Earlier this month, Bruce Pearl was featured on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” Andrea Kramer revealed, in the close to her report, that Pearl had told her he expects to hear from Indiana when the season ends.
(With Indiana being an Adidas school, like Tennessee, might a go-between have already tipped Pearl’s people to the Hoosiers’ interest?)
If and when Indiana does speak with Pearl, and if and when they do make an offer to him, forcing Tennessee to decide what to pay to keep him in Knoxville, the UT athletic hierarchy need remember only as far as Sunday afternoon to calculate Pearl’s value.
Tennessee’s win over Butler in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, in my opinion, might be Pearl’s best single game coaching job yet. Obviously, that’s saying quite a bit considering UT’s lightning quick turnaround under the man.
Sure the Vols were the higher seed. Yes, they had more athletes than Butler. But this game was dangerous with a capital D. And while the Vols’ last three games might have been graded “D” efforts, UT brought their “A” game out for the Bulldogs.
Tennessee has not looked like the Tennessee of early and mid-February these last few weeks. Perhaps they reached too many of their goals toward the end of the regular season. Perhaps success got to their heads for a brief period. Or maybe they now have a bigger target on their back.
Whatever the cause, things weren’t looking good in the SEC Tournament or against American U. in the first round of the NCAAs. And now Tennessee was having to face a Butler team that was ranked in the Top 12 and was the polar opposite of UT in terms of style of play.
Add to that a deteriorating situation at point guard and Sunday could very easily have been the Vols’ final fight of 2008. Ask fellow two seeds Duke and Georgetown.
But that’s where Pearl came in. Whether it was daring, desperation, or a little bit of both, his decision to place JP Prince into the starting line-up at point guard went from worry to wow in the span of 45 minutes. Not necessarily for Prince’s play at the point (which was solid until some late-game glitches), but due mainly to the fact that Prince is one of the Vols’ top five weapons. Getting him onto the court, at any position, was a good move.
Tennessee also turned in an improved performance on the defensive end, an area that had taken a late-season dip. Butler’s screens and cuts weren’t as effective against the Vols as they were last year in the pre-season NIT. They weren’t as effective as the screens and cuts that had gotten South Carolina, Arkansas and American so many wide open looks the past two weeks.
Tennessee’s scouting paid dividends as the Vols repeatedly read Butler’s plays before the Bulldogs ran them. Brian Williams and Tyler Smith had interceptions that rivaled the work of Eric Berry on the gridiron.
In addition, Tennessee showed a renewed interest in feeding the ball into the paint. That’s a good thing at tournament time. For one, it’s easier to stay hot from five feet than it is from 25. For another, Tyler Smith lurks inside there and anytime the ball is in his hands, good things seem to happen.
The Vols didn’t match their 83 points-per-game average and they certainly didn’t blow Butler out. But this was a return to the type of basketball Vol fans have seen for 95 percent of the 2007-2008 season.
Gritty, smart, athletic. Point guard by committee? Sure, they did that, too. And when the team needed a big bucket, a different person stepped up once again, this time one of the deposed point guards, Ramar Smith.
This was a brilliant job by the Vol coaches and it was an excellent effort by the Vol players.
Most importantly, the win versus Butler gets Tennessee to the “easier” part of their tourney run. Emphasis on run.
Louisville is a tremendous team (which blistered Oklahoma) and will give the Vols all they want. Get by the Cardinals and the reward will probably be a date with top-ranked, top-seeded North Carolina (which destroyed Arkansas).
But both of those teams would run with Tennessee. When teams run with Tennessee, you have to like the Vols’ chances.
American and Butler were the 63rd and 64th slowest teams in the entire tournament in terms of possessions per game (only Washington State is more deliberate on offense). That slow-down style doesn’t play to UT’s strengths.
When outside shots aren’t dropping, the Vols need to get points off of turnovers. American and Butler wouldn’t run, which meant less sloppiness, which meant fewer turnovers, which meant fewer fast break points for UT.
That won’t be the case with Louisville and North Carolina. One of those teams may well beat Tennessee, but it’ll be a fight more on the Volunteers’ terms.
That’s why, in the UNC-Washington State match-up, I think it’s actually best for Tennessee if the Tar Heels win. The Vols like the kind of game Carolina plays.
And the fact that we’re still talking about upcoming games is just another reminder of how valuable Pearl is to Tennessee. Sunday, he was at his best.
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Comments » 68
TommyJack writes:
If we lose BP, it won't be over money.
T0MMYJACK writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
seofeed writes:
I love Coach Pearl and what he has done for Tennessee basketball. It's fantastic!
I know Mike Hamilton and the athletic department will pay him whatever it takes and Indiana is a Top-5 job in college basketball, but here's my main question to Coach Pearl about Indiana:
Why would you want to run the house that Bob Knight built, when you can stay here and build the house that Bruce Pearl built?
I know coaches are all about legacy and Indiana's calling card will always be Bob Knight. If Coach Pearl stays here for the duration Tennessee will be his.
Anyway, let's drop this rumor stuff until the tournament is over. Coach Pearl: YOU ROCK!
GO VOLS!
madisonvillevol writes:
like andy told aunt bea, " just pay the man!"
wjackson#226202 writes:
Like andy told aunt bea. Awsome. makes me miss the good ol shows. Where the heck is hee haw. I agree with seofeed. Bruce has a chance to make a legacy here and never have to be compared to anyone.
THE_VOL writes:
I will get crucified here for this perhaps but I strongly disagree. First, the PG situation should have been addressed long ago and wasn't. Putting JP in that position at this point was extremely risky and had it been done 2-3 weeks ago he would have been much more comfortable in the late game situations. Second, leaving JP in for the last couple of possessions may have been okay given his offensive ability BUT he should NOT have been in control of the ball when you've got Lofton and JSmith on the floor and a true PG sitting on the bench. I admit I'm speaking from hindsight but we saw what Ramar did in the OT and how much more confident EVERYONE was the last two minutes with him on the floor. JP panicked not once but twice and it nearly cost us. The game plan to use our inside advantage was good and the defensive plan was generally good. But I happen to think BP got bailed out on the PG situation.
vol52 writes:
GO VOLS. Mikey better keep Bruce. It's the only thing he has done correct. Just ask Dickey about his BB hires.
GreerVol22 writes:
It depends on how Pearl looks at the big picture. Is the mystique of Indiana what it is because of Bobby Knight? If so, why can't Pearl create that same mystique at UT? He's well on his way.
If he goes to Indiana, there will be constant comparison to Knights teams and another lame story from Adams entitled "Indiana Bruce-Mazel Tov!"
Hunter writes:
Can BP really turn down a chance to whoop Illinois several times a year? A storied program in the heart of basketball country? All the John Deere tractors you could ever want??? (Okay, we got those, too)
My answer - not likely, but if we match the dollars AND make BP understand that East Tennessee is the best place in the WORLD (coming from here in Loserana), then we have a shot to keep him around.
Not to mention Nolan Richardson has already been there, done that with a red sportcoat. BP wouldn't be a trendsetter anymore!
HotlantaVol writes:
Indiana Pearl = Tennessee Temple of Doom!!
Volunatic writes:
THE_VOL, is your actual name "Buzz Peterson", by any chance? We WON. UT fans would be fools to complain about wins after enduring the four mediocre (at best) Buzz-ball years.
"Survive and advance" is the name of the game-- UT survived by beating the best 7-seed in the tournament (BY FAR the best 7-seed-- Butler probably should have been a 4-seed, based on ranking/record/etc). Winning that game sure beats the heck out of how Duke and Georgetown fans are feeling right now.
As for whether Pearl will leave for Indiana-- there's another consideration: IU will almost certainly be on probation the next few years. Additionally, I think Hamilton is ready to pull the checkbook out, because Bruce Pearl is his "signature" hire so far.
GO VOLS!!! Beat Louisville!
Ironcity writes:
John, I usually agreee with most everything you say but not today. Thought yesterday was one of coaches worst games. That game should have been over long before the final possession. 7 turnovers by a point guard (only one forced by Butler)is way to many. As for the style of the game, I would rather take my chances against Wash St then for us to try to match up against NC. You know NBA teams like to run also and I don't want to play any of those teams either.
T0MMYJACK writes:
Actually, Andy told Aunt Bea to "CALL the man", not "pay the man". Check it out. It was a great episode.
John_Galt writes:
What if Washington State actually beats North Carolina?
Would Coach Tony Bennett's gameplan not play as well against UNC as it would UT?
At least tickets for the region championship game be easier and cheaper for Vol fans to purchase.
Just something to think about.
nate writes:
If Pearl leaves so be it. I would hate to see him go but if it happens big deal. We have the greatest coach in basketball coaching the girls team. I say give her a pay increase to catch up with Pearl and if he leaves bring her over to coach the mens.
houvol#438636 writes:
I hate to admit it but we may see the end of Coach Pearl and his great staff. Indiana is a primo job. One of the places in college you dream of coaching. I agree with a comment made earlier. If he stays he can build his own legacy here. Kids are interested in coming to Tennessee and good things will continue to happen if he and his staff stays. I sure hope so. For the time being Go Vols. No-one is expecting this team to beat Louisville. I think we can beat both Lousiville and NC. Go Vols and Lady Vols.
madisonvillevol writes:
oops!
smokymtman writes:
If Pearl leaves, another aspiring coach will step in and fill his shoes. UT gave him the "break" of his life, and can do the same for another. It's a shame that there are not more coaches out there dedicated to their schools more than their bank accounts.
TK writes:
I agree with the first post. If Bruce leaves it wil not be over money. I would find it hard to believe with what he has going on here he would leave. But, look at what Roy Williams had a Kansas. Indiana has a lot of young talent. If his ex moves out that way at the end of the school year with his younger kids. You never know.
bowerst#242774 writes:
Indiana is so 20th century. Give BP a blank check and have him fill in the amount he needs to keep wearing orange. Ignore the idiots who think they could coach this team better, b/c it doesn't do any good to remind them that this team was ranked #1 earlier this year due to Pearl's coaching and the players being totally unselfish and giving their all every game. If you can't appreciate that, please find another team to pull for/tear down.
RJ_Vol writes:
This rumor has been around since just after the Memphis/Vandy games due to a report from the Indianapolis Star...Maybe longer. The team has not played to its potential since then. Maybe there's a connection, maybe not. Maybe Pearl is just "working the system" to get the best raise possible(It's tough for me to blame him). However, I feel if we are going to win a championship, this issue MUST get taken off the table. CBP NEEDS to do a "Les Miles". It's not a reach to say this might effect team chemistry and maybe already has.
mtnsvol44 writes:
If BP would make the players put makeup on those trashy looking tattoos perhaps Vols would make a better impression. Cheesy would best describe them now.
asleep#212036 writes:
Hopefully BP will appreciate the chance that UT took hiring him 3 years ago and allow us the chance to write a check to keep him. Yes, Indiana is a prime job, one of the greatest by history in the college game. However, an earlier poster is right, they will likely be on probation and naturally without White and Gordon next season. I'm also not convinced his flamboyant style meshes very well with the staid IU administration, board, or big boosters. I don't think he has any real thought of leaving UT right now if we will pay him a competitive salary. I'm sure Mikey and the big boosters have already had this discussion. Just the increase in home attendance and TV time alone will more than pay for another million/year. If he leaves, I say hire the Doogie Howser coach from Butler, Keno Davis from Drake, or Sean Miller from Xavier. All are young, have excellent records and senior-laden teams and would absolutely listen to an offer to coach the now rebuilt Vols. Stay BP, stay. Pay Mikey, pay. Go Vols!!!
AlpharettaVol writes:
TK; remember that Roy Williams was a North Carolina guy from day one. It was no surprise that he always wanted to return there. With the problems in Knight's final years and the disaster of their last coach (who couldn't even follow the rules after given a second chance) I believe Indiana is living on its past glory. Let's just hope that Mike Hamilton understands that Coach Pearl needs to be the highest paid BB coach in the SEC, maybe in the nation.
volssam writes:
Pearl's not going anywhere...need a list of reasons? Most of these have already been mentioned:
1.) Does anyone remember that Pearl's son Steven plays for us?
2.) He's building a legacy here in Tennessee
3.) He's recruiting well and about to penetrate the wall around Memphis to bring in some talent there after our monumental win back in Feb.
4.) He's gonna get paid -- big time.
5.) He's obviously a man of ethics (see -- guts back in 1989 to stand up for what's right in the face of pressure and then work his way through DII and then mid-major jobs); he knows we gave him his big chane and that he is one of the top coaches in NCAA basketball b/c we gave him that chance...he WILL be loyal to us.
6.) Look at what he's already done here, besides just the wins and success -- he and Summitt have gotten us a new practice facility and T-B Arena spiffed up...TN basketbal is riding high...before long, we'll have a top 5 recruiting class pretty much every year, like the Lady Vols.
7.) He's got Summitt....what other job would be able to provide him with a chance to be the top 2 coaching duo in the nation....and if things continue going the way they are, Pearl's name will be fit in to the name of T-B Arena/The Summitt in some way....it is his legacy to build and maintain...
GO VOLS!!! COACH PEARL AND UT MEN'S BASKETBALL IS HERE TO STAY (I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY HOPE SO ANYWAYS)
bowerst#242774 writes:
I don't really want my team wearing make-up, but, hey -- to each his own.
If you can't look beyond the surface and see the true character of this team, you really are a blind person. That's sad.
To come from the depths that this program was mired in to where it is today is nothing short of amazing. For people to continually find fault even as we are playing in yet another Sweet 16 must explain what Coach Majors meant about the Legions of the Miserable.
richvol writes:
Unforced turnovers is the area of greatest concern to me. If another team makes a great play on defense then so be it, but just giving the ball away kept Butler in the game yesterday.
J.P. played about as well as could be expected. He needs to be on the floor if we are not being pressed. If our opponent is pressuring then I think we will have to play Ramar.
Wayne Chisum played like a man and Tyler Smith is without a doubt the most clutch player we have had in years. In a running game Josh Tabb could be very valuable with his defense and offensive athleticism. Lofton needs to work harder to get open.
If anyone gets a chance to read the story on Coach Pearl in the Washington Post I highly recommend it. It says what kind of man Pearl really is and from what I got from the story it tells me he will stay with Tennessee.
VOLS85 writes:
If you read the article about pearl from espn.com about his ascension and his roots, he was the first to say that he does not fit into the mold of college coaches because they are nomadic in nature.
He likes having a stable life, and he felt like he was settling at D-II and mid-major schools. He decided to make a move to a BCS school, and he is doing everything he ever dreamed of doing. He has all of the facilities, players, and money that he has always wanted, so why leave?
I think CBP is here to stay, and he's done one HELL of a job since coming.
Proud to have you Coach
Sweet 16 time, beat Louisville, GO VOLS!
Volgrad777 writes:
Pearl wont leave right now anyway , simple as that. The man has implemented his own style and has full reign to do what he pleases. He has brought UT to the top of the nation in recruiting in 3 years. The upside at UT is HUGE and can be HUGE for years to come. The upside at IU has passed long ago , there best days are behind them. Obviously its a good job , but there has been trouble there and why would he go into that situation when he can maintain his own so called "miracle". I think he knows the meaning of loyalty. I can honestly see him staying here for 10 years or so. He just doesnt seem like the type of person that all of that hype interests him. Sure he can go to IU and possibly turn it around and be at the school at ADs constant whim because if he doesnt put up UT like numbers then uh oh its trouble there. Or he can stay here and continue to run the enitre show and make any move he chooses to make. Money wont be an issue that is a guarantee , we will pay whatever it takes im sure of that. Dont forget that his son is in school at UT too , his younger kids call Knoxville a home now , that plays a factor for a man like him , maybe not a deal breaker but def a factor.
volusherG writes:
My apologies to all the great Vol fans out there posting on govols.com who tired of seeing my posts . I got caught up in trying to help my son in this essay comp. and over did it ! Please forgive an old man for his shameless blitz on the comments page. I just wanted to include everyone in continuing UT's exposure during the tournament !
He's made it to the sweet 16 and is paired against a Louisville fan who is very good. To be honest, I think that the basketball team has a better chance against UL than he does against his opponent.
Anyway, we both would rather have Tennessee win the National Championship than him go any farther, and we both would never-ever want to insult or offend any one!
Thanks for ALL the responses, good or bad.
Thanks for any votes.
GO VOLS ! ! !
murrayvol writes:
TJ: Never seen a post of yours removed. Did you say the magic word or reveal a state secret?
murrayvol writes:
My bad! An imposter is afoot.
Bristol writes:
We won and that is all that matters. We are moving on to the next game, and will have hopefully learned from mistakes made in this one. Congratulations, and go Big Orange. It's great to be a TN volunteer.
tenndave writes:
SEOFEED was right. Pearl has proven he can recruit the talent at Tn. He now has the arena, the fan base and an opportunity to become legend. Money being the same, why follow in Bob Knights footsteps.
TommyJack writes:
Murray: that was a POSER...TommyJack in ALL caps is NOT me. (Sorry, I guess you figured that out)I guess young teens are in our midst.
b.skelton#207404 writes:
HOUVOL - I expect the Vols to beat Louisville.
UTByrd writes:
Ya'll have left out one thing as regards Coach staying at UT-the beautiful Smoky Mountains as well as the people of Tennessee. You can't put a price on that.
Run, gun, and have fun. Let's beat the redbirds and move on and up.
Go Vols!!!!!
gohawks1 writes:
Good point, UTByrd. If one must choose between the beautiful mountains of East TN and miles of corn fields, it's no contest.
GO BIG ORANGE!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
UTByrd and IPOrange, CBP is a city guy at heart. I know he loves his boat on Fort Loudon Lake, but I doubt he loves the mountains and all as much as we native East Tennesseans. Of course, Bloomington is hardly a metropolis and, for sure, Indiana can't match the outdoor beauty of E. TN. The point about his younger kids is worth considering, as long as they don't go with his ex-wife, wherever she ends up. As for Steve, he can go with his dad anywhere and be instantly eligible. That is a long-established NCAA precedent. All that aside, I am about 70-30 that he stays at UT, for all the reasons others have mentioned. We gave him his shot at the big-time when no other high-major school would. He can not only pretty much write his own ticket here, he will probably see statues put up in his honor after he retires, if not before! It might be awkward to add his name to either the building or the floor at TBA, but maybe we could name the practice facility for him(;-P)! In any case, he has given us all a great ride, and I really, really, really hope it won't end for a long time! GO VOLS!!! PLUCK THE CARDINALS!!! ON TO SAN ANTONIO!!!
Basketball_Jones writes:
One thing that most of you fail to mention is Indiana will most likely be on PROBATION next year. They may lose a few scholarships and possibly tourney eligibility. They'll lose DJ White and Gordon most likely (Gordon would dominate in Pearls system)
I truely think the guy is a man of his word. The HBO interview proved that to me. He was asked if he would rat out Illinois again and he said yes cause it was the right thing to do. He has said many times that he loves UT and is planning on coaching here, I take him for his word. On the other hand if he leaves, I wish him the best. He has done more for UT basketball in 3 years than anyone else has in the past 20
Colliervol writes:
All I know is that the progress this program has made under BP in three years is UNREAL. I wouldn't have believed it was possible to get this good this fast and that's a tribute to Bruce (and to Hamilton for hiring him).
Heard on the radio this morning that the word is out that Hamilton is committed to a revision of BP's contract and the figure of $3 million a year was thrown out. I'll bet that would keep him in K-town. And, at the risk of repeating myself, Hamilton gave Bruce his first shot at the "big time" and I just don't believe he would bail out this quickly because of that fact. (Put it this way. If he did, I would be sorely disappointed in him.) Although the bar has been raised in Knoxville, it is nowhere close to the expectations at Indiana and I think that comes into play as well.
tenhulz#651535 writes:
I sure hope BP stays and I think he will. He runs a clean program, has brought in some talented & clean cut kids, and maintains an exciting style of bb. The same thing happened almost 20 years ago when Lute Olsen was hired at Arizona (I'm a grad) and almost immediately turned around the program. Kentucky came calling, Olsen interviewed (during which time Arizona quickly redid his contract) and the rest is history. Go Vols!!!
tnseamstress writes:
Let's hope Coach Pearl stays! He's brought the men's basketball program up from the depths of dispair. If it comes to it, and it will, UT has to come up with the money $$$. We'll see if the program is worth it to them. GO VOLS!!
nastyman writes:
Here's an analysis that I did regarding TN and UL.
Below is a comparison of the overall rivals.com ranking of the seven players who play the most minutes on each team.
I also analyze the overall team ranking by adding the rankings of all the players.
I'm not stupid enough to think that this is a logical way of picking a game, but I thought some of you might find it interesting.
It's funny that Lofton and JuJuan are the best players on our team, yet were the lowest recruited out of high school (BTW, I assigned walk-ons an automatic score of 500; Luckily both teams only had an equal amount).
*LOWER IS BETTER*
TN
--------------------------------------------
W Chism recruited @ #34 **** Forward
T Smith recruited @ #43 **** Forward
C Lofton recruited @ #146 *** Guard
J Smith recruited @ #500??? 0* Guard
R. Smith recruited @ #20 ***** Guard
D. Crews recruited @ #26 ***** Forward
JP. Prince recruited @ #21 ***** Guard
TENNESSEE SCORES A 790
UL
----------------------------------------
T. Williams recruited @ #111 *** Forward
J. Smith recruited @ #82 **** Guard
J. Palacios recruited @ #30 ***** Forward
E. Clark recruited @ #22 ***** Forward
D. Padgett recruited @ #500 0* Center
E. Sosa recruited @ #74 **** Guard
A. Mcgee recruited @ #107 *** Guard
LOUISVILLE SCORES A 926
If we go by this, TN should win by approximately 13 points.
The only matchup that doesn't work in our favor is at Forward, where Louisville has two ***** players.
GO VOLS!!!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
How about reducing Fulmer's salary by about 95% and giving it to Pearl? Pearl likes Tennessee and if he leaves, it will be over money. If Hamilton doesn't pay and we lose Pearl, Hamilton should be run out of Knoxville. Why wouldn't they pay him? We keep giving raises to the most pathetic football coach in America, so why not pay Pearl big money to keep him?
dvol writes:
I hope Coach Pearl stays. Wish somebody needed a Football Coach and came calling.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Wow, nastyman, you seem to have a lot of time on your hands(;-P)! I confess I don't understand how all your numbers work out, but thanks for playing! I would take the result you calculated in a heart-beat(;-D)! GO VOLS!!! PLUCK THE BIRDS!!! ON TO SAN ANTONIO!!!
98reax writes:
"Why would you want to run the house that Bob Knight built, when you can stay here and build the house that Bruce Pearl built?" — seofeed 2:57 am 03-24-08. Man, I wish I had said that. That is the most profound statement I have read today. Don't even think about losing Coach Pearl. Regarding the game yesterday, was Chris daydreaming or trying to catch his breath when he gave the ball up in the waning seconds? That was almost as painful as JP's happy feet. I know they were gassed. The Butler guys looked like they were about to toss their cookies. Fans got their money's worth out of that game. I had the privilege of watching it with a Memphis/Louisville fan. Needless to say that was a trip. What a great win!
volssam writes:
I was about to toss my cookies yesterday too just watching.......I think my Heart Rate probably averaged around 110.....I have said before I think my death one day will come in the midst of watching a tight game...I said it about football games, but it would fit for basketball too........especially when the stakes are as high as they are now.......
gohawks1 writes:
sg23 at 2:13 p.m. - Man, Gomer couldn't fix a coin toss with a two headed coin! lol! What a great episode.
I have to believe that Pearl sticks around for a while. He seems to be a guy that keeps his commitments. Please hang around for a while, Coach!
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