Posted by nicksjuzunk on March 28, 2008 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I tell ya, as good as Lofton is, I don't know if he will get a decent shot in the NBA. He is so dang streaky and there are so many hotshots who will take the cake before he does.

You may now begin the Adams bashing.

Posted by eb502us on March 28, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Truth be told, we overachieved this year. The talent level wasn't nearly as good as everyone thought and BP did his best to mask it at certain positions. Ask yourself, who do we have that can really shoot outside of Chris and Jajuan? Wayne? Maybe, but do you want your 6'9 guys playing on the perimeter? Then ask yourself, what talent if any do both Ramar and JP (our two primary backups)bring to the table? Neither has a true position nor do they know what a jumpshot is. This may shock some people, but both of these guys are marginal SEC talents (role players) that would be riding the pine on most SEC teams. Don't believe me, than think how scary it would be if both these two were our starting guards next year? We'd be the worst shooting team in the country and teams would be packing it in and daring them to shoot. It would also destroy our low post game. If you thought the point guard play of these two was frustrating to watch the last half of the season, then mulitply that by 10x if the above situation would occur. Reality is that BP took this team as far as he could and he deserves alot of credit for accomplishing what he did. Congrats to the players for a great season.

Posted by DarthVol on March 28, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll echo ebus on his last comment. Great season fellas. It was a lot of fun to watch and be a part of. You won the conference and got people believing again. As a fan, you can't ask for much more than that.

Posted by chipper10 on March 28, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not in the mood right now to congratulate the team on a great year. Getting to the Sweet 16 for this team is not good enough. The frustrating part is they in no way resembled the team who played intimidating in your face basketball that shot them to #1. Since the Memphis game, they played tight and lacked any confidence or swager. It seems as if expectations caught up to them.

Louisville is a good team and deserved to win. They had a lot to do with losing, but Tennessee's turnovers, missed lay-ups, poor shot selection, bad free throw shooting, etc. was just as much to blame. Honestly, the Vols have not looked like an NCAA team (much less a #2 seed) in this tournament.

Disappointing, and Vol fans should not be screaming for respect when Tennessee gets the shaft the next time seedings come out. You earn respect, and last night confirmed the "talking heads" thoughts and that is Tennessee is over rated.

Need to lock up Pearl in the next few days and go secure a shooter in Hopkinsville, KY who has not made his mind up yet.

Posted by Ashley on March 28, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

155 days till Football Time In Tennessee!!!!!

Posted by mtnvol on March 28, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After watching last night, I wonder how UL lost 8 games. They sure looked unbeatable last night.

Good Luck Rick! Knock the heels off their high horse!!!

Posted by IMAVOL2 on March 28, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

everyone in the country knew chism could not get in foul trouble.....2 IN THE FIRST 2 MINUTES ! did pearl not reinterate that enough !!?? what was the 5th string guard(pearl) doing in there ? this out-of-control , helter-skelter , bulls___ does not beat the big boys . i saw no offensive plan . as much good as pearl has done , he was OUT-COACHED .

Posted by mtnvol on March 28, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Imavol2, I've heard "out coached" from little league bleachers to pro stadiums. I know what "out hustled" looks like. I know what a 18-1 run looks like. I can see missed shots, no rotation on defense, no movement on office. I'm not sure I can see "out coached."

In HS a coach told me to hold the ball. I dribbled and got it stolen. Would that be "out coached" or "out played"?

I'm not cracking on you personnaly, but I've heard that statement a lot from fans and I'm not sure what it means exactly. How do we know that coaches are doing everything right but the players are the ones not making the plays?

Posted by hiresanders on March 28, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Out coached, out classed, and out played by a team from a much better conference. It's for the better, so you know how bad UNC would've beaten this overrated team??? Too funny...

Posted by vols76 on March 28, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLWALK..........
Tell me again how "DUMB" my statement was that "Tennessee had the talent, but not the Discipline to win the tournament", Because I didn't see any discipline last night to make the right decisions on the court. Tell me again, please tell me again how "DUMB" my statements were that Tennessee cannot make freethrows, and they make stupid passes and take stupid shots. Tell me again how I don't understand sports and especially that I don't know anything about basketball. Please tell me again that I am not a true UT fan, because I do support, cheer, and wear the colors everyday among Dawg and Gator Fans. Tell me again that I am not a True UT fan, especially when I write out the check to donate money and buy my season football tickets. Please tell me again, I want to hear how "DUMB" my statements are again!

Posted by IMAVOL2 on March 28, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mtnvol , coaching and/or preparing a team for a particular game or opponent starts some days way before the aforementioned contest . i saw athletes out on the court not prepared for this particular game ...and it was disappointing . when we get beat and not play or COACH our best , that is my beef !

Posted by VolsorCat on March 28, 2008 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a few points. I have seen better organized basketball on Memphis inner city courts and on the AND 1 tour. The only thing missing from that completely out of control effort the last two games was the fat guy on the court screaming into a microphone, The Helicopter and The Professor. You turn a team over 15 times in the first half and are not ahead, why? Because when they got the ball they dribbled 90 mph down the court and absolutely threw up the worst shots ever. This team has talent, but THEY WERE NOT COACHED AT ALL THE LAST TWO GAMES! It was worse than watching AAU games! Everybody loves Pearl, but I put last night on him for not slowing down the game a little to gain some control.

Posted by IMAVOL2 on March 28, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volsorcat , RIGHT ON BROTHER !!!

Posted by VolsorCat on March 28, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A few more things: Loften might as well have not been on the court the last few games and we see why Prince wasn't starting. In key situations, he couldn't handle the pressure. He threw the ball all over the court and to the wrong guys (Vols who were covered) repeatedly. He didn't want to have the ball in his hands, which was completely different than the Memphis game. All in all, great season with a very disappointing ending. They might not have beaten U of L or Carolina even had they played well; but to have that kind of performance is what is disappointing, not that they lost.

Posted by mtnvol on March 28, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fair enough. I agree about prep begins days before and the Vols did look rattled during that back-breaking run in the first half.

I think this was the first team (besides memphis) that matched the Vols athleticism. It might be a simple as peaking about three weeks too soon.

Posted by IMAVOL2 on March 28, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mtnvol , agreed .

Posted by 55Vol on March 28, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I surpriased that Adam's story wasn't "Pitino Owns Pearl". VolsorCat.... do you think the reason why Pearl lost control of this team is because they know he is leaving to go to Indiana? Maybe they sensed it sometime after the Memphis game. There was no controlled chaos last night.... just chaos from our team and coach.Assuming he doesn't bolt for IU, he will have all of his recruits next year and thereafter. Based on last night's exhibition, UNC, Kansas, Duke, UCLA and others will not see Tenn in a final four for a few more years.
Thanks however for a great year Chris and Jajuan. Tyler, you may 23 but you need one more year before going pro, unless Pearl leaves.

Posted by seaplane on March 28, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fellows leave um alone. They played an NBA style game of all offense and very little defense with no one in the paint. They were fun to watch but you knew they weren't going to the Final Four by the way they were playing at the end of the season. They made us no. 1 in basketball for the very first time. Great season Mr. Pearl.

Posted by gravegr on March 28, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the vols have come a long ways, but last nights game shows that they need to play smart and quit playing out of control basketball.

Posted by lnbadger320 on March 28, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you guys on here and just idiots. we had a great season and should be proud. we got beat by a very good team. i don't think pearl is going anywhere so all you conspiracy theorists just shut the hell up.

Posted by zanebreeding on March 28, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow , eb502us , dont take this personally , well ok do take it personally , that was the most ignorant post i have ever seen. For starters , if i have two guys like lofton and juanny on any team that shoot as well as they do thats plenty , most teams are lucky to have one guy like that. Chism shot nearly 40 percent from three and to answer your question, yes on occasion i do want him on the perimeter. He is more athletic than anyone he plays and can obviously beat bigger guys off the dribble , in fact i dont think we went to that enough. Now on to JP and Ramar. Ramar has unbelieveable talent and remember he is not a true point , hes being forced to play a role he isnt that familiar with. Hes one of the best slashers in the SEC and if he can work on his finishing will be all SEC by the time he leaves i guarantee it. Now , JP , does the phrase , best sixth man in the SEC mean anything to you???????? This kid would not only start but average double figures on pretty much any other SEC team this year. Dont base your comments on the games hes been at the point. Hes a little weak and need some improvement but no talent , thats just ridiculous. I have never seen a bigger mis idtentification of this team in all my life. WOW , WOW

Posted by jcorange98 on March 28, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wow, hard to believe ut lost playin prince at point and pearl off the bench, dont give me foul trouble he only plays when ut is up 30, by the way ul lost 8 games bc padgett was hurt, bongiorno lofton, good luck in italy, lots of good beaches but u couldnt throw it in the ocean last night, thanks r smith, i know its hard to drive to the bucket from the bench watchin prince travel, throw it away and in general not play his natural position, this isnt hs cbp its big boy bball

Posted by VolsorCat on March 28, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The art of coaching is to put your players in the best position to win. Don't get me wrong guys, UT is very talented. My issue is that the way they played did not allow them to utilize all the talent that they have. In a tournament where you have to win 6 games against increasingly better competition each week, you must be able to adjust your game to fit the changing scenarios. Pearl did not adjust and they were beaten by 19. I think this year is a learning experience for both the players and coaches.

Posted by mtnvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Holy Cow! Three months ago Vol fans were ready to coronate CBP and today many are throwing him and team under the bus. What a fan base!

Am I disappointed? Sure, but my life goes on. There's work, a golf course and a life waiting.

Posted by dvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol 76 You need to get a life. As for dishing out hard earned money so you can buy football tickets to watch Phil's boys. Yes you are DUMB.

Posted by westennvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

imavol2 and volsorcat, i don't normally post on here, but i must say after reading your comments and those of a few others on here, I can say for sure u 2 are a couple of jackasses! We were a laughing stock in college hoops just 3 short years ago, yeah we lost badly last nite and it hurts me as much as anybody, but our HISTORY MAKING team won 31 games (more than any other UT men's team ever) and won our first outright SEC title in 41 years! I can certainly see why most schools hate our fans, because of a-holes like you complaining that we didn't get to the final four(you would complain then too because u r miserable people) I FOR ONE AM PROUD OF THE EFFORT SHOWN ALL SEASON BY BP AS COACH, AND ALL THE GUYS WHO TOOK UT FROM OBSCURITY TO NATIONAL PROMINANCE IN 3 YEARS!

Posted by westennvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

on second thought maybe ya'll should become gators fans.... they bitch about everything too! Keep the real VOLS fans, and get rid of the complainers!

Posted by westennvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

on second thought maybe ya'll should become gators fans.... they bitch about everything too! Keep the real VOLS fans, and get rid of the complainers!

Posted by rkastens on March 28, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is virtually impossible to win the NCAA without great guard play - especially point guard play. Our inability to play even solid at the point guard position was finally being exposed late in the year.

One has to wonder if inserting JP into that position to face Butler and Louisville was a good move. I'm sure Coach Pearl was well aware of the dangers and he did it anyway. Coach Pearl is no dummy so I've got to believe that his confidence level in R. Smith and Howell was so low that he felt he had no choice. You have to think how desperate Pearl must have felt to make the switch this late. If we win it all he's a genius. If we lose "he made a bad move". The reality is Pearl must have felt like we at least had a chance to win with JP on the point and practically zero with R. Smith and Howell.

Not that I'm questioning Coach Pearl, but now that it's over I feel the most for Howell. He's a senior who came to UT during a rough stretch for basketball and gave his all for the university. He leaves knowing he was benched in the NCAA tournament and still we were beaten by 19. Jordan - if you even read these things - thoughtful Vol fans appreciate the effort you gave. You helped put UT basketball on a much better footing than you found it. Thanks to you and all the Bball Vols for a fun and enjoyable season.

Posted by redmanvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, it looks like the ladies will have to win the NC for the vols again because the men are choke artists as usual. Maybe Bruce should work more on his coaching and less on his tan. What a joke that game was. At least we still have football. Go Vols.

Posted by leedsvol2007 on March 28, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From a pure fan standpoint I thought two things kept us from being there in the end.

Lofton and Smith did not hit any three's early and Louisville's inside game was superior to ours in every way.

We expended a lot of energy coming out of the big hole and it showed down the stretch where we ordinarily take advantage of wearing a team down.

As bitterly disappointing as this loss was this was a great season.

To put it in perspective West Virginia and Xavier played a great game and are obviously very good teams. We beat them both either on their home floors or neutral courts.

The team won 31 games and beat the then #1 rated team on their home court and for a week we were rated #1.

And you have the feeling this team got everything from the available talent which we all know has not always been the case between Ray Mears/Don Devoe and Bruce Pearl.

GoVols!

Posted by Ashley on March 28, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee will not offer as big of raise as once anticipated with our demise in the sweet16 AGAIN. Indiana(verrrry rich in basketball tradition)will come with around 3million and Bruce is gone. KNS needs to set John Adams up in a cardboard box outside of Bruce Pearl's residence to keep tabs on his every move.

Posted by 99gator on March 28, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bruce pearl deserves every dollar tenn can give him. before he got to tenn, the sweet sixteen was a rumor in men's basketball.

i told y'all before the tourney not to put too much emphasis on the tourney because anything can happen. i used the 2003 kentucky team as an example. undefeated in conference and the SEC tourney and lost in the 2nd round that year.

pearl had tenn in the discussion as the nation's best. think of the accomplishment that was from when he took over the program.

the fact that people got excited about men's basketball and are disappointed at the outcome shows how far things have come.

don't be stuck on stupid.

Posted by 99gator on March 28, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

one last thing......

as a gator fan......i would be happy if pearl left tenn. when opposing fans hope your coach leaves.....you need to keep him

Posted by VolsorCat on March 28, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WestTNVol: Just like you, I have the right to voice my opinion and if you don't agree that is fine. I am not running down the accomplishments of this team for the year, but pointing to a glaring problem that killed UT's chances of doing better. Shouldn't we want to be the best we can be? Everyone is all over Fulmer for not doing better. Last night was a perfect example of a more athletic team being completely out of control. If you want to stick your head in the sand and not acknowledge that last night's game was a disasater, I can't stop you. Once again, great year to the team....but wish it could have ended better.....

Posted by 99gator on March 28, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oops. one more thing.

also, it's not like you lost to west texas state tech. louisville is a very, very good basketball team. if they pulled the upset of north carolina, it would not be altogether shocking

Posted by westennvol on March 28, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volsorcat,

I agree with you on that point. I do want us to be the best, and you are correct, the hoops last nite was disorganized at best; I was just trying to emphasize that there are too many people constantly complaining about how we aren't good enough, when considering a few years ago we were a joke. The point i'm trying to make is that we have accomplished so much in a little amount of time without proper recruiting is nothing short of amazing. Louisville is no joke either. I think they will upset UNC tommorrow. I wasn't trying to be an a$$, but got a little angry when i saw like 8 posts in a row bad-mouthing BP and the team!

Posted by GoVol on March 28, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CBP will eventually build a dynasty at UT. He loves UT and wants to stay and will stay. His recruiting ability alone will keep us in the top 10 each year.

Lofton - will not make the NBA. You'll see him playing in Europe...way too slow and too inconsistent for the NBA. Good Luck Chris and thanks for the memories!

Posted by VolsorCat on March 28, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

westennvol: I understand. Go Vols!

Posted by BOASoldier on March 28, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols76... you are DUMB... not from some comment you may have made, but from the rant you just went on like a child calling someone out for calling you a "bad name" grow up. You just made yourself look idiotic.
99gator... I agree with you hoss. Pearl is the man and will continue to be... only a week or so ago there were those on this board calling him the second coming and now they are saying he is good in regular season but sucks in the championship games. These are the same people that make Tennessee fans look obnoxious to the rest of the college sports fans. I don't like basketball never have and thought I never would, but CBP's Vols have made me watch every televised game this year and listen to the others and I am sure I am not the only one....GO VOLS!!!

Posted by ajs38mh on March 28, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a Memphian stuck in Knoxville, all I can say is hehehehehehehehehe. Don't any of you OrangeNecks kill yourselves. Its all a game.

Posted by 98reax on March 28, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope you all are reading yourself this morning. You sound like a bunch of sore losers. I know it doesn't feel good that the season ended the way it did, but it did. Imagine how horrible the team and their friends and families must be feeling right now. This is not the time to be bashing the team and their coach.

Our Vols have had one awesome season. They've taken us on this thrill ride and we have enjoyed it. We've been puffed up at times and we've been deflated a times or two, but hey, how many teams can actually say that? How blessed have we been this season to have had this ongoing excitement of sell-out crowds in a spanking new TBA?

Our team and our coaches provided that for us ALL season long. We've wiled away the hours reading and writing the praises of the Vols Hoops Program and we've invested so little in comparison to what the team and their coaches and their friends and families have, but yet we whine like little spoiled children when THEY suffer a heartbreaking loss, a season ending loss.

Come on fans. Let's hear it for the Vols. Let's do our assignment now and pick each other up. There's another season right around the corner. Besides we are making ESPN very happy this morning. They are relishing our exit. Old Skip Bayless may just choke on his 'I told you so."

All except ONE of these remaining teams are going down. The rest of us will chill out and enjoy the games with nothing to lose. It's all good.

Posted by 98reax on March 28, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope you all are reading yourself this morning. You sound like a bunch of sore losers. I know it doesn't feel good that the season ended the way it did, but it did. Imagine how horrible the team and their friends and families must be feeling right now. This is not the time to be bashing the team and their coach.

Our Vols have had one awesome season. They've taken us on this thrill ride and we have enjoyed it. We've been puffed up at times and we've been deflated a times or two, but hey, how many teams can actually say that? How blessed have we been this season to have had this ongoing excitement of sell-out crowds in a spanking new TBA?

Our team and our coaches provided that for us ALL season long. We've wiled away the hours reading and writing the praises of the Vols Hoops Program and we've invested so little in comparison to what the team and their coaches and their friends and families have, but yet we whine like little spoiled children when THEY suffer a heartbreaking loss, a season ending loss.

Come on fans. Let's hear it for the Vols. Let's do our assignment now and pick each other up. There's another season right around the corner. Besides we are making ESPN very happy this morning. They are relishing our exit. Old Skip Bayless may just choke on his 'I told you so."

All except ONE of these remaining teams are going down. The rest of us will chill out and enjoy the games with nothing to lose. It's all good.

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of immaturity on here. First off, for those wanting to drop BP into the grease...This team would NEVER have advanced to the 16 without BP.
He took less, and made more, most of the year. BP wasn't outcoached by Pitino; he was outmanned.
Forced turnovers, bad decisions, etc. are caused by being outmanned. The lack of a true Point was key. It began showing its head several games ago, I don't fault BP for experimenting. He had to have known that they could not advance without some changes.
In short, don't blame BP. He just needs a couple of key ingredients to get further. One last thing...for those questioning why BP's son was in game..you ever hear of stealing some minutes??
Sheesh...you BB posters are WORSE than the FB crowd. And that's saying a mouthful.

Posted by doctorvol on March 28, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

no point guard play finally caught up. Tyler and JaJuan in foul trouble hurt too. However, it's been a great ride. Daniel White, come on down!

Posted by Rick8363 on March 28, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BP was not out-coached......he was out-playered!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on March 28, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Though it may not seem so, given my post on another article, I actually think CBP got about as much as he could from this particular group at this particular time. "Talent" in basketball or any sport is in the eye of the beholder. If speed, strength, and jumping ability are the criteria, then the sport you display those in is track and field. By that measure, we had a fair but not world-beating amount of talent. The quality that enables a player to get the most out of his talent is "skill", i.e., the ability to execute the fundamentals of his sport. Another vital part of "skill" is "judgment", the ability to use the right skill at the right time. The role of the basketball coach--as such, not as promoter or motivator--is three-fold: 1) Identify the array of skills and talents players bring to the team; 2) Put those players into a strategic framework that makes the best use of their skills and talents; 3) Help players to maximize their talents through physical training and their skills by practicing various techniques--this is a long-term process best carried out in the off-season, and is the part most under the control of the player rather than the coach. Bottom line: whatever level of talent one thinks this team had, it was clear, at least to me, that too many players had too little relevant skill and judgment in what they needed to be doing. The true test of CBP as a coach--as opposed to promoter or motivator--and these players is how much the team improves from this year to the next. I am VERY grateful to CBP and the seniors in particular for how far they have taken this program. The issue now is whether CBP and the returning and incoming players have what it takes to get us to the proverbial next level.

Posted by rbhobbs73 on March 28, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

guys...get off the Stephen Pearl thing!! He played 2 minutes during which the score was 2 for UT and 2 for UofL.

He had ZERO impact on the outcome of the game, just stole a couple of minutes from our foul troubled bigs right before halftime. Would you have rather he left Chism in to pick up his 3rd foul?

idiots.

Posted by volroadwarrior on March 28, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols were not outcoached. The problem was simply that the shots were not dropping as earlier in the season. Free throws are still a big problem. Point Guard play was terrible. The Louisville defense was good, but we couldn't even hit open shots. Prince taking 3s--are you kidding?

Posted by chisigs2 on March 28, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The MIGHTY DOL POWERHOUSE has CRUMBLED... ha ha.... maybe your Ladies coach could help you out.

Posted by volroadwarrior on March 28, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes chisigs2, we crumbled all the way to the Sweet 16. Where is your team?

Posted by Pullingguard on March 28, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols had great season but give credit where credit is due, Louisville had a good team and they had a deep bench.. I thought we might be in trouble when Pearl broght his son off the bench, something that seldom happens in close game. I have no qualms about getting beat by Louisville, they just had the superior team on this night... About Lofton, he had a good run in college and for the Vols, but mark it down, he will not make the cut in NBA... Why. Not good enough ball handler and too short.. NBA players will shut him down just like Lou. did... Pearl needs good recruiting year and needs to work on developing Williams and other big men, and for God's sake find a point guard.

Posted by AVolFan on March 28, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This was not the team that beat Memphis back in February. That team dissolved somehow as Pearl toyed with the point guard position. The team that played last night was the one that couldn't win its own conference tournament. It's a shame because there's a lot of talent there. Better luck next year. Maybe recruiting can help with the point guard and some needed big men/rebounders.

Posted by perryp1 on March 28, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT needs to recurit a 7ft., 300 lb. player for next year. UT has no insisde game. If the 3's aren't falling they don't win.

Go Vols!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by eb502us on March 28, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Zanebreeding....what kind of name is that? Whatever breeding you have, it obviously messed up you up. Ramar an unbelievable talent? Are you kidding me? Tell me where his talent lies? Shooting?.....NO (he doesn't shoot because he has no shot)----Rebounding?......NO (not a strong suit)......---Point guard play?....NO (He's not a pt. guard)-----Shooting Guard?.....NO (He can't shoot outside 4 ft.)-----Free Throws %?.....NO (0-12 has not been forgotten) ----- Defense?....Maybe (Average Defender) SO AGAIN, WHERE'S THIS UNBELIEVABLE TALENT AND WHAT PT. GUARD IN THE SEC IS HE BETTER THAN? Answer...No one that plays significant minutes.

Posted by westkyvolfan on March 28, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with rbhobbs......get off the Steven Pearl thing
did Steven really only play 2 minutes and each team scored 2 points during that time?
ALSO he grabbed 2 rebounds while he was on the floor giving Chism a blow taking Wayne's opportunities or another foul. Personally, I think 2 rebounds in 2 minutes is very impressive. (Ever hear of anybody getting 40 rebounds that played the whole game without a rest???)

Posted by 55Vol on March 28, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

perryp1...Pearl has recruited a 6-10, 285 lb. dude in Phillip Jurick. He will do fine in the middle. Wait and see.

Posted by TheVolMan on March 28, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, bflynn2, Lord of the Weenies! Time to boycott the KNS, right?! LOL...

Posted by vscebail on March 28, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: "West Texas State Tech" --- isn't that the team that Florida schedules for their opening football game every year while Tennessee is playing teams like UCLA and CAL?

Posted by newtonrail on March 28, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

zane--, you can't argue with EB, because he apparently invented BB, not Naismith. I see he only took you to task in trying to break down Ramar. Prince will continue contribute a lot to this team, although point guard is not a good position for him. He's too tall, and he's not Magic Johnson.

Posted by LdyVolFaninKS on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, and I thought KS was full of fair-weather fans. Two years ago I saw all the black and gold come out when Wichita State went on an NCAA run and now there is no black and gold to be found. This year there is nothing but red and blue Jayhawk fans everywhere you look and they will disappear when UNC kicks their butt. Guess what I wore today...nothing but ORANGE! I love my Vols no matter what the score is at the end of the game. Now I have to go pack a bag to take to OKC to watch the Lady Vols destroy ND. Thanks coach Pearl for a great season!

Posted by txsvol on March 28, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

West Texas A&M University, formerly known as West Texas State Normal College, and West Texas State College/University, is located in Canyon, TX, a small town just south of Amarillo. They play football on a non-scholarship basis, in the Lone Star Conference. Their biggest rival in football is Eastern New Mexico University, and the winner takes home the coveted Wagon Wheel Trophy for a year. I'm sure that Florida would schedule them if they could, expecting to set a scoring record for a season opener!
Seriously, guys, this basketball team went further than any of us had a right to expect. Be grateful for the ride! Is this a reverse Wayne/Allen Houston situation? Coach Pearl showed us that he intends to remain in Knoxville for a long time--he said that he wants to stay there for as long as they want me, and I think they want me (paraphrased). My guess is that we'll want him to remain as coach beyond his son's career on the Hill. Chris Lofton is not an NBA player, and neither is Tyler Smith right now--maybe with another year's seasoning. Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by VolnFlorida on March 28, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl - He's headed to Indiana. UT was out coached and out played. Embarrassing. This is a 500 team in the ACC. Over rated, again!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 28, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

total morons those questioning Steven Pearl for coming in and playing just 2 minutes---one above questions "so much time"--and getting 2 bords rather than condemning chism for instead getting 2 cheap fouls in the first 2 minutes to essentially take himself out of the game and soften our middle for the duration---such geniuses here

Posted by rbhobbs73 on March 28, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolnFlorida,

That is funny. The ACC was as bad as the SEC this year. THey had UNC and.....an average Duke team and an average Clemson team...then it was UGLY!!!

Posted by 99gator on March 28, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vscebail

yeah, and tenn did not have to play florida state every year when they were finishing in the top 5 for 14 straight years either.

florida, georgia, south carolina have out natural out of conference rivals on a year in, year out basis that add to the already tough SEC schedule.

last year's opener was western ky. florida padded their stats by hanging 49 points on them. i'll let you come up with your own thoughts from this point.

Posted by 99gator on March 28, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

by the way, i have commended tenn on numerous occasions for consistently scheduling opponents when they don't have to. plenty of conference teams avoid playing anyone.

however, tenn does not do this completely out of the spirit of fair play and competition. they do it for recruiting purposes.

Posted by 55Vol on March 28, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator..... from this Volunteer fan, you sir are a good post. While I do not necessarily always pull for the Gators, I do respect the program and fans such as you who are informed and intelligent in posting here. Thanks for your spirit of good sportsmanship.

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One last time. BP was NOT outcoached. He was outmanned. Very few coaches could have taken this team to the 16. We need to fill some holes.Congrats to BP...hope recruiting goes well.

Posted by davidray31 on March 28, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I will take 31 wins every year.The Vols should have been the #2 seed where Duke was,and vice versa.Tennesse earned the right to not have to play Louisville in the sweet sixteen.If Pearl stays we will be right back in the mix next year.It is great to be a TENNESSE VOL.

Posted by JAGVOL on March 28, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are the DUMBEST team in the NCAA, and make the same stupid turnovers time after time after time. TRY PLAYING SMART once in awhile! We make dumb fouls, dumb passes, dumb defense etc. Where was JaJaun last night? We played SCARED! We are Pitino's BITCH!!!

Posted by Ashley on March 28, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know it's only the day after but why doesn't Bruce come out and let the Vol Nation know that he is committed to UT?

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley: It's called posturing. I'm sure he will milk this for more dough. I would.

Posted by ImAllVol on March 28, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WELL JUST WHEN YOU THINK THINGS COULD NOT GET ANY WORSE......

There are some reports coming out of Kentucky in the past 20 minutes that Scotty Hopson had a visit with Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie this afternoon and has given them a verbal committment. A formal announcement will be made at his school next week with the coach and Hopson's family.

A reporter with the Courier Journal reported that in an interview with Scotty's mother, it came down to the ability of Gillispie to develop players and the national exposure Hopson would get towards a hopeful NBA career. I heard the Lexington ESPN radio station report this over the phone with a collegue of mine up there.

I hope this is not true....PLEEEEZE. I'm afraid though that it is.

Oh well, who else can we go after?

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as Pearl is the Coach, everytnig will be fine. He's got UT on the map nationally and will start getting top 50 recruits year in and year out. Even with us losing our top 2 (and possibly 3) scorers, I still think we will have a good team next year that could win 20 or more games. We need to sign Hopson from KY. He could come in and probably start. Tatum will be a major contributor next season after redshirting. I just hope Tyler stays around another season. Not sure he is quite ready for NBA and would be possible lottery pick next year (and be our go to player)Can't wait until Novemeber!

Posted by marc_ash on March 28, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Look, for all you yo-yo's who say you "aren't ready to congratulate the vols on a sweet 16" you should slap yourselves in the face!

Listen folks, Bruce Pearl is here for 3 years and has brought UT basketball to the forefront of college sports. He has been here 3 years people...THREE! What did the Vols do with Green, Buzz, Houston? Let me answer that for you....NOTHING.

I can't believe you would be so selfish to say "sweet 16 isn't good enough". We were the laughing stock of the SEC 4 years ago and hadn't won an SEC title in over 40 years. You name me the last time a Vols team made the sweet 16 3 years in a row? You tell me the last time a Vols team won over 30 games?

I'm very disappointed at the end of the season, but you folks that want perfection will never be happy. I hope if you have children, you don't hold them to the same perfect standard.

Thank you for a historical season Tennessee. See you next year. Go Vols.

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc: A cogent post.

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IM ALL VOL, just when I thought I was getting over my depressed state, you fed me the information on Hopson. I hope you are dead wrong on this. What players has Gillispie developed???

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 28, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Driving back from Charlotte today, reflecting on what just happened, and I must simply say...it figures.

Defense was horrible, shooting was horrible, officiating was horrible both ways and Louisville as a team was just really average.

Prince at point will never work, he just can't handle the ball, he dribbles too high and is constantly picking it up or getting it picked.

Pitino was really smart to keep feeding it inside and especially when two quick fouls on Chism seemed to disrupt our whole game plan right from the start... he never let up on it.

Great season and it sounds cliche but if you promised me SEC Champs, 31-5 and Sweet sixteen last November then I would not think twice about this bad loss and won't after today...Good luck in life to the seniors.

Posted by ImAllVol on March 28, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plasticman, Yeah this week just seems to be getting worse and worse. I wish we could have landed Hopson as he would be a good scoring replacement for Lofton.

I have always heard that Gillispie is a great recruiter and developer of players. If you look at what he did with Acie Law at A&M and the turnaround he made for Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley this year, I guess that would look pretty good in a recruits eyes.

I just hope Pearl has another player in mind. Have you heard of any players out there he is looking at?

I am so sick of how things are going this week, I'll be glad when football starts.

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I tuned in to the McDonalds AA game for a short while this past Wed.(?) and there were 2 players still uncommitted, Hopson being one of them. THe other was a guard from the Northeast somewhere and the announcers mentioned Tenn. as one of the schools he was considering. Can't remember his name and don't remember reading anything here locally about him, so who knows. I am surprised about Hopson as I just heard on a Sportstalk show today that they thought very confident that he was going to come to Tenn. I'm not giving up until it's inked.

Posted by Jshoop on March 28, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols

Posted by ImAllVol on March 28, 2008 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Plasticman, Well I guess in theory he has until the start of classes to "commit"....enough time to change his mind right?

I heard of a player named Tyreke Evans that might be a good fit. I wonder if Tennessee is looking at him?

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IMALLVOL, that's the guy the announcers said had TN on his list. However, I have not heard that before the other night during the McDonald's game. He and Hopson were the only 2 uncommitted players there.He would be an excellent fit in Pearls system based on what I saw in the McDonalds game.

Posted by chisigs2 on March 29, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oh.... MEMPHIS prevails with a HUGE victory... about as bad as UT got their tails spanked. Proof our 1 loss was a fluke, and it turns out it was your only shining moment for the season.

Posted by THE_VOL on March 29, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good to see things here are just as I expected! All the bandwagon jumpers that have tagged along for parts of the year are now jumping off. Good. So long. Don't come back. I'm not gonna spew about the many ways this was a great season cause if you don't know, you're just an idiot that wouldn't understand anyway. However, for the off season it would be very wise for most of you to maybe buy a couple books, watch some hoops on ESPN classic, maybe go down to your local high school and talk to the coach - all in an effort to raise your level of knowledge from it's currect 7 yr old rec league level. Just a suggestion.

As for Tyreke Evans - forget it. UT has not and is not recruiting him. If UT is on his list, that's nice, but means nothing.

Posted by THE_VOL on March 29, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh and for those of you disappointed with a 31-5 season and SEC TITLE yet looking forward to that fall sport - well, brace yourselves, cause your disappointment level is going off the charts starting in September when the Fat One's crew goes about 6-6.

Posted by Ashley on March 29, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the-vol, why do you feel you have to attack CPF just because some people are upset with only making it back to the same old familiar grounds of the sweet16? If you have children, hopefully for the sake of society they are not as ignorant as you.

Posted by ajs38mh on March 29, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dumb farts Tyreke Evans going to Memphis to replace Rose.

Posted by hmhawk on March 30, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If any players read this I thank you for the memories.I hadn't payed much attention to bball in a few years and ya'll made it exciting again.I loved every game I got to watch and I sincerely thank you.Still prefer football but will definitely be watching and rooting for ya'll next season.Thank ya,GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on March 31, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It would have been great if either Evans, Hopson, or the kid from Memphis (also an Evans?--don't remember his name at present) had come here, but we have enough, both incoming and returning, to be really good next year, especially if Tyler stays, and if the West kid can contribute early at point. The team will likely play at a more controlled pace on offense. That should greatly improve our shot selection. Our interior defense and rebounding should be much tougher, if only because we will have enough depth inside to be really physical. I think the rest of the team is smart enough to see how our carelessness with the ball hurt us at times this season. Of course, much of our progress next year will depend on Ramar and JP getting MUCH better on offense, and Tabb and Tatum making major contributions.