Pearl's U.S. team rolls by France 131-77

  • By News Sentinel staff
  • Posted July 15, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. , updated July 15, 2009 at 2:46 p.m.
  • Email
  • Discuss
  • Share »
  • Print
  • A
  • A
  • A

Coach Bruce Pearl’s Maccabi USA team raced past France on Wednesday, 131-77, at the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Netanya, Israel.

That was considerably closer than a 112-13 win over Mexico in the opening round.

“We continue to shoot the ball well,’’ said Tennessee’s fifth-year head coach. “We made 14 3-pointers.

“The next two games in pool play — Russia and Argentina — are both stronger than France.’’

Todd Golden, who played collegiately at Saint Mary’s, led the USA with 25 points. Dan Grunfeld, the former Stanford star and son of UT legend Ernie Grunfeld, added 23.

UT junior Steven Pearl had nine points, five rebounds and two assists.

The win avenged a loss to France here four years ago, which forced the USA to settle for bronze instead of silver.

“Our players certainly remembered that outcome,’’ Pearl said.

The USA meets Russia on Sunday.

Get Copyright Permissions © 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

  • Email
  • Discuss
  • Share »
  • Print

Also in Men's Basketball

Comments » 28

Will_Bleed_Orange_Till_White writes:

first

lsrevil writes:

in response to Will_Bleed_Orange_Till_White:

first

Congratulations!

Go buy yourself a cookie. You've earned it.

Agent_Orange writes:

112-13 over Mexico / 131-77 over France. Looks like Bruce Pearl and the US team are well on their way to a gold medal in international competition. Maybe the USA needs to think about replacing that Coach K guy running the Olympic team.

Ironcity writes:

in response to A_VOICE_OF_REASON:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

And we should care about this because....? This is just more Pearl ego at the forefront. When he SHOULD be in Knoxville making an undisciplined team with no toughness better, he's halfway around the world looking to put his own name in headlines. Typical.

Your nothing but bitter. Coach Pearl has been kicking your teams but (whoever they are) for the last five years and its clear your just bitter!

CoachFulmer writes:

in response to A_VOICE_OF_REASON:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

And we should care about this because....? This is just more Pearl ego at the forefront. When he SHOULD be in Knoxville making an undisciplined team with no toughness better, he's halfway around the world looking to put his own name in headlines. Typical.

Im pretty sure these games are for Jewish athletes, so saying that, Pearl is doing this for his country and his religion. I don't think he is doing this for his own personal gain or ego.

Witch_Doctor writes:

Witch Doctor say Bruce the man! Bones never lie

Phowell23 writes:

I can't believe Mexico scored 13 points, Pearl's defense must be soft LOL

Witch_Doctor writes:

in response to Phowell23:

I can't believe Mexico scored 13 points, Pearl's defense must be soft LOL

Witch Doctor not many Jewish Mexicans before and Witch Doctor believe the ones that are probably aint too good at sports.Lol Bones never lie

Witch_Doctor writes:

in response to Witch_Doctor:

Witch Doctor not many Jewish Mexicans before and Witch Doctor believe the ones that are probably aint too good at sports.Lol Bones never lie

Witch Doctor not "meet too" many....Bones slip up. Bones never lie

LadyVolsEighTimes writes:

CBP is serving The Orange,,,, The Red, White, and Blue! He is serving as an American Ambassador to the Jewish World of Sports, He is carrying the American Star of David so to speak.

Walking around with a Target on his back in a Combat Zone. Extremists would love nothing better than to blow up or kidnap the US Jewish Delegation to these games. (I imagine he took his other three children as well as Steven being there, and his almost wife).

We have a daughter that is a Senior at UT, she has studied for the last year in Israel. That place is a nightmare.

And NO! we are not Jewish, just simple Southern Baptist and Catholic. Damn attack CBP professionally, but to say he is feeding his Ego? Maybe some folks need to lear to hate the game, not the player.

As to working with his players at UT, that would be a major NCAA Violation at this time.

TkelynN writes:

in response to A_VOICE_OF_REASON:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

And one other thing about all this - I suppose some actually believe that Pearl coaching this little church league thing is far better for the TN program that is PAYING HIM MILLIONS than actually being in the country and at various elite AAU tourneys being SEEN by potential recruits??? Yeah I'm sure it is. TN has obviously reached the point where Pearl just PICKS the players he wants and they come running - right? Yes sir, put your players at risk in a summer rec league then leave the country to coach some little church league action and MAYBE when the dust settles you can get to ROUND TWO of the NCAA tourney next time! That of course the NCAA doesn't ban you from the tourney first. But hey, you ARE the man Brucey boy!!! Just don't run out of kool-aid to feed these minions!!!

haha, sounds like Coach Pearl stole your girlfriend, calm down man, she wasnt good enough for you anyway. There are other fish in the sea, your time will come. You know what they say, love will find you when you least expect it. Just lay off the bitter pill and appreciate the spokesperson the university has in Bruce Pearl. You shouldnt be complaining about him and his short comings in the tournaments, afterall we could have coaches like, Peterson, O'Neill, Houston, Green, then there would be no hype or big expectations.... ahh, simple minded you are... you will learn in time.

rclarkfork#639958 writes:

in response to A_VOICE_OF_REASON:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

It is interesting too that all of you fools want to fire away at the messenger but not a single one of you has yet challenged the FACTS I've posted. Fools of course don't deal in facts do they?

You state that you have been a Tenn fan and supporter for years, if that was true, you would know that Bruce has done more for this basketball program then anyone thought was possible just a mere five years ago. Six or seven years ago I was told by someone who is very influential in college basketball that Tenn. would never be able to field a program capable of being a national power in basketball. I talked to him a month ago and he said that Bruce Pearl had done for Tenn basketball what most thought impossible. He said, not only was Tenn on the verge of becoming a national power in basketball but they will be there to stay as long as Pearl hangs around. In his words, Pearl promotes the University of Tennessee as well as anyone out there promotes their school in either college basketball or football and has created a relationship with many of the renowned high school hot beds of basketball talent. You say that he does nothing that doesn't promote himself. No, the fact is, he does nothing but promote the University of Tennessee and fortunately for those of us who are true Tenn. fans, this will bring us years of being a national power in basketball. Bruce Pearl has accomplished something most experts in college sports thought nearly impossible at a school known for football. He told me it would be like someone walking into Kentucky and building a national power in football. Chances are slim and none. Well Bruce has not only bucked those odds but he does it while promoting our great university. So sir, crawl back under the rock you came out from under because you know not of what you speak.

rclarkfork#639958 writes:

First, I'm a long way from being a kid. Second, you have no idea what you are talking about. I happen to talk to people who know a little more then you, even though that obviously doesn't take much. You only show your lack of knowledge by continuing to make such statements. Ask the former players of Pearls. Ask them who and what he promotes. I guarantee you the answer will not be himself. Ask the administration over on the hill how well he represents and promotes the University. The answer will make your words sound as ridiculous as they are. You speak of something of which you have no knowledge. You might convince some others that your drivel is true but I happen to know better. So go convince someone who doesn't know the truth.

chargervol writes:

All I can say about these comments are, you only hate what you don't understand. Voice, you need to calm down a little bit. We don't want you to have a stroke. If Pearl is promoting Pearl, it still helps Tennessee's program. He brings attention to the program. Who is going to be the winningest coach in Tennessee's history when Bruce retires or tries another challenge? Answer is Bruce Pearl, you're just going to have to deal with it. It is what it is! Try not to get your blood-pressure up like that, it is not healthy. Chill! GO VOLS!!!

SmokyMTNVol writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

You state that you have been a Tenn fan and supporter for years, if that was true, you would know that Bruce has done more for this basketball program then anyone thought was possible just a mere five years ago. Six or seven years ago I was told by someone who is very influential in college basketball that Tenn. would never be able to field a program capable of being a national power in basketball. I talked to him a month ago and he said that Bruce Pearl had done for Tenn basketball what most thought impossible. He said, not only was Tenn on the verge of becoming a national power in basketball but they will be there to stay as long as Pearl hangs around. In his words, Pearl promotes the University of Tennessee as well as anyone out there promotes their school in either college basketball or football and has created a relationship with many of the renowned high school hot beds of basketball talent. You say that he does nothing that doesn't promote himself. No, the fact is, he does nothing but promote the University of Tennessee and fortunately for those of us who are true Tenn. fans, this will bring us years of being a national power in basketball. Bruce Pearl has accomplished something most experts in college sports thought nearly impossible at a school known for football. He told me it would be like someone walking into Kentucky and building a national power in football. Chances are slim and none. Well Bruce has not only bucked those odds but he does it while promoting our great university. So sir, crawl back under the rock you came out from under because you know not of what you speak.

UT a national power? LOL! As my kids would sat. What in hell have you been smoking? I think that is a lot of wishful thinking on your part young man.

RockyMountainVolunteer writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

You state that you have been a Tenn fan and supporter for years, if that was true, you would know that Bruce has done more for this basketball program then anyone thought was possible just a mere five years ago. Six or seven years ago I was told by someone who is very influential in college basketball that Tenn. would never be able to field a program capable of being a national power in basketball. I talked to him a month ago and he said that Bruce Pearl had done for Tenn basketball what most thought impossible. He said, not only was Tenn on the verge of becoming a national power in basketball but they will be there to stay as long as Pearl hangs around. In his words, Pearl promotes the University of Tennessee as well as anyone out there promotes their school in either college basketball or football and has created a relationship with many of the renowned high school hot beds of basketball talent. You say that he does nothing that doesn't promote himself. No, the fact is, he does nothing but promote the University of Tennessee and fortunately for those of us who are true Tenn. fans, this will bring us years of being a national power in basketball. Bruce Pearl has accomplished something most experts in college sports thought nearly impossible at a school known for football. He told me it would be like someone walking into Kentucky and building a national power in football. Chances are slim and none. Well Bruce has not only bucked those odds but he does it while promoting our great university. So sir, crawl back under the rock you came out from under because you know not of what you speak.

I am so happy that you did not post this on a national board. That would be very embarassing.
UT is far from being a national power. I am not going to say that we will never reach that status but we are a long ways from claimaing that right now. I believe we took a major step backwards after last years season. I also believe that the weak SEC that Pearl has coached in will be greatly improved with the influx of new coaches coming in. Kentucky is going to be scary good from now on and Alabama has a very good coach and recruiter in Anthony Grant. Mark Fox at Georgia will be a nice addition as well.
So we will no longer face the cupcake SEC schedule that we have had in Pearl's previos seasons.

Plasticman writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

You state that you have been a Tenn fan and supporter for years, if that was true, you would know that Bruce has done more for this basketball program then anyone thought was possible just a mere five years ago. Six or seven years ago I was told by someone who is very influential in college basketball that Tenn. would never be able to field a program capable of being a national power in basketball. I talked to him a month ago and he said that Bruce Pearl had done for Tenn basketball what most thought impossible. He said, not only was Tenn on the verge of becoming a national power in basketball but they will be there to stay as long as Pearl hangs around. In his words, Pearl promotes the University of Tennessee as well as anyone out there promotes their school in either college basketball or football and has created a relationship with many of the renowned high school hot beds of basketball talent. You say that he does nothing that doesn't promote himself. No, the fact is, he does nothing but promote the University of Tennessee and fortunately for those of us who are true Tenn. fans, this will bring us years of being a national power in basketball. Bruce Pearl has accomplished something most experts in college sports thought nearly impossible at a school known for football. He told me it would be like someone walking into Kentucky and building a national power in football. Chances are slim and none. Well Bruce has not only bucked those odds but he does it while promoting our great university. So sir, crawl back under the rock you came out from under because you know not of what you speak.

Preach brother! Great post and I agree with you. I have been a TN BB fan for over 40 years and the only time I remember this much excitement was 1974-77 with Ernie and Bernie. Peral is not only a coach, he is a promoter, much like Ray Mears was in the 60's and 70's. We may not be considered a National Power with the likes of UNC, Duke, KY, UCLA, etc.., but I have seen enough to know that we can compete with most programs where as 6 years ago, we were a laughing stock of college BB.

RockyMountainVolunteer writes:

in response to Plasticman:

Preach brother! Great post and I agree with you. I have been a TN BB fan for over 40 years and the only time I remember this much excitement was 1974-77 with Ernie and Bernie. Peral is not only a coach, he is a promoter, much like Ray Mears was in the 60's and 70's. We may not be considered a National Power with the likes of UNC, Duke, KY, UCLA, etc.., but I have seen enough to know that we can compete with most programs where as 6 years ago, we were a laughing stock of college BB.

Plasticman I travel for a living and I can guarantee you that after last season we are still laughing stocks. A very close friend of mine is an alum of Butler U and he has no respect for Pearl and UT at all. He honestly believes that the likes of Butler, Xavier and Dayton are ahead of UT and I have a hard time arguing with that. I thought Pearl did a horrible job of coaching this team last year.

rclarkfork#639958 writes:

in response to RockyMountainVolunteer:

Plasticman I travel for a living and I can guarantee you that after last season we are still laughing stocks. A very close friend of mine is an alum of Butler U and he has no respect for Pearl and UT at all. He honestly believes that the likes of Butler, Xavier and Dayton are ahead of UT and I have a hard time arguing with that. I thought Pearl did a horrible job of coaching this team last year.

Well gosh if your friend who is a grad of Butler believes it , must be fact. LOL You are making a joke of yourself. I also did not say they are a national power yet but they are headed in that direction. In 3 yrs we will look and see where Tenn is. Guarantee it won't be in a league with Butler, Xavier and Dayton. But I'm sure I must be wrong, I'm not a friend of yours or an alum of Butler U. That has to be one of the lamest post I've ever seen. I'll throw out a couple of names that think they are headed towards being a national power. Try Grunfield and Packer....they might just have a little better understanding of what is happening then your Butler Alum...I have been rolling in the floor ever since I read that one. Can't wait to tell that one at the next get together. ROFLMAO I'm through posting on this subject, can't discuss with people who have alum friends from Butler....they know too much basketball up there

VolDog25 writes:

in response to BIPOLAR_BEAR:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

It seems funny to me that just a season ago UT went on the road and kicked Xaviers AZZ as well as Butlers in the NCAA tourney. I'm sure they didn't laugh at that..HOW BOUT THEM VOLS!!

Why are UT fans so damn stupid. Who cares about in season games? It's all about the post season. When are you morons going to realize that winning at the end of the season is what counts. Pearl is 8 and 8 in the post season. He has not even won one SEC tournament. My goodness folks take off your Bright orange glasses and realize that the SEC has been a miserable league during Pearls tenure.
John Calipari recently said that he earns his money in the post season. The season don't start until March. I get paid to have my team ready to play it's best basketball come March.
I realize we as VOL fans want to believe that Pearl is the ultimate coach but until he proves himself against the big boys come March he ain't shiot. 8 and 8 and not one SEC title. yea, he has me real excited about next season. NOT!
Bipolar, UT beat Xavier that year but also climbed to number 1. Xavier went all the way to the great 8 and we lost in the second round. Again coaches have their teams ready come March. Pearl has proven that his teams are never ready.
Pearl is a pathetic game coach. So just get over it! I am so sick of hearing how great he is. Go to the damn games and then tell me that.

VolDog25 writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

Well gosh if your friend who is a grad of Butler believes it , must be fact. LOL You are making a joke of yourself. I also did not say they are a national power yet but they are headed in that direction. In 3 yrs we will look and see where Tenn is. Guarantee it won't be in a league with Butler, Xavier and Dayton. But I'm sure I must be wrong, I'm not a friend of yours or an alum of Butler U. That has to be one of the lamest post I've ever seen. I'll throw out a couple of names that think they are headed towards being a national power. Try Grunfield and Packer....they might just have a little better understanding of what is happening then your Butler Alum...I have been rolling in the floor ever since I read that one. Can't wait to tell that one at the next get together. ROFLMAO I'm through posting on this subject, can't discuss with people who have alum friends from Butler....they know too much basketball up there

Yea, Billy Packer also stated at the start of last season that UT would be a powerhouse last year. Every media outlet had UT in the top 15 and some even in the top 10. Well we saw how that turned out did we not. My man, you don't have a clue about basketball or you would not be on here talking shi*. I go to the damn games and I see how bad these kids look at the end of the year. If it was not for Chris Lofton you would be crying how bad he sucks as well.
By the way, Arizona went after Xaviers head coach not ours. Kentucky went after Calipari not Pearl. If Pearl was a proven commodity he would not be the head coach at UT. He would be coaching at a basketball school.
Do me favor the next time you get together with those over the hill gentlemen ask them just how bad Pearl underachieved last year?
If you want to talk basketball with me old timer bring it on. I am at every event be it college or high school.
Have you noticed that most of the top players in our state want to go to Memphis or Kentucky.
And you heard it here first we have a big time recruit that will back out of his commitment and never step foot on campus.

VolDog25 writes:

in response to BIPOLAR_BEAR:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

They beat Butler in the tourney, and where in my post did I call BP a great bench coach. You need to read the whole post before spewing bile out of your piehole. I root for UT unconditionally, but if you put conditions on your loyalty then get the H3ll out. We need true Orange bleeding fans.

I will meet you and by you a beer at every game next year. Tell me how many games do you attend? I can promise you I bleed orange, but I am also a realist.

VolDog25 writes:

in response to BIPOLAR_BEAR:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

BB or FB?? I attend mostly FB games, but will make the UK or UF games in BB.

I attend all games. I will let you decide.

VOLDoll writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

Well gosh if your friend who is a grad of Butler believes it , must be fact. LOL You are making a joke of yourself. I also did not say they are a national power yet but they are headed in that direction. In 3 yrs we will look and see where Tenn is. Guarantee it won't be in a league with Butler, Xavier and Dayton. But I'm sure I must be wrong, I'm not a friend of yours or an alum of Butler U. That has to be one of the lamest post I've ever seen. I'll throw out a couple of names that think they are headed towards being a national power. Try Grunfield and Packer....they might just have a little better understanding of what is happening then your Butler Alum...I have been rolling in the floor ever since I read that one. Can't wait to tell that one at the next get together. ROFLMAO I'm through posting on this subject, can't discuss with people who have alum friends from Butler....they know too much basketball up there

As much as I respect the job CBP has done here at UT, we are nowhere near the basketball school Xavier is. They have been in the national spotlight for a very long time and have produced many professional ball players.
So you sir have no right to call anyone a joke. It seems you write with your heart and not your brain.

VolDog25 writes:

in response to rclarkfork#639958:

Well gosh if your friend who is a grad of Butler believes it , must be fact. LOL You are making a joke of yourself. I also did not say they are a national power yet but they are headed in that direction. In 3 yrs we will look and see where Tenn is. Guarantee it won't be in a league with Butler, Xavier and Dayton. But I'm sure I must be wrong, I'm not a friend of yours or an alum of Butler U. That has to be one of the lamest post I've ever seen. I'll throw out a couple of names that think they are headed towards being a national power. Try Grunfield and Packer....they might just have a little better understanding of what is happening then your Butler Alum...I have been rolling in the floor ever since I read that one. Can't wait to tell that one at the next get together. ROFLMAO I'm through posting on this subject, can't discuss with people who have alum friends from Butler....they know too much basketball up there

Next time you talk to Mr Packer let him know that he is wrong about Pearl and UT. If you want to know anything else please let me know. I will be more than happy to help you out.

Slystone writes:

Some one better call Pearl and tell him to get his butt back over here as rumour has it his top recruit Josh Selby has decommitted.

jhayes0926#638474 writes:

this is a fact per rivals.com

Anyone know the reason or can anyone speculate on why the decommit??

Slystone writes:

Rumours have been said that it's a shoe thing, which makes no sense because Josh knew UT is and Adidas school, but he has some fondness to Nike. Also I heard that World Wide Wes may be involved, again just a rumour. If UK is involved this would be an ultimate slap in Pearl's face. On some other sites I heard he was wanting to be closer to home.

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Features