MEMPHIS - Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl emerged from a car on Monday morning that brought him to the Germantown Country Club for a golf outing that started the annual Big Orange Caravan spring stop.
Naturally, Bruce was talking on a cell phone.
He hasn't stopped selling his program since the 31-5 Vols' Southeastern Conference championship season ended with a 79-60 loss to Louisville in the NCAA East Regional semifinals on March 27.
Since then, Pearl:
Convinced All-SEC small forward Tyler Smith to forgo the NBA draft and stay at least one more season in Knoxville.
Swayed McDonald's all-American shooting guard Scotty Hopson of Hopkinsville (Ky.) University Heights Academy to sign with the Vols instead of Mississippi State.
Persuaded junior college all-American point Bobby Maze of Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College to toss aside his early commitment to Maryland and sign with the Vols.
"We've had a lot going on, but most of it has been positive," said Pearl, who joined Vols' football coach Phillip Fulmer and women's athletic director Joan Cronan for Monday's activities that ended with a dinner and speeches at the Hilton.
The signing of Maze appears to fix a weakness that contributed to the Vols' Sweet 16 exit in March.
Pearl rolled the dice after the Vols' NCAA first-round win over American, yanking starting point guard Ramar Smith from the lineup and inserting swingman and former White Station star J.P. Prince at the point before the second-round, 76-71 overtime win over Butler. Prince averaged 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and five turnovers starting Tennessee's last two NCAA tourney games at the point.
"We just weren't getting good play at the point," Bruce said. "Ramar wasn't making foul shots. His assist-to-turnover ratio wasn't what it needed to be. (Backup point) Jordan (Howell) wasn't making shots.
"I thought about using J.P. at the point in the last month of the season. But at halftime at the American game, I had to make a change or we were going to get beat. Not just that game, but whoever we were going to play the next game. If we didn't make that change, we weren't going to beat Butler."
Pearl admitted that it wouldn't have mattered who played the point for the Vols against Louisville, that the Cardinals had the better team. It also made him wish he would have had one more year of eligibility for former Vols' starting small forward Dane Bradshaw.
The former Memphis White Station High School star played out his eligibility a year ago, helping advance the Vols to the Sweet 16 where they lost to eventual national runner-up Ohio State.
"If I had Dane Bradshaw for one more year, he would have played point this past season and we really could have gone and done something," Pearl said. "When he did play for us, I needed him so bad at the other positions that I couldn't keep him at the point."
When Ramar Smith (as well as forward Duke Crews) was asked to leave the team a few weeks ago because of academic problems and violation of the school's substance abuse policy, the point guard vacancy swayed Maze.
The 6-3 Maze averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. He played as a freshman two years ago for Oklahoma.
"Bobby is from Maryland, and when he verbaled to Maryland during the middle of this past season, we let it go," Pearl said. "But when our season took off, Bobby opened his recruitment again. When we lost Ramar, we were able to jump in again with Bobby and get it done quickly."
Pearl said he feels that Maze will be the Vols' best point guard since C.J. Watson, who started on Pearl's first Tennessee team in 2005-06
"Bobby is going to give us a quarterback who will make everyone on the floor better," Pearl said. "He's a high-assist guy, great in the spread and great in ball screen."
Maze rounds out a five-man Vols' recruiting class that ranks with the nations's best.
Hopson, a 6-6 shooting guard, is Pearl's first McDonald's all-American signee and is rated No. 5 overall in the Class of '08 by Rivals.com. Two of the Vols' three signees are also rated in the top 70 by Rivals -- 6-8 wing Renaldo Woolridge (No. 53 by Rivals) of North Hollywood, Calif., and 6-11 Phillip Jurick of East Ridge (No. 69).
The other signee is 6-1 point guard Daniel West, who led Saginaw (Mich.) High to back-to-back state championships.
"We feel we have balance in this class," Pearl said. "But getting Tyler back was big. We want to get him in the lottery next year, so we're working really hard on all the guard skills he needs to get himself there."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 92
utvolz#637682 writes:
CBP is the hardest working man on campus. Way to go coach!
Frank in Miami
CoverOrange writes:
CJ Watson was so quiet, unassuming (read that as not flashy) and proficient at PG that it is hard to remember his one year under CBP. Somehow I don't think Maze will be that way.
FishTacos writes:
"We want to get him in the lottery next year, so we're working really hard on all the guard skills he needs to get himself there." By that quote Bruce meant that he is going to play Tyler at the shooting guard right?? I know he can't be trying to put him at the point?? Answers? Tyler has the size of a sg but so does J.P. and J.P. played the point last year. I hope Bruce isn't talking about the point for Tyler??
knoxnewsuser writes:
Let Chism run the point. Chism!
Brama writes:
Don't worry about tyler smith lottery just yet let's win some games and the rest will take care of it's self
richvol writes:
Skills not position...he may play some shooting guard but he's too valuable around the paint to not play the four. The best competition in the country couldn't stop him last year at the four.
rootin4volz writes:
It just keeps getting better!
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I guess Foolmore was already at the snack bar.
bigbluevol writes:
Pack, I think what Pearl is talking about are things like handling the ball and working on his outside shot. Tyler will most likely remain the 4, but may also play some 3. He won't, in all likelihood, be playing shooting guard or point guard. They're just going to help him get his game more NBA ready by helping him develop that outside shot and his confidence in it. If he can take his game consistently beyond 15 feet, that will help our team tremendously because it will make him a threat from all areas of the floor and because it will open up the inside for Wayne and Brian. This is especially key since the 3 point line is moving back and defenses are more likely to sag. Being able to bring Tyler outside some will help prevent sagging man to man and zone defenses.
weisgarber2003#313889 writes:
"Stay the course" has meaning when a "good" coach uses the phrase in a recruiting context. But that is with a "good" coach.
auttat writes:
I guess Workin was already at the "...I've said this a hundred times, but I think it's funny so I will keep on saying it..." bar.
auttat writes:
weisgarber, are you talking about yourself?
auttat writes:
Or, maybe workin was at the "...it's not the time or place..." bar, aka: "...my a@$h@l& puckered up..." bar.
jimr07 writes:
thanks workin for bashing fulmer one more time. you never pass up the opportunity do you. you are a sad and lonely man.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I just want some quotes/media coverage from my beloved Coach Foolmore. I mean he is the state's football coach of the biggest sport on campus and we can't even get a quote from him since the end of Spring practice. This probably helps with national exposure though especially considering that we have to recruit nationally since we don't have enough instate talent. There is nothing wrong with im being at the Germantown CC snack bar. I'm sure it's a great one.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
Wiliams maybe the Base Line for the Vols next year, they will go as well as he goes. If he progresses well this summer he should be able to provide high impact minutes. Even if he doesn't he still gives us five more fouls at Low Post.
Chism, we love you, now take a few extra hours each day at the foul line.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
I rarely read anything workin posts, it is just so ironic to me that he has the ungodly ability to interpret and implement game plans and coaching decisions, yet CBP, CPF, and CPS are on teh UT payroll and he isn't.
As good as he is you think UT would at least hire him as a consultant.
overatedvols writes:
I saw on the 10 o'clock news last night that there was a double mugging here in Memphis. I do believe the words volunteer and coaches were mentioned. I know both Fulmer and Pearl were here. I hope they made it out ok. You never know with all the crime and thugs over here.
auttat writes:
Workin, Fulmer couldn't have been at the snack bar, over-ate-d had already eaten all of it.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
LadyVolsEightTimes never reads my posts but knows of my ability! LOL!!!!!
Volchaz writes:
Pearl doesn't want a rebuilding year in Knoxville, and he's willing to put in the hard work to make sure we are re-loading. CBP is the MAN!! I can only see his stock going UP!
bricker865 writes:
Overrated..if anything happens your the prime suspect. You little bully boy you.
overatedvols writes:
Brownie, I believe Tyreke was driving the getaway car.
overatedvols writes:
Believe you've gotten the facts all screwed up Brownie. The way I heard it was that Tyreke was driving the getaway car and Dozier was in the back seat slapping on his gf. Dorsey was riding out on the hood..making it rain. Pierre Niles reached out and slapped Fulmer and tried to kidnap him but they couldn't get him in the car. He wouldn't fit. Duke and Andre were there but they didn't even realize what was going on cause they were high. Well, that's how it was reported on the news anyway.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Just hit me....CBP is prepping HIMSELF to be an NBA coach. I think there are a few other college jobs that MIGHT tempt him, but he has great support at UT.
That leads me to think he might have a bit of a dream to go pro. You can't blame him, the money is huge, as is the stage and the talent. As a vol fan, I don't think it will happen really soon, but I can see it in 4-5 years, especially if we make it deeper into the NCAA's.
CoverOrange writes:
What's this? Brown and Over are bestest friends? What's next Touchdown Tennessee, General Fritter and Dupree merging into one entity?
Mparker, the NBA is too cutthroat and ego driven for CBP. He has said he doesn't want to flit from job to job. Win or lose, NBA coaches never stay in the same place more than a few years.
overatedvols writes:
LubricantVol, I always come here in peace. I never mean any harm. I happen to have a different opinion from a few of you guys..that's all. I happen to think the Tigers have been really good the last few years and I come here and say it and people jump on me and insult me. It really hurts at times. Some nights I don't sleep after some of the harsh comments i'm subjected to on this board and also..
The Tigers are better than the Vols and will win next seasons game in a blowout!!
tigervol9802 writes:
Hmmmmm......wonder if we can send Pearl out in search of some D-tackles?????
GreerVol22 writes:
Kingsport, all i get out of all this is that a lube job is better than no job...did I miss anything?
CoverOrange writes:
Overated! Klaatu barada nikto!
TommyJack writes:
lubricant vol. now that's funny WD...you gotta admmit.
overatedvols writes:
I'm not an alien WD
CoverOrange writes:
TJ, yep, I admit.
Over, you come in peace. Wish to keep it that way. All in good fun.
VOLS85 writes:
Workin,
Just last week Fulmer invited a local knoxville news station into his home, where he conducted an interview about the football team and about his family...his wife took part in the interview as well. Does this help you in your diatribe about how he does not talk to the media?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
tigervol9802 12:51pm - not needed. We have veered onto another course. We will unveil in...ah..how many days, Ashley?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Not really, the local Knoxville media covering Phil doesn't really do anything. Let me know when he conducts a national interview between end of spring practice and SEC media days. recruits/parents/fans outside of the Knoxville matket area hardly get any exposure to Coach Fulmer while he is in the witness protection program from end of spring tpractice to late July.
Colliervol writes:
Relax workin'. Your football coach was on all the TV stations with interviews yesterday and seemed to be quite pleased with the way things are going. Although he did say that all the new terminology that Clawson is bringing in is taking awhile for everybody to learn and get used to.
As an aside, George Lapides (who is pretty respected for his connections) noted on his radio show this morning that in his conversation with him "Fulmer had a gleam in his eye that I haven't seen in the last five years." And that he is really excited about the prospects in the next 2 to 3 years. George was talking with Jimmy Sexton (agent for a bunch of coaches) and Sexton agreed that there is more excitement internally up there than in recent years. Hard to read coaches though because I've never seen one that came out and said their team stinks. But I'm glad to hear that there seems to be a new attitude in the program.
By the way, don't shoot the messenger on this one. Sexton was also lunching yesterday with Hamilton to put the finishing touches on the new 7 year deal for Fulmer. Should be announced soon.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Fulmer worries me when he has a "gleam in his eye" before the season. See 2005. And why didn't he have this "gleam in his eye" the last 5 years? That's the whole problem with Coach Complacent...I mean Coach Foolmore.
His current deal runs through 2013 so what are they adding 1-2 more years to it? You pretty much have to operate on at least a 5 year deal nowadays anyway. I'd be more interested in the money they are going to give him.
auttat writes:
55Vol, not worried about workin. Sometimes it's fun to get down on his level, though.
auttat writes:
Workin,
"Fulmer worries me when he has a "gleam in his eye" before the season. See 2005. And why didn't he have this "gleam in his eye" the last 5 years? That's the whole problem with Coach Complacent...I mean Coach Foolmore."
2005 would be in the last 5 years.
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
I said that Fulmer had a gleam in his eye before the 2005 season. The other reporter said that he hasn't seen this "gleam" in his eye in the last 5 years. Fulmer was throwing around the championship word prior to 2005. So either the reporter is wrong about gleam in his eyes this year unlike the last 5 years or Fulmer or this is just another fluff piece on how this is going to be the year and that everyone should just forget the last 5 years (even though we won the East last year and in 2004). This is probably just a case of Lapides getting excited and drinking the off-season koolaid.
overatedvols writes:
Hey we'll take Fulmer if you guys don't want him. For us, a successful year is making it to the Motor City bowl or the New Orleans bowl. Maybe he could make us a decent team. Don't see what the Fulmer haters are complaining about. You consistently have one of the best teams in the nation. The guy wins and wins. I wouldn't complain.
CoverOrange writes:
The "gleam in the eye" comment sounds like an off the cuff remark without much thought or analysis. To Workin's point, how did Lapides not see a gleam in 2005 when Fulmer was handing out superlatives in preseason but supposedly saw one in 2003?
Question now is why is there a gleam now? Could be the end of the inbreeding of OCs has opened Fulmer's eyes. Will it be any good? No conclusions until October.
Colliervol writes:
Maybe George didn't meet with Fulmer before the 2005 season and therefore didn't know if there was a "gleam" or not that particular year. Lapides didn't offer anything quantitative to back it up. He just said Fulmer was noticably more upbeat than the last several times he'd seen him. The main point is that Lapides and Sexton both said there is more excitement inside the program than in recent years. Whether it turns out to be anything, we shall see.
BADGES0413 writes:
I wonder if Fulmer was walking out of Platinum Plus when George saw the Gleam?
TommyJack writes:
Platinum Plus?? T & A joint??
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
Isn't Platinum Plus closed? It was when I was in town for the Memphis-UT b-ball game.
tigervol9802 writes:
D-tackles aren't needed?
Apaprently you are not the only one who thinks that....
overatedvols writes:
Raided and closed several years back. Not that I was ever in there.
Collier, since when does what Lapides say make a diff. The guy is an arrogant jerk.
Colliervol writes:
Agreed overated. Lapides does have quite the ego. But he also has excellent contacts and generally has good info unlike some of the other sports talk hosts around town. Being an arrogant jerk doesn't disqualify one from having good information. He does pimp too many commercials for my taste on his show though.
And yes, Platinum Plus remains closed and it's former owner was just sentenced to some jail time. (But like overrated, not that I was ever there.) Funny thing though about that place. When I first moved to Memphis, it was a really good restaurant called The Loft. Great prime rib.... No comment on the prime that was being served at Platinum.
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