena likely will be just as disruptive as the home fans have been helpful, however.
Kentucky, at 7-9 overall and 1-2 in the SEC, is more desperate for a home victory than ever.
The Wildcats have dropped their past two SEC contests, at West Division leader Mississippi State (69-64) and Saturday in overtime at Florida (81-70) after beating Vanderbilt in double overtime to open the conference slate.
"Kentucky has played three really good games,'' Pearl said. "To beat Vandy, and then go on the road and battle Mississippi State, the West leaders, and then at Florida, where they coulda, woulda, shoulda.
"There's no question we'll have to overcome some adversity to win at Kentucky. It's still an honor to play at Rupp Arena.''
The Wildcats handed a Chris Lofton-less UT team a 76-57 setback last season, which along with this year's 19-point loss to Texas ranks as the worst tail-whipping in Pearl's tenure with the Vols.
Lofton scored 31 points in his most recent trip to Rupp Arena in 2006 as the Vols snapped what had been an eight-game losing streak in Lexington.
"I love going back to Lexington, I won a state championship there,'' said Lofton, who hails from Maysville, Ky., "and, I'll be close to home.''
Further Review: Pearl said after watching tape that sophomore J.P. Prince and freshman Brian Williams deserved praise for their efforts.
"J.P. played pretty well in the first half (Saturday), especially offensively,'' Pearl said. "Brian Williams really stepped up big and was productive with Wayne (Chism) in foul trouble.''
Prince, who injured his shoulder against Vanderbilt and missed Friday's practice, scored eight points and had four assists and two steals in 20 minutes.
Williams, with six points and five rebounds in 20 minutes, enjoyed his best performance since his 16-point, 14-rebound explosion against Western Kentucky on Dec. 15.
Team 2000-01: The Vols of 2000-01 also posted a 16-1 start. That team, coached by Jerry Green, also earned a No. 4 Associated Press poll ranking on two occasions that season, matching the highest ranking in school history.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 97
vol1994 writes:
skin the Cats and bring home a W.
Coach Pearl's stock is rising after every single game. I sure hope he decides to stay as I have a feeling he will receive some lucrative offers from other schools after the season.
I am so impressed with his coaching style and allowing the kids Play and make mistakes unlike other coaches- Bobby knight, Coach K, and even Roy Williams. He alows his kids to play wihtout a conscience.
go Vols!
CoverOrange writes:
"The Vols of 2000-01 also posted a 16-1 start."
And then everything went to hell in a handbasket.
Let's purge that from our memories please.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
he going nowhere--its obvious he loves it here, is immerced in the Knoxville community and his blood runs as orange as anyones and he could be here for life if he choses --BP likes a big stage and we have it---he cant be bought away from Tenn, we wouldnt let that happen
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Looks like a good time to go Lexington. The 'Cats will be tired from the rough stretch of recent games, since they don't have as much depth as we do. I know they will give it their best in front of the home fans, but they could be too psyched up to compensate for fatigue. If their early adrenaline rush wears them out, and the Vols go in with their A game, it could get ugly for the 'Cats. If we go in overconfident, it could be a rough night for us. As for me, I can't wait. Go Vols!
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
"The No. 6 Vols might also match - or surpass - the highest ranking in the program's history (No. 4) when the Associated Press poll comes out today."
I don't think there's any question that they will at LEAST be ranked 4th.
bugman (Inactive) writes:
Hamilton isn't losing Bruce Pearl after renovating the arena. He will match or beat any offer from another program.
ut_volfan#205651 writes:
Last time we were 16-1 and ranked #4 we went to Rupp and got spanked. I was there. Not fun at all. I hate the 'over rated' chant, especially when it's directed towards the Vols. This is a different UT team, and CERTAINLY a different UK team. Let's hope the result is different as well.
chrisw2967 writes:
all we can do is hope that BP doesnt go no place and stays with Tenn , but some school will throw an offer out there that he might not be able to refuse and all Tenn can do is match it. but myself Im not thinking that way cause anything can happen this year just like it did in 2001.
I hope Duke gets a few minutes and slowly works his way back in the rotation and Lofton is slowly finding his groove again (I hope)
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Chris, the only way we could collapse like we did in 2001 is if half the team breaks a leg--God forbid! This team is mentally tougher than any UT team I have ever seen. It is a team that may lose a game, but it will not be beaten. The defensive consistency and tenacity is simply amazing. We may not execute perfectly all the time, every game, but we have not yet failed to compete, at least since the last 10 minutes of the Texas game. I wonder if they would like to play us now!
FWBVol writes:
I don't see Pearl leaving UT for another college job. UT has done everything he's wanted and then some as far as upgrading the facilities and such. UT has deep enough pockets to match any other offer he would get.
The handful of programs that might be more attractive than we are...UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke and a few others, have good coaching situations already.
Pearl has proven loyal to the other schools where he has coached, and I don't see that changing at UT. He seems happy to be here, and if he continues to field the kind of teams he has his first few years, he might one day replace Ray Mears as the greatest coach in Vol basketball history.
chrisw2967 writes:
johnlg000. I really dont see us having a collapse like we did in 2001 but we can never say never , we have too much talent and we have a coach that I dont think that will let that happen and UT should rework his contract if he does well in March and Im like you about the NBA . As fae as Texas goes I really doubt they would like to play us right now or next month even.
chrisw2967 writes:
I meant to say as far as Texas goes in my earlier post...my bad
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Beat Kentucky. Period.
MOOREVOLS writes:
I was at the Ohio State and Vandy games and in both games the crowd was very good, but not great. I measure great by the crowds we had at home against Florida and Kentucky last year. The crowds for those two games were the best I've ever seen at Thompson-Boling. Still, the Ohio State and Vandy crowds were very good.
lnbadger320 writes:
it's hard to tell how loud the crowd it. because they don't increase the noise on TV. i know when OH was coming back it looked more quiet. i guess it was because people were getting nervous.
rccheek#205272 writes:
Why are you people even talking about Pearl leaving? That should be a BANNED topic!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
rccheek 8:22 a.am. Agree. Phil should have given his mil $$ to Pearl, not Hamilton. Man has Vols rocking right now. Dread KY, though. We'll see.
ssukonic#254241 writes:
I'm wondering how the rotation will work as Duke Crews works his way back into playing time. I think Brian Williams has done more than anyone probably expected. He'll need to continue to get SOME playing time to continue to develop. I'm wondering how Coach Pearl will handle this. I'm wondering if we'll ever see two of those three guys in there at the same time. Obviously, that should help in the rebounding department. However, at the same time, it probably wouldn't help the full court press and the offense we run right now. It'll be fun to see what Coach Pearl does regarding this. You don't want to screw up the chemistry and I'd guess the "ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra comes into play.
Basketball_Jones writes:
Unfortunatly I had to watch the game on TV and the crwod in the 1st 4 rows seemed to be just sitting there. I hope this arena isn't going to be like Neyland, where all the big money folks go to the games as a social status thing and sit there and talk about where tier going to spend the summer. I said this when Pearl talked about placing students in certain areas. Do as Duke does. Make the 1st 5 rows behind the benches for students as well as under the basket. Put the pep band under the other basket. Its pretty embarrassing to see our team in a close game on National TV and the fans closest to the court are just sitting down.
King53 writes:
When it's all said and done, Pearl will be TN Basketball like coach K is for Duke and Dean Smith is for UNC.
Chainsaw writes:
"This is confusing.... Pearl CLEARLY states the fans were, and I quote, " Phenomenal ". Yet many posters say it was something less than that."
I think Pearl means the arena was full, and not much more than that.
If you're watching on TV and want to get an idea about how "into it" the fans are, look at the first 5-10 rows when the camera is focused on the court. You'll rarely see those people stand up, clap, or yell.
Basketball_Jones writes:
I never said that the other 20k were not great but those 1st few rows are a bunch of old rich folks. I know this as well cause my 80+ year old grandparents have tickets there. I get asked to sit down so much when I use their tickets. Its tha same way at football games. I remember last year it was like 3rd a goal and I was standing up yelling and the man behind me with his wife said "excuse me we can't see" I politiely told them they would have a better view if they watched from home.
TommyJack writes:
heels_fan-23: then you were out of line.
ellisonfamily writes:
One of the things for which we can be thankful is that Bruce Pearl did not play basketball at a Kansas, UNC, UK, or some other big time NCAA program. Tennessee has done a lot to be sure we are an elite basketball program, so BP has the tools. Thankfully we won't have to worry like Kansas did with Roy Williams, that his big time, alma mater comes calling. You think Roy Williams would have left Kansas for his alma mater, if his alma mater was Austin Peay? You think Tubby Smith would have left UGA if his favorite school were West Georgia College? Thankfully, we don't have that worry with Pearl. I believe, when BP and Pat Summit are done, we may have an elite basketball program (men and women's) that rivals Duke, UNC, Kansas, etc... That's just my take on it.
ssukonic#254241 writes:
TDTN: So, you think that Crews and Chism will split time and Williams will have the other half of the time or so?
Basketball_Jones writes:
TJ please answer me this. Why should I be required to sit down during a sporting event just because the people behind me don't feel like standing up?
As a fan, if a person pays good money to go see an event they have the right to stand-up if they feel like it. I mean phooey this isn't a Barry Manilow concert. We're talking major college atheltics and during key moments in the game I should sit down? WTF?
TommyJack writes:
heels_fan: Then I'll ask you. Why do they put seats in these places? There's a huge difference, man. When you're standing up, you're blocking their view. Who's view are they blocking when they sit? What part of "major college athletics" gives you the right to infringe on their rights?
I'm not talking about standing and screaming after a big play...that's cool. It's the constant (hey look at me) standing that is out of line. Plus, it's just bad manners. Lastly, why don't YOU stay home and watch on TV? The conduct you condone is just another sign of the decline in civility in our culture. Thanks for being part of it.
kyvol98 writes:
Heels_fan was not in the wrong. You pay your $$$$, so stand if you want.
Had he been obnoxious in saying it then I would think he is out of line.
If people stand in front of me, then I either stand or miss it.
As for Tuesday, I'll be there doing my best to make it TBA North!
dirtdobber1 writes:
STAND UP AND YELL! If your that bad off and cant stand up, you need to stay home anyway or go get some therapy so you can!
There should be a speacial viewing area for people that get mad if someone stands up in front of them..."the living room at their home!"
dirtdobber1 writes:
I bet TommyJack has a Hillary Clinton bumper sticker on his or her car!
TommyJack writes:
dirtdobber: thanks for proving my point.
Hunter writes:
Usually when someone in front stands, the people behind them instinctively follow. Therefore, it is my request that anyone with unlimited funds buyout all front row seats in TBA and stand incessantly, forcing the remainder of the crowd to stand and turn TBA into a pit of despair for all who enter!!!
Or just stand when it's REALLY exciting and ya just can't help it anymore. Either way sounds like a winner to me......
knoxvegas75 writes:
Tommy Jack - your just WRONG!!!
If anyone purchases a ticket they should be able to stand up, sit down, stand on their hands, or what ever they want to do in that small area they PAYED for. This argument you came up with....why do they put the seats there then....ummm so if you want to sit down you can duh.....just think of how bad sporting events would be and how many clase games would be lost if our stadiums were full of you and your non standing friends.
As far as I am concerned I would rather have a loud drunk frat boy standing up then an 75 year old alum in his seat. Its called pride and passion for a sporting event and if you have lost it then you can go spend your season tickets on a 60 LCD and Surround Sound and then sit all you want.
Heels_fan how about the loss. lol just had to through that out.
lol sry
TommyJack writes:
knoxvegas: What are you, 15? I never said a word about never standing up. Just said that I don't pay my money to see the azz-end of some attention seeking fool for the length of the game. Bulletin, pal. The game ain't about you being seen.
ATLVOLFAN writes:
Way to go Vols! We keep playing good like this we can have two championships in Knoxville. By the end of the season both lady vols and vols can be rank number one if they keep playing good basketball. Good luck vols against Kentucky tomorrow.
dirtdobber1 writes:
TommyJack: are you a Vandy fan?
inswhiz writes:
agree with you totally knoxvegas, passion and pride from fans is what spurs on a team to accomplish some things they didnt know was possible. Pearl has them on right track and hopefully come March we will be on the final four track. Dont worry about Tarheels, they will be in final four if not win it all.
knoxvegas75 writes:
Nope not 15 -25 though
It is not your place to complain about that... They paid for their seats they can do what they want unless it is illigal or offensive. I heard in the new boxes you don't have to stand up...trying pooling your alum friends season tickets and buy a box.
Pearl has brought the passion back to the fan base. It is becasue of this we can win games like Mississippi, Ohio St, and other close calls. It is his passion that has been absorbed by most fans (Tommy_Jack excluded) and the result is a louder and better arena atmosphere.
dirtdobber1 writes:
Hey Knoxvegas, the only time that TommyJack stands up is during the national anthem.
TommyJack, we just want it to be loud in the gym-and in order for it to be the loudest the people near the floor need to get into the game more! Your just going to have to agree to agree with us on this point. Agreed?
knoxvegas75 writes:
illegal....
LongtimeVol writes:
TommyJack, I agree with you but an appeal to civility on this site is an exercise in futility. It is simply incomprehensible to most who post here that one should show consideration to another person if it in anyway interferes with their view of what it means to be a Vol fan. That includes a special intolerance of criticism (or even questions) about the direction of the some aspects of the program. So, screaming like a banshee at all times, undying devotion to the head coach, and rebuking anyone who doesn't is what constitutes a "true Vol fan". I sat two rows behind that obnoxious woman last year that got so much press and as you say, that cheering was all about her and not the team or the game. We are all glad that lasted only one year.
knoxvegas75 writes:
there you tommy_Jack you got the second member of your BOX CLUB
1. Tommy_Jack
2. LongtimeVol
Only a few more then it is peace and quiet and lobster cocktail and the vandy game on as well....
dirtdobber1 writes:
LongtimeVol- well put- couldnt agree you less- Go Vandy!
justbware#205283 writes:
Congrats on your high ranking and Duke maybe coming back, but how about those #1 ranked MEMPHIS TIGERS!!? Looking forward to next month in the Bluff City!
TommyJack writes:
Knoxvegas: Are you a shift mgr at a Pilot station?
Longtime: Thanks.
Dirt: re noise...agreed. no problem with noise.
dirtdobber1 writes:
justbware- Memphis really put it to MTSU beating them by 25. The vols beat em by 70! Good luck in Confernce USA and Southern Miss!
knoxvegas75 writes:
nope whouldn't lower my standards to work for a below average failing knoxville based gas company.....no I can use my double degree with honors from UT to get a better job or my MBA at a major university.
Justbware.... have you seen the polls yet???
Memphis is a great team in a horrible conference...will they beat Tennessee at home in Feb...it is a toss up but home court in the Fed EX Forum is a great enviroment and advantage for the Tigers, just like we are trying to do at TB Arena. Should be a great one, hope the vols can pull it off....but I do hope it is 1-2 Matchup so the loser doesnt fall much....
romevol writes:
I've got the solution...stand at home in front of the TV. Win-Win.
knoxvegas75 writes:
MADNESS!!!!!!!!!
Thats exactly what we need more of !!!
We need to move all the loud students to the front 5 rows of the entire arena.
that would be madness!!
romevol writes:
knoxvegas75 - I like it. Bring it up at the next board meeting.
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