Posted by TommyJack on March 24, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we lose BP, it won't be over money.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on March 24, 2008 at 1:42 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by seofeed on March 24, 2008 at 2:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by madisonvillevol on March 24, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

like andy told aunt bea, " just pay the man!"

Posted by wjackson on March 24, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by THE_VOL on March 24, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by vol52 on March 24, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GO VOLS. Mikey better keep Bruce. It's the only thing he has done correct. Just ask Dickey about his BB hires.

Posted by chkrbrd on March 24, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl has to listen, out of respect to IU. Pearl will stay, out of respect for UT. And the 3m Mike will pay him. CBP is here for life, folks.

Posted by chkrbrd on March 24, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL
I think he couldn't do it three weeks ago because he still had hope Howell would break out of his slump. Nobody foresaw JH going 0-March...

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 24, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!"

Posted by Hunter on March 24, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 24, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Indiana Pearl = Tennessee Temple of Doom!!

Posted by spam247buster on March 24, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by Ironcity on March 24, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on March 24, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, Andy told Aunt Bea to "CALL the man", not "pay the man". Check it out. It was a great episode.

Posted by FryeGuy on March 24, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by nate on March 24, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by houvol on March 24, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by madisonvillevol on March 24, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oops!

Posted by smokymtman on March 24, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by TK on March 24, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by bowerst on March 24, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 24, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by mtnsvol44 on March 24, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by asleep on March 24, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 24, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by volssam on March 24, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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)

Posted by bowerst on March 24, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by richvol on March 24, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by VOLS85 on March 24, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by zanebreeding on March 24, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by kimzy1961 on March 24, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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 ! ! !

Posted by murrayvol on March 24, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ: Never seen a post of yours removed. Did you say the magic word or reveal a state secret?

Posted by murrayvol on March 24, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My bad! An imposter is afoot.

Posted by Bristol on March 24, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by tenndave on March 24, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by TommyJack on March 24, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by b.skelton on March 24, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HOUVOL - I expect the Vols to beat Louisville.

Posted by UTByrd on March 24, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!!!

Posted by IPOrange on March 24, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by johnlg00 on March 24, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by sg23 on March 24, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

call the man, pay the man would have all been mute if only Gomer could have fixed the freezer, in the end im sure mr pearl will do what is best for his family and himself,no matter what it s sure been a hoot while its lasted, hope he stays

Posted by Basketball_Jones on March 24, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by Colliervol on March 24, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by tenhulz on March 24, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by volunteerdee on March 24, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!

Posted by nastyman on March 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by firefulmer on March 24, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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?

Posted by dvol on March 24, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Coach Pearl stays. Wish somebody needed a Football Coach and came calling.

Posted by johnlg00 on March 24, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!!!

Posted by 98reax on March 24, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"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!

Posted by volssam on March 24, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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.......

Posted by IPOrange on March 24, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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!

Posted by orangeblood on March 24, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They also said on the show that bruce said that even though he knew indiana would come calling he has no interest in leaving UT. He said quote, "I want to stay at Tennessee until I no longer fulfill their needs". No worries, he's staying. And if he does leave, I'll lose all respect for the man, and i'll hope he fails in every endeavor. If he left, I would place him on the same pedestal as Nick Saban.

Posted by utchris2003 on March 24, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another Note on Pearl and the possibility of Indiana.

A few months back, in a tv interview, he chastised LSU for firing Brady and went on to say that he thought it was awful how schools cut coaches loose to early vise versa when coaches used schools to better their name and jump ship. He went on to say that TENNESSEE took a chance on him when nobody else would, and that he could not turn his back on that.

New TBA, new pratt pavillion, budget that rivals any other, a winning athletic program overall, and a fan base that is crazy about him and will pay him a major ransom to stay. BP has ever given us a reason to believe that he is not genuine about is love for UT and that he would pull a Bobby Petrino, so I am going to trust him until proven otherwise.

Posted by murrayvol on March 24, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are compelling reasons for Pearl to consider an IU offer.
-Only UCLA & UK have more NCs than IU's five.
-45 NCAA Tourney invites to UT's 16.
-60 NCAA wins to UT's 15 (including 08')
-Opportunity to beat Illinois 2-3 times a year.
-Recruiting in talent rich Indiana.
-IU will ALWAYS be a basketball school.
-His chest might look better painted red.
-If he's their choice, they'll pay whatever it takes.
-Can anyone think of a better bargaining chip than an IU courtship? I didn't think so.

Posted by justisiscumin on March 24, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go to Indiana where they snubbed him for years? where winning a national championship is EXPECTED and if you do, only means you are doing your job? Win one here and you own the city! Hell getting to the final four gets him everything west of Gay street! I doubt they can buy him, he is Hamilton's franchise hire and MH knows he can not replicate that hire! Bruce, if he is as smart a man as I think he is, is a Vol forever.

Posted by TommyJack on March 24, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Murray: One compelling reason NOT to consider: Indiana is located in Indiana.

Posted by murrayvol on March 24, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ: Good point. I'll credit you in a future column on compelling reasons to stay put.

Posted by IPOrange on March 24, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very astute observation, TJ. That one alone may counterbalance all items in the list above. You get an A+ for the day.

Posted by tnlady on March 24, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If BP is all about the money and not the traditon he speaks of or the love of the players and the University maybe he has over stayed his limits that he truly wanted... to coach IU> I would be very disappointed if he turned out to be using UT for a short period just to climb that so called ladder. I really hope he proves to all that UT is his true want for a very long time.

Posted by General_Fritter on March 24, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THE_VOL - I happen to agree with you. JP is no point guard and I counted 6 turnovers....3 at the end of the game when the games was on the line. Sure he's a great player, but he's no point guard. I thought Pearl nearly lost this game. His best coaching games was at Memphis this year, and a sweep of National Championship Florida with his first year team which had nowhere near the talent of this team. The JP Prince experiement was a failure if you ask me. With that said, I love the guy (Pearl). He's a great coach. I just don't agree with JP Prince at point guard - especially in the NCAA against a great team like Butler. I thought the overall talent rose to the top and bailed Pearl out of his worst coaching blunder to date. As far as this article, John I love you man but you should stick to football.

Posted by General_Fritter on March 24, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team wins despite turnovers, poor rebounding low percentage shot selection, and poor free throw shooting. They are just athletic, play great pressing defense, and wear you down in the end. However, there are a few other teams just as athletic as Tennessee and can do all the things well just mentioned. See UNC.

Posted by General_Fritter on March 24, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl can build his own legacy at Tennessee or he can go coach at Indiana where he will always be compared to Coach Knight.

Posted by jasvol on March 24, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volssam's post at 9:53AM was right on teh mark. BP's loyalty lies with MH giving him his shot. BP's got more integrity than $ grabbing. He's here because WE love him, not just for his coaching skills but as a person. We all respect him because he's finally done what no other coach at UT has done: he's reciprocated the love and appreciation back to us! We feel included in his success. If Fulmer could show that mutual admiration it would behoove him immensely. I'm a Fulmer supporter. But not many coaches are on the level of BP so it's really not a realistic comparison. But, who am I to talk. I'm just a fan that doesn't support UT sports financially only via TV.

Posted by volfaninVA on March 24, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For all you Andy Griffith fans, you'll enjoy this interview that ran in the Virginian-Pilot last month: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/02/real-...

As for Tennessee's run to San Antonio, I agree that, while he can still get a little out of control from time-to-time, J.P. is too strong a talent to be wasted on the bench. Ramar came through late but needs to play like that for 20 minutes, not just the last 5. Jordan Howell is one made three-pointer away from getting out of his shooting funk. The timing is just bad. All that said, Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith could very well be considered co-MVP's of the East Regional so far. Wayne has especially raised his game to another level in the tournament. I still like our chances to tour the Alamo next week.

As far as CBP jumping ship to IU, that might be a head scratcher. Given his history under Dr. Tom at Iowa with the Illinois situation, the Big 10 might not be the best place to spend traveling on the road. He'd face some nasty crowds every night and not just in Champaign-Urbana.

Posted by dma38256 on March 25, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Pearl is the best thing that's happened to UT in a long time. We're lucky to have had him for as long as we have and, regardless of all the reasons we can come up with as to why he should stay, it's his decision, and should he decide to go I wish him the best and say thanks for the unforgettable times he's left here. I wish there were some way a mass showing of support and appreciation could be shown. For his all-round ability he would be hard to replace. Sure hope he stays.

Posted by johnlg00 on March 25, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was lucky enough to see the HBO piece on CBP last night--didn't know it was the right one but just checked it on a hunch. After seeing that, I am now 90-10 on him staying. There is almost nothing in sports that I would say I was 100% sure of. However, I believe he is sincere in his loyalty to UT. We have all the program-specific advantages others have mentioned, plus we haven't nearly capped out on those. His personality and popularity give him unlimited opportunities for outside income. A national championship will put him in the Coach K category for even bigger opportunities. We should, can, and I believe will make it possible for him to make as much money as any coach in America if that is what it takes to keep him. However, the real attraction for him right now is the unlimited gratitude, respect, and admiration he gets from all of the hundreds of thousands of Vol fans all over the world. He could never get so much unalloyed love and loyalty anywhere else in the world.

Posted by LargeOrange on March 25, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not sure where I read it or saw it, but I am almost positive that CBP said that he would not accept any offer until his current contract with Tennessee was complete. I'm sure someone else can help my memory with the source. That would mean that he is not leaving for anywhere, including Indiana, until 2012. CBP has not given me any reason to think he is a liar, he seems to be a deeply religious man, who values character, in himself and others. So unless I dreamed his statement of finishing his contract at Tennessee, all of this speculation is moot. Let's get back to Louisville and getting to the elite 8 for the first time in our history.

Posted by shoalcreekvol on March 25, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seofeed: Indiana's calling card? I believe that is exactly what got their last coach fired...

BP is not going anywhere. He deserves interest from bigger hoops schools and he will probably always get it, but I just think he's at home here and I don't think IU has anything to offer him that he isn't getting here.

Posted by dirtdobber1 on March 25, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great article!

Posted by GoVol on March 25, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BP is staying...end of debate. He might want to send his wife/ex-wife back to the midwest though if she hasn't fled already.

Posted by VolFan32 on March 25, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He isn't leaving. Period

Posted by Sauderman on March 25, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl is smart. He has goten UT B-ball stock up and he will get his up too. He will seriously talk to Indiana. I do not think he wants to leave, but 1000000 dollars would do it. He deserrves to be one of the top 5 paid coaches if not the top considering all the money he is bringing in. UT Better make him one of the most top paid coaches.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 25, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

agree with Sauderman, the way he fills up TBA no other situation can generate the $$$s we can to pay their coach----i truely dont think its all about the money with him anyway and that he truely loves it here--on a big stage without the pressure that comes with a Kentucky or Indiana----Donavan had his chance and decided what he had wasnt worth leaving despite the Kentucky money----BPs not going anywhere, the $$ would be found if it came down to it which it wont---Fulmer got his raise for winning the East--BP will be rewarded as well

Posted by tnfletcher4 on March 26, 2008 at 3:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

old news but here is an article from David Climer w/ the Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.d...