Posted by dtaylor0730 on March 28, 2008 at 2:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season...tough loss...and yes, definitely a top program now thanks to CBP.

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

I hate to read into things but that is kind of an odd statement by Coach Pearl. I ANTICIPATE being back... now come on, we all know that he is not getting canned, he said so himself.

Maybe it is just one of those things where he is emotional after the game an really doesn't want to be interviewed so he's not really speaking with a clear head.

Do you guys see it or am I just too nervous?

Posted by Madkels on March 28, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This loss was very tough, but these guys and this season will be one to remember for a long time. Oh, and the ref's were horrible!

We are proud of you VOLS! Thank you for a great year!

Posted by hdhurst on March 28, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk...I agree...he's emotionally spent over how UT got manhandled in this game. I would be too, especially when you come in feeling you have a good chance at beating them.

Anyway, I sure will miss Lofton and Smith, and even Howell in his better days. But, I am also looking forward to seeing Tatum on the floor. In the few times he had the ball, I was very impressed. If we can get a good another shooter (such as Hopson or the Memphis kid), then we are likely to have a better team next year. Another big coming in (Jurick) and the playmaker (West) will surely put us back in contention.

Sure, we are all a little disappointed with a loss in the Sweet 16, but realistic bb fans realize that it sure does full good to have come this far. I am looking forward to see what Coach Pearl puts on the floor next year. As good as he is as a coach, even he will make improvements to take us up another notch.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by jonathan81254 on March 28, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Louisville just plain beat the Vols, unfortunately, and they did all the things they had to do. I couldn't believe their foul-shooting; they were supposed to be worse than the Vols, and they never missed. I've never seen so many rebounds taken away from UT without fouls called. The officiating was horrible, brutal, but when you lose by the margin UT did, it didn't decide the outcome. UT has a way to go to get better, especially at point guard, but I loved the way this team played this year, and the way Bruce coached. One tough loss doesn't change the fabulous season these guys had. They weren't always pretty, and sometimes they were puzzling, but they always played as hard as they could, and that was fun to watch every minute of the game. Thank you, seniors, thank you, Bruce, for a season you'll be able to reflect upon with great pride, even though it hurts very bad right now.

Posted by T0MMYJACK on March 28, 2008 at 6:53 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 nicksjuzunk on March 28, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow TommyJack,

That seems a bit harsh. They lost to a seed that was one lower than themselves. A bad loss, yes but nevertheless, that is March Madness.

I did think about the reference to Coach Fulmer myself though. No matter how you cut it, the last two years in basketball, we have finished anywhere between 8-16 depending on how you look at it.

For years, Coach Fulmer did the same until most recently, but that is unacceptable by many posters standards. This year we finished at #12. Anyway, let's save this for August. Great season VOLS!!

Posted by orangeblood1966 on March 28, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season! Chris & JaJuan deserve at least as much credit as Pearl for the rise in UT BB. This will make the returning players more hungry. And the statements by Tommyjack prove what kind of negative (probably Fla fan) he really is.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 28, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This team does have a lot to be proud of. I think of how far this program has come in the last three years. Making the NCAA tourney was never a "given", now we are disappointed when we don’t make it past the Sweet Sixteen. With success come higher expectations, as fans we have quickly become spoiled by success. It is hard to look at this season through the lens of last night’s loss, some time in the not so distant future we will look back at CBP’s first three years, this year in particular and have a true appreciation for what these young men have accomplished. I will really miss seeing Chris, JaJuan, and yes, Jordan, wearing the orange.

I have seen the future of UT men’s basketball … and it is very good!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by schymtz on March 28, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN finally said something I can agree with: "Low: Cards beat Vols at their own game" "Cards' stifling defense and high energy sap the Vols." Last night it wasn't simply that "the better team won," Tennessee was beaten last night by a great team that did better everything that Tennessee did best all year long to most every team Tennessee played: Exhausting relentless defensive pressue and wide open offense. Even the things Tennessee did exactly right, especially early on turning Louisville over, were not enough this game. Even with Louisville hitting free throws and going in Tennessee's face all night, Tennessee closed to within one point and....ran outta gas. Bigger, just as fast, dictating pace with relentless pressure and discipline, Louisville showed Tennessee just exactly what it was like for other teams all year long to play against Tennessee.They flat wore Tennessee out! Yes, the game was closer than the score indicated. Yes, the cards made Tennessee look worse than they actually were. But I believe Tennessee saw the future of Tennessee Basketball in Louisville last night. If you want to see that same winning style of play next year and the next year and the next, it will be it Knoxville...if Pearl stays. A healthy Louisville beats Tennessee this year. Sad, but not a suprise. Keep looking forward. Winning seasons are ahead! GO VOLS! Thank you Coach and Thank you seniors, and thank you team for a great great year!

Posted by LadyVolFanForever on March 28, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This article seems to have the only comments worth adding to........what is wrong with some of you so-called fans ? Coach Pearl and his team has taken TN mens basketball where it has never been before and you are killing them. Rome wasn't built in a day, give them a few more years. The run & gun days are here to stay and the recruiting has to keep up.

It was great to finally have 2 basketball teams playing in Knoxville this year and I am proud of what they accomplished. True fans stick with their team, win or lose.

Posted by jweaver3 on March 28, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If this Louisville team would not have had early season injuries, they would have been ranked higher and seeded higher. They are playing some of the best ball in college and our shooting has been slumping for a while. The lack of a consistently good point guard caught up to us!!!
Unfortunatly for Louisville they are going to play UNC who is playing lights out.

TOMMYJACK, I somewhat agree with your statement Pearl must be accountable for loses as the head coach, but he has taken where only the GREAT Coach Mears could. He is a marketing and promoting genius and kids want to play for him.

Congratulations Vols on a Great season and now let's break that ceiling and come back strong in 09
GO VOLS
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by Jshoop on March 28, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coming into this game, Louisville was hot, Vols were not. After watching Louisville two times, I picked they would beat us badly. They did. Rick knows how to get his teams to peak at the right time. Bruce will learn how to do that. Vols played poorly after the Memphis win and couldn't get over the edge. Blame whoever you want, but I see Howell's shooting as the key. I am not blaming Howell, these things happen. I am just saying that everything changed when Howell's shooting went South.
Now for next year. If Ramar is going to drive the basket, he has to learn how to shoot free throws. Driving, getting fouled and missing free throws are like turnovers, only they take longer and are more painful.
If JP and Ramar are our guards, then they need to work all summer on a three point shot. If they don't, the big guys are in trouble.
Great year. Go VOLS.

Posted by dash727 on March 28, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad Coach put his son in a NCAA tournament game twice prior to the half to slow down the Cards momentum. Obviously, it was a secret weapon uncovered while Tabb, Childress, Williams, and Howell watched from the bench. Cutting edge coaching like starting a 6'8" point guard, changing the line-up that got you to the dance, that can't dribble right, shoot from the floor farther than 1 foot, and can't shoot a free throw.
Being too creative and cute with no discipline gets you hammered. I hope Steven likes his letterjacket.

Posted by brokebackvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sadly, I still think that the Vols peaked in the big game against Memphis, and haven't been the same since. Still, it's been a great season, and I'm looking forward to next season. Hopefully CBP will stay - he's a hot commodity, and Indiana would be step-up job for a career coach.

Posted by BigMikeUT on March 28, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've got no problem with Pearl putting his son in the game. At first, I was shocked to see him in there, but to be honest he actually gave us some good minutes. He played good D and got one of the maybe 4 offensive rebounds we managed to get all night. He's not an offensive threat, but at the time, we trying to steal minutes until halftime so we could get Chism and Tyler to the half with only 2 fouls. Thanks to Chris, JuJuan, and Jordan for being a HUGE part in the revival of Tennessee basketball. The future is bright, but as far as next year goes, we MUST find a couple guards who can shoot the 3. JP and Ramar look awful shooting jump shots. Tabb and Tatum may be good shooters, but they never get the opportunity. Let's hope some of these freshmen can at least hit open jumpers. The better team won last night, we played very poorly, but a lot of that was dictated by the L'Ville defense. How many times did Lofton have his shot blocked? I haven't seen him blocked that many times during his whole career. The refs were atrocious, but that's besides the point. We didn't play well enough to win. Please come back Bruce! There is still work to be done here!

Posted by volunteer4life2 on March 28, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I couldn't agree more with lady vol fan. I've never been more proud of a TN men's basketball team that I am of this year's Vol's. Lofton and Smith will forever stick in my mind as 2 to of my favorite players and Bruce, you can't say enough about Bruce Pearl. Maybe when football season comes these so called idiot Vol fans can start on Fulmer again and leave Pearl alone. But one thing notorious with Big Orange fans they can never stop moaning and crying about something. GO VOLS!

Posted by KSMC9107 on March 28, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TOMMYJACK:
You should see your doctor about some antidepressants or seek out some psychiatric help for that unrelenting negative approach to life. Cheer up bro...the BIG ORANGE are contending in all sports!
GO VOLS! IT's FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!

Posted by volguy on March 28, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommyjack = glass half-empty guy

Posted by rabidvolfan on March 28, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very proud of this team and this coach. Pearl I hope you are here for a long long time. Thanks

Posted by johnlg00 on March 28, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good post, jshoop. Lots of angst on the board today, along with a commendable amount of silver-lining seeking. CBP has nothing to prove to me as a promoter and a motivator. He is as good as we could ever hope to have in terms of promoting and selling the program. Now he has an opportunity to prove that he is a teacher of the game of basketball--not quite the same as the other roles mentioned above. In my ideal world, he would sit down with each player individually and say, "These are the areas in which you need to improve for next year. Here are some ways to practice those skills. Here is a key to the practice facility. If you play in the Rocky Top League this summer, I want to see evidence that you have been working on those skills. If you want to keep or improve your position on the team you will show improvement in those skills." Of course, he WILL meet with each player, and he WILL say things similar to that, but the test is how strongly he demands accountability for that improvement. Make no mistake, unless some key players show major improvement in key fundamentals, we will do well to finish as high as we did this year. UK and UF will be back near their accustomed levels. Georgia will be better even without Gaines. Vandy will always be tough for us at Memorial Gym. In the ultra-competitive world of big-time sports, if you are not improving, you are regressing. If CBP can't impress that on the returning players and doesn't hold them accountable for improving, well, maybe, for all his other outstanding qualities, he really isn't such a good basketball coach. Notice in all this, I am not even addressing issues of team play; that would be another whole chapter in a story already too long(;-P)! Take all of the above in the spirit of "tough love", the kind I hope CBP bestows on the team.

Posted by volssam on March 28, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Schymtz:

"But I believe Tennessee saw the future of Tennessee Basketball in Louisville last night. If you want to see that same winning style of play next year and the next year and the next, it will be it Knoxville...if Pearl stays. A healthy Louisville beats Tennessee this year. Sad, but not a suprise. Keep looking forward. Winning seasons are ahead! GO VOLS! Thank you Coach and Thank you seniors, and thank you team for a great great year!"

I had never really thought of it that way....but that sounds about right.... it kinda eases the sting of the loss a LITTLE bit....if everyone will just calm down and think positively about our future instead of just freaking out.....we only lost 5 games ALL season...that's not bad...and look at what Pearl has done in only 3 seasons....imagine what he can do in 3 more.....limitless baby...GO VOLS!!!

Posted by bigbluevol on March 28, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nick-

I think Pearl used the word "anticipate" because from where he sits, he is believing he is wanted back. He believes that UT wants him and will make that commitment. However, he knows he can't say with 100% certainty what will happen. From that comment though, it seems very apparent this is where he wants to be.

For everyone complaining and questioning his coaching, need I remind you he is the man who took us to #1 and two consecutive sweet 16s? This is a level that we've never seen and Pearl wants to win more than any of us do. He will get it done and get it done the right way. Never forget what this man has done for the university, the program and our state. He's gotten TBA sold out, for crying out loud.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 28, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We just seem to have lost our mojo the past month or so. Chris was heavily defended by great defenders the past several games -- but great scorers score anyway (see Sundiata Gaines, Shan Foster and others).

Never thought a simple 2-3 zone would cause us so many problems. Never thought we'd get outrebounded that badly. No doubt in my mind that BP will have the team learn from this loss and make us better.

Chris, Jajuan -- you are now Vol legends, leaders on the greatest Tennessee basketball team in history. Thanks for all the heart, the toughness, the thrills and best of luck to you.

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Note to readers: POSER alert. TOMMYJACK ain't TommyJack.

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 11:35 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 mtoms1272 on March 28, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You better believe we will have you back next year Coach Pearl. I was a trainer durning the 5-22 Wade Houston era, and I never want to go back there. Thanks for three great years Lofton, Smith, and Howell.

Posted by wewhite on March 28, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you for the reality check, Mike. Sure, we hit a speed bump, but at least it was in the parking lot of the country club. One day we'll get our reserved parking space and be admitted at the door. And with an outspoken coach, no one in the NCAA will forget how far we've come or how far we'll go.

Posted by PharmDVol on March 28, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My goodness people, calm down. We lost a basketball game to a great team. When this tournmanent is over, only one team out of 65 will be happy with the end result We had the best year Tennessee basketball has ever had, and we can expect to be a good program year in and year out. Do we really need to gripe and complain about every detail of the game and ridicule every mistake a player or coach may make. I love how so many of us "fans" act as if we know more about the game than the people who make a living coaching it and playing it. Grow up Vols fans. Let's show some class, be proud of our team's accomplishments this year, and look forward to next year. We should be happy that losing to a Rick Pitino coached Louisville team is so hard to swallow, 5 years ago we would have stormed the court had we even been in the game at the end. As for the complainers, as Barney Fife would say, "Nip it in the bud!"

Posted by auttat on March 28, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack, we know TOMMYJACK is a poser. Probably a Memphis fan! I may not have a team left to pull for in the tournament, but there sure as hell is one to pull against.

Great Season! This loss can't take anything away from that. Lofton and Smith and Howell, thanks for giving us a reason to go to the games and watch all they way through March. Keep your head up!

Posted by TommyJack on March 28, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat: With you, bro.

Posted by givehim6 on March 28, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, the vols lost in the sweet sixteen agine. But were the reg. season SEC champs! And that's futher then we got last year. I would rather get a bit better every year, but play in the ncaa tournament every year, then play like a shooting star team. Bruce is bilding UT a new program, not just a one shot wonder team.GO VOLS!

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

for dash and BigMike: for the minutes he played, Steven Pearl played as well as any Volunteer on the floor last night. If I was the coach and he was my kid, I'd probably have played him more throughout the season than CBP has. Give 'im a break dash. Good response BigMike!

Posted by tnmike21 on March 28, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What an embarrassment last night. If Pearl ever wanted to learn about coaching, he got it because Pitino sure took him to school....and then the woodshed.

With all the talent Pearl had this year and this is the best he can do? Any moron can tell you that run and gun sells tickets, but being able to run a half-court offense and play defense wins championships.

That display last night showed me that we made a big mistake in hiring Pearl. He is nothing more than a con-man and the University of Tennessee was his victim. The guy operates so smoothly it makes me want to puke. When has he show anyone that he is a good coach? I am not talking about "salesman", I am talking about an X's and O's coach? NEVER.

I say we cut our losses now before the embarrassment really begins. If he does not get us in trouble with some off court groping of a woman, then he will continue with his absurd "coaching" mentality. We deserve better than this.

I say we send Bruce to Indiana and go after Tony Bennett or Keno Davis.

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

tnmike: You're kidding, right?

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

FireBrucePearl: Your post just made everyone who has read it dumber. If you truly ARE a Vol fan (and I'm thinking you're a Memphis or KY fan in disguise), you should be ashamed of yourself.

Cut our losses?? WHAT LOSSES???? You mean the 5 total losses we had this entire season? You mean the single greatest back-to-back seasons in UT basketball history????

Man, I can't even believe I'm wasting my time responding to your stupidity.

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 28, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok he changed his name to tnmike..... which is such a great fake name.

Posted by DennisVols on March 28, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A GREAT season Vols! We can not and should not judge a season on one game.
Peal has worked wonders at UT in a very short time. Just three years ago the best we could hope for was an NIT bid and not even consider a Sweet 16 in that.
The lack of rebounding killed us last night and probably too many bad shot selections lead to some of that.
Go Vols!!! Looking forward to next season already.

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 28, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do love this.

I don't care how much you drool over Coach Pearl, you cannot argue that he got outcoached by miles last night and that something on this team has not been right for a month or so. There were lots of little things that kept adding up that something just wasn't clicking at all. It gets put on the coach on every other sport at UT when that happens, why is it not fair to do so here?

I will continue to say the benching of Howell and moving Prince to point this late in the season was a mistake, and it would have been nice to have Howell at least calm things down when we continually went right at Padgett after we "broke" the press last night with little success.

The big question for me is if someone comes after him and offers $1.80-$2M a season, will Hamilton match it. He's a good coach, but I don't know if he is worth that. Actually, I don't think he is at all. Yes, comparared to recent UT coaching history he's gold, but when you compare what he's done versus other coaches currently.....I don't know.

For the record, I also thought it was pretty jerkish to never put Howell in the game at all last night. I don't care how bad he's played, he's helped win several games the last three seasons. Thought that was poor taste, IMO.

Posted by grantck on March 28, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Officiating can greatly change a game when EARLY ticky-tack fouls are called. Especially when Tn. couldn't get calls against Louisville when actually fouled. Chism couldn't play the same, nor could the rest of the team.

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

tigervol-

I was thinking the same thing about Howell last night. The game was out of hand. Put him in late and let him get an ovation at least...

On the other hand, I'm not ready to throw Pearl under the bus just yet. I'm thrilled with the 31-5 record and SEC championship but really, I expected that (or something close)based on preseason rankings and predictions. More than anything, I wanted to get past the sweet sixteen. This team was ranked and seeded to get to the Elite Eight. That was my expectation (yes, they got a crappy draw)and they failed. At least this loss was easier on the heart than the last two trips to the sweet 16.

Absent advancing farther in the tourney the next couple of years, I would like to see TN improve in areas that have haunted them the last three years:

- FT shooting

- Tendency to blow comfortable leads

- At least one 4-5 minute scoreless spell per game (see bullet 2)

Posted by ronbliss on March 28, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From the first row of press row..I knew the day was going to end in anguish. From the opening shot to the lack of respect shown to me over my book "The Years with Ray Mears". Richard Pitrino rejected my sacrificial offer of leading him to the likes of Raymond Mears.
Pitrino once said "Larry Bird is not walking through that door tonight."
And Mr. Pritinoi, neither is Ray Mears.
Bliss what, bliss your kitty kat.

Posted by richvol on March 28, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Disappointment comes from not achieveing your expectations. Expectations come from having achieved previously. This year Tennessee achieved so much. They have much to be proud of and I will remember this season with the many thrills these young men brought to me and my friends.

In the end,it just came down to discipline. As time goes by Coach Pearl will have more athletes to play with and he will eventually have the pieces to complete the puzzle.

I love what happened this year.

Posted by dirtdobber1 on March 28, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

refs had money on the game...chism 2 tic-tacs, tyler 2 tic-tacs early...game was over!

lets give them support...they are hurting a lot worse than the fans! Pearl, lofton, Smith and Howell thumbs up for great season! We will get em next year.

Posted by volbeck on March 28, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I tend to agree with tigervol about jordan not playing, and not much else. The biggest problem we had with jordan was that he couldnt hit an outside shot. But jp has the same problem. Now he has upside in other areas. Going the basket, better rebounder, better defender. However, he obviously struggled at the point, with ballhandling and decision making and constantly jumping to pass. Also it seemed that his teammates weren't in sync with him. I think jordan would have provided a lot of leadership and the team is more used to how he runs the point. I think in hindsite BP may be reconsidering his decision there. But I almost can't blame him for trying. Maybe with a lot of practice this offseason jp can become a good point.

Posted by bearyh on March 28, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad to see that most agree that the team did have a good season. Last night was an abberation and not a constant thru the season. To me, I would rather win 30+ games a season and play in the NCAA than what I have witnessed in the past. Coach Pearl did a fantastic job this season. Whatever his shortcomings, he should not be judged on one loss.

I remember the 80's and they were ugly!

Posted by UltraVolDavid on March 28, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

31-5. 'Nuff said.

And don't be at all surprised if history ends up showing us that we ran into a buzz saw last night. Louisville may just win it all. They are that good. Made us look very bad.

Posted by martinvolfan on March 28, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great season, bad ending, but a loss in the 16 hurts less than the pounding we would've received by the tar heels in their own backyard. We need point guards who can handle the ball and no, JP or Ramar ain't it.

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

ronbliss: What?????

Posted by bigbluevol on March 28, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love how we're complaining about losing in the NCAA tournament "again" as someone said. A few years ago we couldn't even get in the NCAA tournament. I think that speaks to the fact that Pearl knows X's and O's. Remember, we still have no McDonald's All-Americans on our team. Our most talented player (Tyler) was saddled with foul trouble. We didn't play well against a team that is on a hot streak. It happens. To say Pearl can't coach all of a sudden is ludicrous. As Ultra said, we were 31-5 against what was ranked as one of, if not the, toughest schedules in the country. Pearl gets the program publicity as well as the fact that he wins. To complain about him because we lost in the sweet 16 is stupid. It wouldn't hurt to enjoy what we have instead of constantly complaining about what we don't. We were a doormat before; now look at the conversations we're having. Don't rip the guy who's made this possible.

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

Ramar's biggest problem last night was that he couldn't finish at the rim. He was getting there whenever he wanted. He couldn't convert (some of that was due to blatant no calls). Ramar will be a good player and we need him on our team. He'll work on his ball handling in the offseason and I imagine he'll have a big year next season.

Posted by lildevils7 on March 28, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am very disappointed that Howell did not even get a opportunity last night. How he must feel that his last game of his career was spent sitting on the bench. He was not the only player going through a shooting slump, but he sure was the one getting punished. Horrible move by Pearl!!!!

Posted by Titan on March 28, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

31-5, best season in history, first SEC championship in 41 years, back to back Sweet 16s, exciting brand of ball, sell outs at TBA, a buzz that has never been seen (well at least not since Ernie and Bernie) and some of you people want to fire the coach? What a miserable life you must have. Give me a break. Remember where we were four years ago and reconsider just how ridiculous your comments look.

Posted by volssam on March 28, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you people are ridiculous........

Look at what Pearl has done for us in just 3 years...we went from a sub-500 club pre-pearl to getting 2 #2 seeds, and a #5 seed in the NCAA tourney, 2 straight sweet 16's, a #1 ranking for the 1st time ever, SEC championship for the 1st time in over 40 yrs, excitement and sold-out crowds to watch our games, national recognition, etc.....IN JUST 3 YEARS!!!!!!!!....Don't be so stinkin greedy.....Imagine what we'll be in another 3 years.....Good Grief!!!

And as far as Howell goes.....it is a little sad that he didn't get in for his last game, but if imagine what it would've been like for Howell just being put in in the last 2 minutes of a game that was already over...that would probably be a bigger slap in the face...maybe Howell even asked not to go in...we don't know.....don't assume things....and if you ask me, Howell should have been benched a few weeks ago....

Posted by budd on March 28, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you people are pathetic. Four years ago we didn 't have men's BB. Now you whine cause we don't make the elite eight. I hope CPB takes the IU job. Then you losers can get buzz back . He is what you deserve

Posted by tennbrad34 on March 28, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks B-Ball VOLS! What a great year! I was at every game at TBA this year and enjoyed everyone one of them. For those of you cry-babies, I remember when we had 4,000 people at the games and just hoped to not get beat by 20. Thanks BRUCE! We hope you are here as long as Dean was at UNC and as long as Coach K is at Duke! Thanks Chris and Jujuan! Thanks Jordan! The last 4 years have been great and will continue to get better! For all of you that are giving Coach Pearl grief, remember Boheim, Roy Williams, Pitino, took a long time to win a title. Remember that Howland, Huggins, Bennett, Self, Barnes, and many others have never won a championship! Thanks again to Coach Pearl and all the Vols!

Posted by GerryOP on March 28, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with what Titan, volssam, budd and several others above said! Great team, great season, great future! Thanks Bruce and the Boys!

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DITTO!! Anyone that gets on here and disses Pearl or the VOls is not a true fan. Just go back 4 years ago and remember where we were then. Nobody even cared back then. Pearl WILL get us to a Final Four. I would bet my house on it.

Posted by sgtvols on March 28, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

give him fulmer's parking space!

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

I hate to see it end, but thanks for a great season. Go Vols! Best of luck to JaJuan and Chris, great years at U.T. guys.

Posted by dopedawg on March 28, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best wishes to all our seniors, and BP--you have been a great asset to Vol basketball. BP has taken the Vols where they have never been before. I'll be visiting TBA alot next season!!!! Keeping the faith, GO VOLS!!!

Posted by jovi on March 28, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

go vols

Posted by jovi on March 28, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If CBP does go to IU. Is one of the names ya'll called out the coach of Davidson. Maybe he needs 1.5 million

Posted by murrayvol on March 28, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack: Oumanned and not outcoached. That would be correct. Worse than the FB crowd. Not so sure about that.

Posted by slambob2 on March 28, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols hustled and played great defense even while Chris lost confidence in his shot. There were bad decisions last night, but Louisville made their share of them, too. We just couldn't hit the shots.

But the officiating was criminal.

Here's the thing. Even if we beat a terrific Louisville team last night, we have to play with those same lame officials against North Carolina on their (same as) home court. Do you think those refs would gain integrity overnight? I know it sounds lame, but they surely should be called to account for that horribly one-sided disaster.

Given what we know now, I would have sent Childress, Tabb and Pearl out their to mug folks for the first five minutes. They didn't seem to call that, only casting a shadow fouls.

Coach BP is the best. What a great season. As he continues to recruit players for his style of play, we'll just get better and better.

slambob

Posted by jovi on March 28, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to give the refs a hand. A open hand to the face so hard there feet left the ground.
P.S. pay CBP

Posted by creepykev on March 28, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys bashing Pearl are crazy. I say give him four million, name a street after him and make him mayor. He has given me something to look forward to in the winter since it doesn't snow here any more. He also gives me something to talk to my coworkers about besides the weather. When TN basketball was bad the winter was almost unbearably depressing. Come to think about it give him five million, change the name of TBA to Bruce Pearl arena and change Knoxville's name to Pearlville. I'd rather our city be named after him than some obscure war secretary any day.

Posted by illorangevol on March 28, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't wait until next year. Bruce Pearl is a masterful teacher and motivator. It has only been 3 years at a school that is not known by potential star reqruits as THE place for college basketball.

This is just part of the path to consistent stellar years under Bruce and teams he will build. We knew in our hearts he did not have all the tools for a final four team this year nor should that have been a realistic expectation after only coaching the team for 3 years.

There are tuly great years ahead for Tennessee basketball and all the other coaches and teams out there know it. We have great players returning, great talent coming in, one of the best coaches in college basketball. How could we ask for anymore.

Posted by Plasticman on March 28, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would be willing to pay more for season tix if that's what it takes to subsidize Pearl's salary. Whatever it takes Mr. Hamilton, get it done!!

Posted by doctorvol on March 28, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to be at the first game when Chris and/or Jujuan is introduced in the crowd. So proud of those guys.

Posted by jovi on March 28, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pay Bruce so IU can take him off there short list. The faster the better. For everybody.

Posted by Bigger_Al on March 29, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cruel Headline on ESPN.Com...

"UT topples Cardinal"

One day earlier, and add an "s"...

Posted by qwerty6969 on March 29, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl is a masterful marketer. He has made few, if any, mistakes in his handling of the press, UT administration or fans. He is not, however, the second coming of John Wooden. Or Mike K. Or even Denny Crum. He is more likely the second coming of PT Barnum. That's not a criticism. PT Barnum put on a great show. He entertained his customers. But his performers weren't necessarily any better performers than those at other circuses, including the guys at the Ringling Brothers' circus. Mike Hamilton has been fooled - by Pearl, the people in the athletics department and even by Hamilton himself. This basketball team has several talented players. That is entirely different than having an actual basketball program. Despite the enthusiasm of the hungry fans around here, we do not yet have an actual program. Do not kid yourself. Overachieving programs get stronger as the season grows longer. Actual programs can handle modest amounts of success. Strong coaches understand the tournament nature of basketball. UT basketball is (currently) lacking in all of these areas.

We are clearly moving in the right direction, however. I am simply suggestion that people slow down in their hurry to break the bank for Bruce Almighty or declare Mike Hamilton a basketball guru.

Posted by Plasticman on March 29, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Qwerty, that is the most assanine post I have read all week. BP is the ONLY reason UT basketball is back on the map. He basically took the same players Buzz had (14-17)and beat eventual Nat'l. Champ. Florida and won one game in NCAA tourney his FIRST season. He is the ONLY reason Thompson Boling Arena is filled to capacity almost every game (when everyone else in the entire world said it couldn't be done). This season, he won 31 games, won the SEC outright and went to the Sweet 16 with less talent than Kentucky. How many H.S. All-Americans does Pearl have on his team? ZERO!! He and his staff have taken average players and coached them up to Championship caliber basketball. ANyone that thinks otherwise doesn't know a whole lot about basketball. Your comment Qwerty, shows your Basketball IQ, which is "0". In fact, I've never seen you post on here before so the more I think about it, you are obviously not a UT fan, but probably a Memphis fan..

Posted by TommyJack on March 29, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Querty: You been nibblin on peyote? Your post contradicts itself. #1, overchieving teams don't improve as the year progresses. #2, If "we are clearly moving in the right direction", how does that square with having P.T. Barnum as coach?
BP has this program moving...he simply did not have all the pieces of the puzzle this year. Only superb coaching got us to the 16.

Posted by bmaples on March 29, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's get BP back for three more years, with all his own players and the chance to season everyone in his system, and THEN we can talk Xs and Os. Pitino has been at Louisville for a while, and it took him a few years to make a Final Four run. Too soon to talk about Pearl's coaching abilities.

I hope, really hope, that the headline today on ESPN ("Indiana set to announce new coach on Thursday") isn't Pearl.

Posted by Plasticman on March 29, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bmaples, Apparently Indiana has offered the job to Tony Bennett from Wash. St.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on March 29, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a

Posted by cmacvolunteer on March 30, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

U GOTA WONDER HOW LONG DOES PEARL STAY WITH US ? MIKE HAMILTON PLEASE OPEN UP THE CHECKBOOK TO KEEP PEARL.