Posted by VOLinGA on March 28, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was embarrassing.

Posted by tenncorncob on March 28, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is hard to overcome an 18-1 run. Great season. We'll miss the seniors, best wishes to you.

Posted by utchris2003 on March 28, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for a great season guys!

Posted by hallmo11 on March 28, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A great ride, Vols. Thanks to the seniors for taking us there.
Thank you, Bruce, for showing us the way!

Posted by tdbigo on March 28, 2008 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let’s face it, we are stuck in basketball purgatory. Over 100 years of B-ball and not one elite eight.

Posted by bricker865 on March 28, 2008 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season!

Posted by hueypilot on March 28, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very disappointing to see them play their, IMO worst game of the year. Don't understand repeatedly driving into traffic jam at the rim having shots repeated blocked or just losing the ball on a deflection. Don't understand Lofton not showing up at tournament time. Don't understand Chism playing pressure defense on a center thirty feet from the basket to pick up an early foul and essentially rule himself a non-factor for the game. Dont understand Pearl's kid in there at the end of the half. Is this the same team we watched all year? Very disappointing.

Posted by yeavols on March 28, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for a great season...but this game was SLOPPY! Too many hurried shots, lazy...the players looked like they weren't even interested..but Coach Pearl was great as usual..

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 28, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks go to Lofton, JaJuan, and Howell. Thanks for helping us back.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Best coach in America...

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:24 a.m.

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Posted by mtoms1272 on March 28, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Get over it tdbigo! Before Pearl we had never even sniffed the places he has taken us. Continue to recruit well and we will be back. Thanks to the seniors.

Posted by budrhon on March 28, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cards were more agressive and more physical. Looks like the Vols gave up after Tyler got his 4th foul. Still a good season.

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gruntworks...you are an a@$

Posted by volwalk on March 28, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hats off to Louisville, they exposed our biggest weakness (point guard). They were the better team---I think the reason our team never peaked was because of the poor point guard play down the stretch.
Still a great year for the Vols and I am very proud of those guys. Hopefully, Ramar will figure out how to play controlled basketball next season. If he played as good as he did the second half of last year---this team could have went much farther.

Posted by utduke on March 28, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am proud to be a Tennessee Vol! Great job seniors!

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on March 28, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to agree with some earlier comments about Pearl from the other article. He is a great regular season coach but a not-so-great tournament coach. Heck, we gave OSU a better game last year with a "less talented" team. What happened after the Memphis game that this team sort of fell apart?

And yes, the shooting percentage is his fault. The players take the shots the way they are coached. If Fulmer is to blame when the secondary breaks down then Pearl is to blame when them team plays guys play sloppy offense.

All and all it’s been a fun season. 31 wins and an SEC title is nothing to be ashamed of. It would have been nice to them make more of a contest tonight, win or lose.

Oh well,…… 155 days until football season.

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.

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Posted by grvol on March 28, 2008 at 12:27 a.m.

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Posted by brokebackvol on March 28, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season folks

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

We'll see how much Pearl love UT....my bet is he is on his way to IU. Say goodbye to Scotty Hopson. What a joke we were the last 10 games of the year. Glad Screech is gone and why were we trying to make sure Steven Pearl and the Big Chill lettered tonight? I will say Thanks Senoirs! Lofton and Smith were fun to watch.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now Bruce gets to try and win with his players...No more Lofton or Smith. Ouch. Maybe Chism can bank in a few more three's. Didn't see the Dolls run that play tonight. Also missed the airballs for stick backs....

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

I love Bruce Pearl, but we were out of control.. out coached... The was no controlled chaos... Just chaos... We better learn how to play in the half court by next year.. Because everyone around us is getting better.

Posted by RocketVol on March 28, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season. Too bad the end looked like we didn't deserve the be on the court.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 28, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seniors, thanks for a great year and winning the SEC regular season! I continue to believe that Bruce Pearl should've erased the Indiana rumor earlier...maybe that should tell us something. We have not played the same since it came out. The players love their coach, and I think the Indiana story was a significant distraction.

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, exactly how many teams from the mighty SEC are left in the tournament?

Posted by Grim1 on March 28, 2008 at 12:29 a.m.

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Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gruntworks.......you are still an A#%

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What happened after the Memphis game that this team sort of fell apart????

TN blew their wad against Memphis. Took all of their energy and they never recovered.

Posted by kceltic on March 28, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've never been one to point fingers,but could someone tell me how Ramar Smith got a scholarship.He can't shoot,he can't take care of the ball and is a liability on defense.Seemed the whole 2nd half,all he did was run as fast as he could to the goal.He either misssed a lay-up or got fouled and couldn't hit a free throw.Bruce needs to seriously get a shooting coach for him before next season.

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

May be billadcock, but you're still a LOSER!

Posted by RollAFatty on March 28, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a thanks to Louisville for saving the Vols from a Tarheel beatdown.

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.

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Posted by volsfan327 on March 28, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a fun ride this season. Sorry it's over, I was ready to see us take on UNC! Thanks to the team and Coach Pearl for exciting season....I'm ready for some football GO VOLS

Posted by jacksonvol on March 28, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, they just sucked tonight. We couldn't buy shots when it mattered. Hope we are better at the foul line next year.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad TN can't get the calls like UCLA. Love plays with total immunity.

The officiating was horrible in the game.

Posted by PharmDVol on March 28, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate that we lost tonight, but not so much that we lost the game, but the way in which we lost it. IMO, it was the worst game we've played all season, and it couldn't have come at a worse time. I just want to give a shout out for Jajuan, a walk-on that turned out to be a star for Tennessee. I'll miss seeing him out on the court. As for Lofton, I hate it ended the way it did for him. For so long, he was "the man", and tonight he helped shoot our way out of the tourney with his off-balance circus shots. Still, we wouldn't be where we were without him and I appreciate all he has done. I thought it was odd that Stephen Pearl was in the game tonight. I hope that Pearl wasn't playing his son in the game because he has thoughts of leaving for Indiana and wanted Stephen to get some playing time before he left. Anyways, it's been a "heck" of a run. Hopefully our Lady Vols will repeat and then we can count down the days until UAB. Go Vols!

Posted by Ironcity on March 28, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Team lost its edge after Memphis St. (Yes its still Memphis St.)game. Not as athletic as I thought and it showed against a number of teams late in the season. It was a great season and quite frankly our record was better then I could have imagined. With coach starting to get his guys in, I think we will see a more athletic team and maybe a team designed to do what the coach wants them to.

Thanks to all the seniors. I truely will never forget Chris Lofton. Good luck in your future and make UT proud!

Posted by flyintiger on March 28, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it Sloppy Top or Rocky Flop?
Way to go 0 for Kentucky!
Great Season-Priceless Ending!!!

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 28, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, I knew we were eventually going to lose.... but losing the way we did just made it obvious (from a national standpoint) that Tennessee isn't ready to be considered an Elite program. I guess pun intended there.

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't have jack to do with coaching or point guard play:

WE COULDN'T SHOOT THE FREAKING BALL.

We missed from 3, from point blank, from the FT line. That is bull about UL defense or whatever. Chris went, what, 5 for 19 or so????

Add to that the rushed fastbraks to nowhere....

Posted by cdonsbach on March 28, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season guys, you'll get 'em next year!
It's always great to be a Tennessee Vol, but it's even better when you get to experience, as a fan, a season in which your team beats the #1 team in the nation in a major television event.

Posted by tdbigo on March 28, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yo, mtoms1272 don't get me wrong I love the big orange. I am unlucky enough to be stuck in south AL and will have to hear crap all day tomorrow. It is just frustrating to have one of the top teams in the country for once and have the same results. I love Pearl and hope he takes us all the way. Just seems after exactly one hundred years of B-ball we would sniff a final four.

Posted by utchris2003 on March 28, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets let the Tiger High fans gloat and try to rag for another day or two. No matter how many games they win this year, one thing will remain constant; they lost at their place to OUR team. I will give it to memphis though, their team does lead the country in most run ins with the law.

No need to talk about what we were or were not tonight. Only time to celebrate all the things that these guys accomplished did right this year. BP and Co. will go back to the drawing board and work on the problems at another time.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 28, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bertlekamp just summed it up. Once we got in foul trouble, we couldn't defend them. Chris's shot was off, but we were saddled with fouls early and often on our most important players. The refs did a good job of evening it out by calling fouls of the ball or while it was in Ramar's hands but we just couldn't knock down enough shots to overcome it. Maybe UT should start making some political contributions too if we want to get an even game!!!

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gruntworks, too bad you aren't sitting beside me in a bar, 'cause we'd be outside about now and you'd have a broken face.

Posted by bricker865 on March 28, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gruntworks...why not step up and let us know who you root for? That would be a start you D.A. If it's Mempiss I think the pressure is building when you're actually starting to play some competitive teams. No, UTEP doesn't count. Or if it's UF good luck in the NIT. Well, those are usually the numb skulls who come to mind. Nonetheless I doubt we'll see some of these losers after their teams bow out.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 28, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PharmDVol...Great post!!! I agree w/ all points. I'm not sure why the younger Pearl was in the game either. I think he has talent, but has he earned playing time in the NCAA's?

Posted by alfrizzle097 on March 28, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you guys need to drop the negativity about the program. It has never been good, but that doesn't mean it can't be good.

The season was great, by far the best in UT history. This team simply didn't have the toughness (mental) to ignore the hype and improve after the Memphis game.

If Pearl leaves I don't blame him. Another two years and people will want his head just like Fulmer.

Great season. Bad game. End of story.

We need a point guard for next year. Could be Ramar if he learns a pull up and free throws or JP with a little experience. Hall is the new guy, yes?

Look forward to it. Just wish I wasn't looking for at least another two days.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The BCS corruption has already determined the outcome. SEC has won last two football and hoops championship. So give TN the roughest path of any 2 seed, even though they were the 5th seed in the tournament. Make sure and deny Memphis any chance at making the final four. A #1 seed, 3rd in tournament, play 2nd best team in SEC in the 2nd round, play Michigan State in sweet 16. Then have to play Texas in Houston. The NCAA committee will no allow a non-BCS school to make it to the final four. UCLA was handed a birth in the final four, just like Kansas....

The corruption lives...and TN was a victim.

Posted by jr8657 on March 28, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not the way we all hoped this would end up but it did. Were outplayed at every position tonight, didn't really show up at all i don't think. We are in serious trouble next year at point if the kid from Mich. is not the real deal because J.P. ...I don't think so!!! Ramar has got to work his tail off this offseason to get better as do all of the guys. We must sign someone to replace "5" as an outside shooter or we will have no one that can score outside the paint! Thank you Seniors!! Good luck and God Bless You in your futures!!

Posted by hatcherd on March 28, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols did not show tonight. They appeared beaten from the opening tip. All around poor play made them appear that they did not belong. #1 seed? They were lucky to make it this far.

I thought the officiating was poor, but not the reason they lost. We never showed up tonight.

Posted by utfpmd on March 28, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tiger High can talk all they want, but their season will be over this weekend also.
At least we can look forward to football season (and for us UT grads, having a real diploma).

Posted by flytnn on March 28, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First off...GRUNTWORKS you are a freakin idiot! You have no business acting like a child...unless you are!

Secondly, Everyone that wants to complain on here about Pearl and this Vols basketball team needs to appreciate the fact that we were even able to be in the sweet sixteen for the second year in a row.

I am disappointed the way we played, but come on. Be excited about where our program is now. GO VOLS!

Posted by Grim1 on March 28, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

now we get to wait and see if Bruce will go be the next Bobby Knight at IU.

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Truth be known, Gruntworks has not team in the tournament. He is just an a@$ and a loser as well. He must be a brother (or sister) to gatornation!!! Hahahahahahahaha

Posted by LargeOrange on March 28, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is the honeymoon over now? Bruce Almighty chokes again in the big dance. I am sorry, but I like CBP but he killed us by letting OSU come back from a double digit lead in the second half in last years sweet 16 and didn't even call a timeout to stop it, this year gets blown out by UL. I doubt if we have to worry to much about Indiana buying him away from UT.

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gee mparker, I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep tonight. Truth is, I've never been in a bar; and if I were to go to one, it certainly wouldn't be the backwoods, redneck, spit-on-the-sawdust-floor dump in which you are obviously drowning your sorrows!

Posted by VolJunkie on March 28, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn ... disappointing loss.

Still a great season, SEC regular season championship, 31 wins, Sweet Sixteen. I know we all expected more ... onarunvols said it well, we just ran into a team tonight that matched up against our strengths.

It's still great to be a Tennessee Vol!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by surfmaster on March 28, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No adjustments to the Louisville D. Seemed to play uninspired ball most of the night. No ball movement, just street ball. Bottom line, we were 2 and 2 our last 4 games, 5 and 3 our last 8. We peaked at Memphis, but Memphis I believe was overrated, they will not make final 4. I like coach P, but he got schooled tonight. I thought having stephen in at the end of the 1st half killed any momentum we had to close the half, and directly led to a turnover and easy points for the cards. It also sent a message to the team that we were more interested in getting a possible future starter some playing time than trying to win the game. Still, I hope coach doesn't bolt, he is still better than anyone else we could get to come to this hellhole that is Tennessee basketball. Somebody pass the whisky, call in the girls, I'm done.

Posted by mtoms1272 on March 28, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hear you tdbigo. Do you realize how rare it is for teams to make it to the final four? I was a trainer on the '91 Wade Houston team that went 5-22. All these bloggers that want to hate on Pearl don't have a clue. Give him time to continue to assemble his players. This is just his 3rd year. After 6 or 7 years if they are still doing this then complain. Just remember where UT bb was before Pearl. BB revenue has doubled since he has been there.

Posted by UTprideAlum on March 28, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very disappointing!!!! I agree the guys just didn't seem to care.....out of control....to worried about making Sportscenter!!!!

Posted by globadoc on March 28, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was embarrassing, disappointing, awful, disgusting, shoddy, sloppy, undisciplined, painful, nerve-racking, maddening, terrible, etc.

Worst game coaching of the season and at an awful time. Worst game I think I have ever seen Chris play (but what a helluva career).

Why did Bruce have Steven Pearl (10 pts all season) in the game? Why was Childress in the game? Why did Bruce allow Ramar to keep driving to the hole? (certainly not to get fouled and get 1 point)

Ah well...now the wait for the 2008-9 basketball season begins.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Couple of observations...

1. I love Chris Lofton, but wow, talk about the most clutch player in TN history disappearing at the worst possible time.

2. I know our point guard play has been suspect all year, but I would much rather have Jordan Howell and Ramar splitting the duties than JP. I would rather have Rick Daniels Mullholland out there handling the ball than JP. Why in the world would Pearl bring in an erratic poor decision making player in Prince, (which rubs off on Ramar when he is in there). I just don't think you play a guy like Howell all year, finish 29-4 in the regular season, then don't play him at all in the tourney. Maybe tell him not to shoot, but stick to your guns.

Oh well, here's hoping Daniel West is a stud.

Posted by riverosa on March 28, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great year, proud to be a vol fan. Worst game of the year. Embarrassing game. No heart.

Posted by calvolfromkingsport on March 28, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Darn. It was fun while it lasted. I hope the Pearl is back next year. It seems kind of crazy he wouldn't be with the excellent talent headed to Knoxville next year.

Posted by alfrizzle097 on March 28, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl WILL NOT be a starter. Get that out of your head. He was in to try and steal some minutes.

Pearl is a great coach who lost a battle of the brains to a man that has never lost a Sweet 16 game.

Posted by grvol on March 28, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a disappointing ending to a fine season. Just like with Mears and Green, Vols seem destined to always suk and embarrass in tournament play. Pearl seems hell bent on carrying on that tradition. Put in Steve Pearl coach! So a Louisville player can reach over his back to take the ball away without even fouling.... shheeez.

Posted by JohnyLobo34 on March 28, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl started choking when he put Prince at the point; and you could see the look of panic on his face. JP is a great athlete. But it was the wrong time. He wasn't prepared, his ball handling was poor and his passing was only martinally better. That team needs to learn the 12-15 foot jumper and take it. Can't believe how many times they tried to drive into nothing. Even while trailing in the first half I thought Tennessee looked like the better team. The Refs were awful They called ticky tack fouls on the Vols all night and allowed Louisville to pound our guys around the hoop. Thanks for a great season.

Posted by howdyfolks on March 28, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see . . . UT was out-rebounded, out-hustled, out-smarted, out-coached, out-played, and now, unfortunately, they are out of the tournament. A very disappointing way to end the season. They peaked the weeks before the Memphis game and never could match that same level of consistency and intensity. In the SEC tournament they did not play like the #1 seed, and in the NCAAs they did not play like they deserved to be a #2 seed (much less a #1 seed as Pearl and most of the players adamantly protested they should have been). Next season UT needs to find a way to score besides shooting from 30 feet away or trying some incredible, acrobatic, arms-and-legs flying through the air kind of shot. UT needs someone that can hit open 10-12 foot jumpshots and layups.

Posted by UTprideAlum on March 28, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on Cowboy!!!! BCS corruption at its best!

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gruntworks, first off, go back to the MTSU site, or whatever team you cheer for. Two, go to a bar. It is ridiculous unless you are 12 (and if so, you should go to bed) that you haven't been to a bar.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Memphis and TN fan. Difference between the Louisville and Memphis games was the inside play against the smaller TN front line. Memphis's head case Dorsey didn't show up, but Louisville's guys showed up big. Louisville used the same strategy against Lofton as Memphis, put a big guy on him....TN just missed too many chip shots that they were able to convert against Memphis. Replay tonights game and TN probably wins...

Posted by VolJunkie on March 28, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

alfrizzle -

good post ... with the fouls mounting up CBP needed to steal whatever minutes he could.

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gruntworks, aka David Morris:

yeah, I can see that you are just some jrek hiding behind a computer monitor.

what goes around comes around, you can not hide being such a jerk in real life, so I'm not too doubtful about what your life will turn out to be: NOTHING.

Posted by rbhobbs73 on March 28, 2008 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

terrible game by Vols.

JP Prince at the point was an unmitigated disaster.

we better practice our shooting ALL SUMMER because this team is going to be easy to defend next year with very little outside threats.

we have no point guard.

it looked like the Lofton injury was a problem. He had no lift on his jump shot, almost shot it flat footed. it looked like last year immediately after the ankle injury.

they played with no poise tonight. Pearl, as much as I love him, was outcoached by Pitino and he had no answers.

All told, it was great season. Chris, JuJuan and Jordan....Thanks for bringing UT basketball back from the dead. You will always be great Vols!!!

Posted by Grim1 on March 28, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yes...that was the worst game I have seen them play in ..3 years....HEY...let's send Phil to IU and talk them into NOT getting Bruce.

Posted by utchris2003 on March 28, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl is going no where.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 28, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Long day, lots of anticipation with a disappointing end. Still a great season with lots to be proud of, I will really miss these seniors.

It's late, have to be at work in a few hours ... it is always great to be a Tennessee Vol!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay guys, enough fun for tonight. In all seriousness, congratulations on a great season. Your program's turnaround has been remarkable. Midtowncowboy99 is right on both counts - concerning UT and Memphis. Unfortumately, you guys just ran into the hottest team in the tournament tonight. After the disappointment, look back and enjoy your fantastic, record-setting season, and good luck next year.

Posted by tdbigo on March 28, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Toms, I made the trip up for a couple of games this year and you could not be more correct. The place used to echo if you farted, now it's one of if not the best place's in the county to watch a game. As long as we can hold on to Pearl we will be on top of the B-ball world in a couple of years...Just disappointment coming out for now. Once Bruce has his players, watch out!

Posted by PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE on March 28, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

agree Grim1

Posted by flytnn on March 28, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You idiots can't even stop talking about Fulmer on this basketball article/blog! Get over it! Stop your whining about it already!!!

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gruntworks has a change of heart? Not buying it.

Posted by volfaninVA on March 28, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am as frustrated right now as I was after the Alabama football game this season. A sad end to a terrific season. Why...

- are we in such a hurry to shoot against what was clearly a solid defensive team? By far our worst shot selection of the season.

- does CBP continue to allow Ramar to drive the lane and draw fouls? Are we really helping the effort by continuing to send a 50% free throw shooter to the line?

I still believe that Jordan Howell was one made basket from getting out of his shooting slump and should have been running things on the floor. Senior leadership wins tournament games.

That said, it was a great season. Looking forward to another great one next year.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl isn't going anywhere. Either is Tyler. Optimism rules.

Seriosly, Tyler has no business in the NBA......yet.

Posted by mtoms1272 on March 28, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's try a little optimism Ashley. We just finished a new indoor practice facility and bb revenue has doubled since Pearl arrived. Both can exist together. Just look at Texas, Florida, Ohio St., Wisconsin etc.

Posted by slimsaysgovols on March 28, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SLOPPY OFFENSIVELY,FOUL TROUBLE,NO CHRIS LOFTON,OFF NIGHT FOR TYLER SMITH, JP PRINCE NOT HITTING THE WEIGHT ROOM BEFORE THE SEASON, OUR BEST PLAYER OF THE NIGHT WAS RAMAR SMITH. NO DIRESPECT BUT RAMAR IS NOT THAT KIND OF GUY. STEVEN PEARL PLAYED GOOD DEFENSE, AND REBOUNDED THE BALL, MCGEE JUS MADE A TOUGH SHOT B4 HALF

Posted by Pullingguard on March 28, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols had a great season, but BP hopefully learned some things in last few games... He needs a point guard desperatly, Prince is not a point guard, will never be a functional point guard. Lofton had a great career at UT but he has really not played well in most games this season, his percentage of goals verses attempts is not very good. He will be missed. Vols also need to size up with some athletic players.. Good season and Pearl did a great job with the Vols.

Posted by louisianavol on March 28, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I cringed every time J.P. Prince touched the ball tonight. Did it not seem like every block/charge went against us?

Posted by bruceismyhomeboy on March 28, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT year, Vols and Bruce!! Next time! Thanks for the great memories!

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Pearl is a great coach who lost a battle of the brains to a man that has never lost a Sweet 16 game."

I don't see the greatness in a coach who changed his lineup in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament and nearly cost his team that game....then the carry over.

I think he is a great motivator and has done a lot to bring attention to the program, but they had a lot of talent the last three years and haven't done anything in the tournament.

I hate to say it but I think MSU will beat Memphis due to the free throw shooting...and the officials will dictate the flow of the game...in MSU's favor.

Posted by hglover40 on March 28, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

best coach in america - Pitino

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 28, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to this outstanding team on an historic season...it was a great ride guys!

Take this a learn from it.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PG Daniel West
SG Cam Tatum
SF JP Prince
PF Tyler Smith
C Wayne Chism

Posted by louisianavol on March 28, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Pat should have called him again before this game too to remind them to rebound the basketball.

Posted by gruntworks on March 28, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, who's David Morris? It's not me. It was fun getting you guys stirred up, but as I said before, it was all in fun and I genuinely congratulate you on a great season. You are right on the cusp of being a so-called "elite" program. Looks like you'll get there in the next couple years. Enjoy the ride.

Posted by UTprideAlum on March 28, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Even though it came to an end tonight....I bleed orange forever!!!! To #5, thanks for the great memories and it was great to meet you in person! BP, you have put TN BB back on the radar! I had season tickets this year and it was definitely the best season ever!!!! Bring on next year!

Posted by VolCane7979 on March 28, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley,

Why try to stir up some sh*t by belittling the basketball program? Grow up.

Posted by grvol on March 28, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've seen better organized play in the PE building. Why the Jerry Green ending? I don't understand the mail in after Memphis.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl's move to start Prince before the Butler game seems completely out of character for BP. Also, I think we need at least one more play besides the Flex offense. We tried to run it all night long against their 2-3 zone, and you can't run the flex against that zone.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 28, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl didn't lose the game for us. We couldn't knock down shots and we didn't get any help from the refs. I'm not trying to make excuses but it seemed like L'Ville was able to play agressive on "D" and we weren't able to do so without a whistle. A couple they threw at Chism and a couple they threw at Tyler were really bad and forced them to the bench to give L'Ville a big advantage inside.

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't blame this on Bruce at all, other than the last 30 seconds or so having his son in.

Still, we just missed decent looks.

Sad to say, I wasn't all the impressed with UL. Yeah, yeah, they kicked us, but here are areas I thought were over-hyped:

The press; they didn't turn us over, we did most of that on the offensvie end

The offense; some big 3's early, but after that it was mostly shove and push and FT's.

Padgett: yeah, so what?? Didn't see anything great there.

Earl Grey(sp) was VERY strong, don't know if that is normal for him, or just a perfect storm of a good game and out foul trouble.

The point guards: not much.

This is JMHO, but UL caught a team (us) that couldn't nit the ocean with a rock from the water's edge at Miami Beach. That gave them some luxury in being ahead.

No way I see UL getting past UNC, but hell, I thought we'd actually show up and play tonight.

Posted by midtowncowboy99 on March 28, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"I'm not trying to make excuses but it seemed like L'Ville was able to play aggressive on "D" and we weren't able to do so without a whistle."

True statement.

Weird how officials allow that to happen.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley is a loser. in an earlier post she referred to Barack Obama as Huesein Obama. Completely disrespectful. The only reason one would do that, is he/she is a prejudiced scared person.

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

Howell didn't play because when you get to this level of play it was beyond his capabilities. He would have struggled on the defensive end terribly. Louisville's guards were to quick for him. JP just lacks a bit of experience at the point considering Pearl waited until this stage of the season to play him at that position. People need to lay off JP,he played well this season considering it was his first full season on the college level. Hats off to Pitino he knew exactly what to do in beating the Vols. The Heels better not rest on their heels as the Cards might have something for them.

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

Where is PearlownsFulmer? Just wondeing if she is okay?

Posted by DaveVol on March 28, 2008 at 1:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chism playing boneheaded and getting 2 fouls in the first 2 minutes started a bad tone. We really never played well the whole game. Him getting in foul trouble gets us out of sink. We never recovered. Our guard play was awful too many turnovers.

Posted by surfmaster on March 28, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did Burtlecamp just curse on live radio?

Posted by DaveVol on March 28, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's what I heard!!!

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What did Bertlecamp say?

Posted by DekanGator on March 28, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to the Tenn Players coach and staff for a great season.
Being a Gator fan first and an SEC fan second I was also hoping to see Tenn make the final 4, at least.
Although Lofon was "not on" his game tonight, You will miss a great Basketball player next year,In 30 years of watching SEC basketball i've never seen a player shoot better with someone in his face then he has. I wish him well.

Posted by budrhon on March 28, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I look at several of these post and I still see Vol fans chiming in on Memphis. Why? The team lost to Louisville tonight. I know the Memphis game was big, but it's been over and people in here are still talking about it when the Vols just failed to make the elite 8 because they lost to the Cards not the Tigers. When you take care of business learn to move on.

Posted by johnlg00 on March 28, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for the memories, seniors! 31 wins! SEC regular-season champs! Beat Memphis at their place! National recognition! That's the good.
The bad: 1) Brain-dead offense; WAY too many of those "10%" plays I've been complaining about for the last month; too many players with limited offensive skills and poor judgment about how and when to use the ones they have; 2) Shaky free-throw shooting; 3) Second-half no-shows from Tyler, JaJuan, and Wayne; in part due to foul trouble because of too much reaching; 4) No contain on the dribble-drives; beaten time and again by back-door cuts; 5) Passes over the top allowed against our press; the last man back CANNOT allow anyone to get behind him! All in all, the defense was not THAT bad, but I started to worry when we continued to force the turnovers but weren't able to turn them into points--see #1 above--and we gave up too many cheap baskets ourselves. I had no problem with Steve and Ryan getting a few minutes. If nothing else, they kept JaJuan and Wayne from getting three fouls in the first half, though I might have been happier if Josh Tabb had gotten a few of those minutes. I don't know what this means in terms of CBP staying or going. I hope and expect he will stay to try to get the team over the Sweet Sixteen hump at last. Every team but one finishes its season with a loss, but I surely didn't expect ours to end like that tonight. Oh well, wait 'til next year; five months 'til football; GO LADY VOLS!!! Maybe someday the men's team will be worthy to follow your example!

Posted by orangeinmississippi on March 28, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn........ Great season guys! Thanks BP for bringing out the the best that they had to offer! PLEASE find a Point Guard for next season,cause lets face it,thats what we are missing the most! Looking forward to next season to see how much JP Prince has matured! GO VOLS!!

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dekangator;
that's me as well. I pulled hard for the gators the last 2 years.

We just have a crap seeding and draw, but I'm doubting anyone takes out UNC.

Good luck the reptiles in the NIT, maybe the SEC can pull SOMETHING out of basketball this year.

Posted by jeremyinitalia on March 28, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We have not yet recruited to fill the weaknesses exposed last year v. Ohio State. We were out-toughed again. Great season and two sweet sixteens in a row (even with a crappy draw this year). I love following this team and will miss the seniors. I was there when we beat Memphis, LSU, and others and I was glued to the TV or radio for just about every other game, even the preseason ones. Thank you Coach Pearl, Chris, Juanny, Wayne, Tyler, et al. for a great season. I am proud to be a Tennessee Vol. We will get to the top sooner rather than later.

Posted by jeremyinitalia on March 28, 2008 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

too bad we can't bring back CJ Watson...

Posted by crmcm44 on March 28, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks to Chris, JaJuan, and Jordan for getting the program to where it is.
I'm also glad the season is over the last few games have been painful to watch.

Posted by dalancox2002 on March 28, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl is the reason for the loss.

Let's back-up

No number one seed after playing the hardest schedule in the land.. Bruce ses this as lack of respect for Tennessee.. Meaning no matter how much we win the ACC etc.. will always get the breaks from the NCAA .

So what does he do.. He changes the line-up messsing up the team chemistry... WHY DID HE DO THAT! NOW! No coach in the right mind would pull at this point... unless he was gone..

BRUCE WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE LEAVING US SOON.. He will go to a school that gets more respect from the NCAA.. Indiana more than likly..

I hate to see him go..

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 28, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We fell victim to some poor outside shooting and some tick-tac touch fouls, and they really saddled us with them tonight. I think the 1st 5 fouls they called on L'Ville were on freshmen coming in off the bench and the 1st 5 on us were 2 on Chisim, 2 on Tyler and 1 on JaJuan. That didn't help, but we didn't help ourselves by not making open shots and rebounding better.

All that being said, I am very proud of this team and all the accomplishments they've been able to make this year. Chris will go down as one of the best to ever wear the orange and I hope I can be in the stands when they retire #5 at TBA. JaJuan may have been overlooked by the national media, but we will never forget what a fearless leader he was out there and how he gave his all on every possession. And what Jordan lacked in pure athletic ability he more than made up for with is hustle and basketball IQ. Thanks to the seniors! I know you wanted more, but you gave us more than we could've ever hoped for this year! As for the rest of the team, we'll be back next year and more dangerous than ever!

It's still great to be a Tennessee Vol!!!!

Posted by lildevils7 on March 28, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish everyone would please get off of Jordan, atleast he did not turn it over. The seniors will be dearly missed, thanks for a great 4 years Chris, JaJuan and Jordan....

Posted by overatedvols on March 28, 2008 at 1:25 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by theoldbear on March 28, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Before the Vols played tonight, I was watching Xavier beat WVU, and remembering that the Vols beat both those teams.

The season ended poorly. But it was a great season, the best in Vol basketball history.

You can second guess Coach Pearl, and criticize the players that didn't play up to their potential, and point fingers at the weaknesses, but this team still won more games than any other UT men's team, and lost fewer.

If Bruce Pearl goes to Indiana, I'll be surprised, and disappointed. But he's done a great job bringing the Vols out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

I don't see anybody off this team leaving early for the NBA. But I can see them back in the Sweet SIxteen next year.

If JP is the point guard of the future, he'll improve his turnover/assist ratio.

I still think Steve Pearl can be the next Dane Bradshaw. He had a couple of big rebounds tonight,and a good pass or two and if he did get beaten by a man going to the basket, he wasn't the only Vol that happened to tonight.

I live in FLorida, so I guess I'll have to cheer for the Gators in the NIT. But isn't it great that Ole Miss and Florida are in the NIT final four? And didn't the Vols beat them both?

I'd rather lose in the Sweet SIxteen of the BIg Show than be in the final four of the NIT any year.

Go Vols! I can't wait till next year!

Posted by billadcock on March 28, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OVERATEDVOLS.... bottom line we beat you and that is a great feeling.

Posted by dalancox2002 on March 28, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OVERRATED.. TOUR PROVE HOW STUPID YOU REALLY ARE.. YOU ARE HOT AIR.. THIS IS NOT VOTE FOR THE BEST SWEET 16 TEAMS .. THYE PLAY FOR IT.. BTW.. YOU IS YOUR TEAM I BET WE BEAT YOUR BOYS..RIGHT LOL

Posted by louisianavol on March 28, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the green MSU will beat the blue MSU tomorrow, then we'll see how long "overated vols" spends on our website.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

overrated, you wrote...

Maybe you won that game but you lost your season from it. Not good. You came to the memphis site and talked so much trash for 3 days after that game. Should we swarm this site for 3 days with hundreds of posts? Show the same class as the Vol fans? Nah.. we have more class.

Why the hell would you come on here and talk trash? Is Louisville your big brother? Your team didn't beat us. Get the hell off of a University of Tennessee message board. I swear I have never been on any other schools newspaper or message board site. Why are you here? It makes no sense to me. Good luck against MSU. If your team loses, guess who won't be going to commercialappeal.com and registering for a user name, and talking trash? Me, and any other UT fan who is not a big freaking loser.

Posted by dalancox2002 on March 28, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK I MESSED UP OVERRATED.. YOU PROVE HOW STUPID YOU REALLY ARE.. YOU ARE HOT AIR.. THIS IS NOT VOTE FOR THE BEST SWEET 16 TEAMS .. THYE PLAY FOR IT.. BTW.. WHO IS YOUR TEAM I BET WE BEAT YOUR BOYS..RIGHT LOL

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 28, 2008 at 1:34 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Grim1 on March 28, 2008 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

theoldbear....if the Vols are gonna play like this....I would rather them not to to ANY post season tounery.

Posted by MemphisVol on March 28, 2008 at 1:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee is 12-7 against memphis in basketball.

Posted by dyoung2020 on March 28, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets go Davidson.

Did you know, that the school will pay for trasportation, lodging, and a ticket to any student who wants to go their game tomorrow. Davidson is now my second favorite school. Let's all jump on the Wildcat's bandwagon!!!!

Posted by dalancox2002 on March 28, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BE NICE..OVERRATED IS A GIRL

Posted by dalancox2002 on March 28, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SO WE BEAT THEM LAST 2 YEARS.. LOL YOU GUYS PLAY IN A LITTLE CONF.. AND YOU TALK SMACK.. YOU ARE A LITTLE GIRL TO

Posted by bluetick on March 28, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a fun season.. You can tell all the bung-holes in here by their 5th grade attitudes... too many cry babies and too many of the outsiders coming in and running their pole smoking chops...then they disappear. We still own Kentucky in football :) Great season for the Vols. We were way out of sync on our shots tonight. 33% is horrible. We really needed for Lofton to have a great game along with Jajuan and Tyler to win this one. Oh well, next year :) Go Vols! It's been a memorable season. Thanks to all of the Seniors.

Posted by overatedvols on March 28, 2008 at 1:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol season in review:

Chalked up early season wins against non conference competetors. Some nothing teams and some decent teams and a few good teams that included Gonzaga, West Virginia, and Xavier otherwise just teams scheduled for an easy win like every team has on their schedules. You were also blown out by Texas during this part of the season but it was your only loss.
You then entered conference play and padded your record with what is now known to be weak SEC teams. Still the 'experts'? didn't realize those teams were not really good and so Tenns record was looking great. You lost the game to Kentucky but other than that all wins. You only had 2 losses on the season and you appeared to be a great team.
This is when the Memphis game came about. You won and appeared to be king of the college basketball world. An excellent record and you had just knocked off number one. The only prob was most of your wins were against very average teams and the number 1 team had choked big time in that game. Still, it appeared to others and especially you that you had a great team. This was about to be expossed as very false.
Next game a loss. End of number 1 and quickly erased the joy of the Mem victory. You then edged Kentucky and Florida and could have lost those games but they were wins. You entered the SEC Tournament and looked bad. An almost loss against a nothing team and a loss against a nothing team.
You enter the ncaa tourney and struggled against a nothing team and were then almost beat against Butler and who knows how good they were in looking at Tenn. You then faced your first big name competetion and you were blown out.
Summary: Nice record against mostly average to poor teams. A few quality wins and an end of season collapse.
Looking back at the high after the Memphis game and what happened afterward the season can be looked at as a good season that ended very disappointly with many questioning whether you were really that good or not now.

Posted by overatedvols on March 28, 2008 at 2:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh and Pitino owns you. 14 straight wins over Tenn. Outrageous

Posted by 98reax on March 28, 2008 at 2:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you should be ashamed of yourself. We lost a game, for pete's sake. You act as if we all of a sudden turned into a disgraceful bunch of maggots. What's your problem? Nobody wins all the time. We made it into the NCAA Tournament. We advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. There's no shame in that. You bunch of ingrates. How dare you blast Bruce Pearl. So soon you forget that earlier today you were proud to be a Big Orange fans. If you're not proud of these guys who have played their hearts out all season long, and have taken you all way to the top with them, you should go buy you some black & gold jerseys and suck your thumbs. Get over it. We will live to play again next season. Try being a good sport? It is a game.

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mark ward

rot in hell, dude. your team still lost to us, at home. live with it.

seems to just eat you up, thus the incessant posting and gloaing. Certainly glad you count a no. 1 RPI sched as a 'few weak teams'.

KNow what??? I don't give a hoot in hell whether Mem wins or loses. Just kinda hope you get your just rewards for being a total a##wipe.

Posted by dc4 on March 28, 2008 at 2:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i got news for yall the best coach in America would not have changed point guards in late march. jp can transfer again for all i care.

Posted by mparker on March 28, 2008 at 2:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess it really wasn't worthwhile for Bruce to sched all those tough teams. We would have been better off being a five seed somewhere else, insead of a 2 in the East.

Last year, we didn't take care of biz against OSU in the 2nd half, plus all the BS calls to put Conley on the line constantly.

This year, we played like clowns on the break. The announcer was right, whoever cut out the mental mistakes would win, and that WAS NOT us.

Great year, awful, awful, ending that leaves a really bad taste. We just made UL look like champs for a day.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on March 28, 2008 at 2:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The seeding for the tournament absolutely stunk for any and all SEC teams. Lets face reality. The NCAA has a love affair with a few schools, and will favor them every time. UT had the toughest scedule of any seed. The Butler game was the earliest ever that 2 30W teams faced each other in the big dance.

I can't say I would agree with all of CBP's calls in the tournament, but that isn't the issue. All of the negativity toward him is absolutely uncalled for. BP has done more for UT BB than any coach in the history of the program. In 3 years we have had 2 sweet 16 spots. Pay attention, wake up! That is 2 in three years. It takes most coaches of any quality much longer than that to make it that far in the big dance. We are very fortunate to have such a great coach. But, too many of you have a very short memory. We could still have any one of our last 4 BB coaches. I wonder how far they would have taken thr program. Oh, that's right, they weren't taking it anywhere, that is why they were canned.

Keep talking negative and push CBP on out the door you bunch of idiots!!!!!!!!! After the progress he has made, a record setting season, and all some of you want to do is talk about how terrible he is? Just brilliant!!!!

UI is talking to Pearl. Evidently they understand what a great coach he is. It would be a bad blow to the program to see him leave. I would fear another round of Houston/Green/Buzz type coaches who bring the program to a new level of mediocrity or worse.

Thanks CBP for a great season!

Posted by CatScratchFever on March 28, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol fans. The thing you have to learn is that one game does not define a program.

It was still a very good year by anyone's standards and for a growing program...you need to view it as a stepping stone. There will be more disappointments, but they will only serve to make the successes more enjoyable.

It has been a very fun season on here with you guys and I am really looking forward to next year. I hope Pearl stays, because he fits at Tennessee. He makes the SEC "different" with some of his nutty stunts, but he also makes the league better.

After you get over the disappointment of the loss to Louisville, take time to celebrate in the best year your program has ever had. It was a fun ride hey?

Congrats again on a nice season. See you guys next year.

AFO

Go CATS!!!!

Posted by LazhilUT on March 28, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let the truth be told:
Why were we using only 5 seconds off the shot clock?
Ramar Smith is no Michael Jordan, pass the darn ball dude! He would get the ball, speed to the basket, no one would be in position, he would run throgh the middle (perfect fit for the football team) and get nothing!!!!!
I love Lofton and what he has done for us in his 4 years but he choked...big time...all tournament long!
Great season, probably the best in history of our program but our guys choked.
I hope Pearl pulls a Billy D and doesn't allow them to use the facilities or anything.
They got bitch slapped and embarrassed all Vol Fans. With their attitude we'll end up like the football team.
I hope Pearl doesn't have his mind on the IU job...
Worst game of the season...turnovers were pathetic...the whole team was pathetic!!!!

Oh yeah, I'm a true Vol Fan but I'm realistic, I don't blow sunshine up my ass or anyone else's when things are not good. Face it, we choked, had a horrible attitude the whole game, didn't play any D (how many wide open layups did we give up?), were selfish...
I'm pissed. Pearl you better call these idiots out big time!

Posted by oldorange on March 28, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have thoroughly enjoyed the VOLS this season. I hope everything works out for next year and we go to the great eight. Jajuan and Chris will be greatly missed. I wish them luck in whatever lies ahead for them........GO VOLS

Posted by Madkels on March 28, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The tempo was set in the first minute and a half by the horrible ref's. Chism gets a second fantom foul and has to sit. UL fouls us with no calls. It was like they were Big East officials. Once UL saw the calls going their way early, it set the tone and we couldn't recover. I can't believe CBP didn't get a T early. Hell, I would have been ejected after the bad calls early in the game.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on March 28, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see, folks. What would you as a fan rather have? A football team that has a couple of losses early, then finishes strong. Or a basketball team that plays "lights out" before New Years, performs well early in the conference, then begins to fade like your car's bad paint job.

Last night, Tennessee's men's basketball team got dog slapped by 19 points against a lower-seeded and lower-ranked team. For the last several weeks, the Vols have squeaked by several lesser teams. And they lost more in the last month than they had all season up to that point. The Vols did win the SEC regular season, though. It looks as if they should be glad that there was only one other ranked team in the conference, that being 14th-ranked Vanderbilt. But again, let's face it ... the Vols were humiliated last night, by a lower seed. The sad truth is that Pearl and others might have been right - the Vols were given an incorrect seed. It is apparent, by the whipping that Pitino gave Pearl last night, that they were seeded too highly.

Louisville was the favorite, though. At least the Vegas guys don't fall prey to a coach's winning personality and his ability to make a good sound bite. The press and fans in Knoxville should follow suit. That coach Pearl does look good in orange, though, whether it's a sports coat or body paint.

Was Pearl riding high or what? In EARLY March, Pearl was quoted by ESPN as saying he expected to hear from Indiana about their head coaching position. In LATE March, Pearl says "I anticipate, if Tennessee will have me, being back at Tennessee. I think they'll have me.'' Maybe he was spending that "raise" a little early!

Now, when Tennessee's football team loses, it's the head coach who failed to "coach 'em up". At whose feet does last night's bloodletting lie?

Stay the course (which, for Pearl's Vols, seems to be, at best, imploding in the Sweet 16).

Posted by