Bruce Pearl's next victory will be the 100th in his tenure at Tennessee, but the Vols' basketball coach has another number in mind.
"If we win (tonight), it's number two,'' Pearl said, referring to what would be UT's victory total this season with a win over UNC-Asheville. "That's the only number that matters to me. It (100 wins) sounds good, but if you've been around me, it is what it is.
"I care about history, and I want very badly for this to be known as a special time in Tennessee basketball.''
The Vols (1-0) tip off against the Bulldogs (0-1) at 7 tonight (TV: Fox Sports Net) in Thompson-Boling Arena.
With a win, Pearl's 100 victories at UT would come in his 137th game - only John Mauer (1938-47) accomplished the feat quicker (131 games).
Mauer also served as an assistant coach to Gen. Robert Neyland on the Vols' football staff and was UT's baseball coach while handling his basketball duties.
Obviously, it's a different time in collegiate athletics, and Pearl said his time (five years) with the Vols has flown by.
"It feels like a much shorter time than that,'' Pearl, 49, said. "I still feel like I'm new, like I'm a rookie, like we're trying to get some credibility with the men's basketball program.''
Pearl has proven a fan-favorite, with UT's' attendance increasing each of the previous four seasons while rising to No. 4 in the nation.
Tennessee also has played in the NCAA tournament four consecutive years under Pearl, one short of tying the school mark set by Don DeVoe (1979-83). Pearl delivered the first outright SEC regular-season championship at Tennessee (2008) since former coach Ray Mears in 1967, and attained the Vols' first No. 1 basketball ranking in the process.
But as Pearl says, it is what it is, and his focus is on getting the next victory and improving.
UNC-Asheville opened its season with an 86-70 loss at Charlotte on Friday, but Pearl said he expects the Bulldogs will be capable of challenging the Vols.
"It's a team we've played before, and they've given us competitive games and know us well,'' Pearl said. "They gave (Charlotte) a good game, and their best player, John Williams, didn't play. We expect him to play against us, and that should bolster them.''
UNC-Asheville also features a strong point guard in J.P. Primm, who scored 15 points against Charlotte. Primm played in the Pilot Rocky Top League last summer, holding his own against UT players while averaging 19.9 points for the HT Group team that won the league title.
Pearl Vs. SEC: With a win tonight Pearl will become the fourth active coach in the SEC with 100 victories, joining Florida's Billy Donovan, Mississippi State's Rick Stansbury and Vanderbilt's Kevin Stallings.
It took Donovan 154 games to win 100 at Florida, Stansbury 158 and Stallings 179.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 40
dathcha30 writes:
yeah and you will probably lose half your starters becauase they will decide to turn pro and be flops like most do that leave college early
cdonsbach writes:
Can't wait for the game tomorrow. This is the best time of the year, NFL on Sunday, NFL on Monday, UT basketball on Tuesday, NFL on Thursday, high school playoffs on Friday, and UT football on Saturday.
BigOrangeGhostHunter writes:
Every team has a long way to go. Even Kansas. Losses now don't mean squat. In April and March, panic.
tennrich1 writes:
I really dont want this to sound like sour grapes because you guys really hit the jack pot with recruiting this year.. but i have watched Cal for 9 years up close....He must have that level of recruits to do well...he just isnt the floor coach that some are....however there's two ways to have a winning program....great coaches or great players....unfortunately problems usually follow a program that relies on great players...many tend to be trouble...
tennrich1 writes:
...meaning that a team filled with ALL great players and few role players tends to create problems..
jclvol writes:
Kudos to WWW, I mean Cal, for recruiting. It's really expensive, I mean impressive. If you think Cal is a better bench coach than Pearl though, you clearly never watched Cal's teams in Memphis (except the last couple of years). I guess they did do well in the NIT every year.
jclvol writes:
UK does have a long way to go, but their is definitely a lot of talent on that team. They are going to be pretty dangerous by SEC play. They made some fr mistakes and didn't look quite like a team yet, but the potential is obvious. I was impressed by Walls, especially the clutch shot, but even more impressed by the POTENTIAL that Cousins has. He can be a beast when he adjusts to D1 play. I've been to a couple of UT games. It's going to be interesting to see where the 2 teams are come Jan.
VOLKING writes:
LOL!! A Memphis interloper doesn't like Calipari or Pearl. Wow!!! Who woulda thunk it? How's your Tiggers looking? LOL!!!
newtonrail writes:
What outhouse in Hamblen County belched you out. I'll be at the game.
bluevol writes:
Well, its not Calipari the Vols need worry about anymore. There is a new kid on the block, Pastner and he is bad!
Ridgeway standout Tarik Black joins Memphis Tigers
* By Jason Smith
Just minutes after Ridgeway High star forward Tarik Black signed Monday evening with the University of Memphis, national recruiting analysts were already calling the Tigers’ 2010 class the nation’s top crop.
Black, a 6-7, 230-pound banger, became the seventh member of first-year Memphis coach Josh Pastner’s 2010 recruiting class Monday, joining a group that includes fellow top-50 prospects Jelan Kendrick (Marietta, Ga.), Will Barton (Baltimore) and White Station High guard Joe Jackson.“I went through the recruiting process, and, out of respect for all the other schools, they were great schools and great programs, but there was something about Memphis that I couldn’t leave. I just felt it in my heart that this is where I should be,” said Black, who had also considered Alabama, Florida, Marquette and Tennessee. Jackson, who signed with Memphis last week, attended Black’s press conference at Ridgeway on Monday. He agreed with Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Jerry Meyer and Scout.com national recruiting director Dave Telep’s assessments that Memphis’ 2010 class now ranks No. 1 in the country.
bluevol writes:
By looking at my previous post I'd say Memphis' future is looking pretty darn good. Not only do they have by far the best 2010 recruiting class but they took just about every 4-5 star recruit that Pearl recruited so hard, Jackson, Crawford, Barton, Black and Kendrick, lol! And to think Pearl was spreading that rumor around that Memphis wanted to hire him just to get a raise. Thank God Memphis didn't offer Pearl the job. This 32 year old rookie Coach Pastner is eating Pearl's lunch. And this is only the beginning. :)
Hickmc writes:
Let's wait and see how well he coaches them when they hit the hardwood. Recruiting is one thing but you have to know how to put them in position to win. He may be Great and he may not. Time will tell......
richvol writes:
If UT doesn't win the SEC then Kentucky will. This early in the season doesn't mean much...at least in the way the team plays. The players are too new to each other to have any kind of flow. What to watch for is how each player does his job and it certainly looks like Wall did his.
As far as one and dones,Tennessee needs Kentucky to be strong. It makes us better to have to fight to stay competitive so let's hope that all young players stay in school long enough to grow into mature players. It makes for a better league and better entertainment for us.
GreeneVol_TN writes:
How did an article about Pearl going for his milestone 100th win at Tennessee against UNC-Ashville turn into a catfight (tiggers vs wildcats)? Let's celebrate our coach and what he is accomplishing here in Knoxville and by the end of the year all the other questions will be answered.
GO CBP, GO VOLS!
bluevol writes:
You know for a voice of reason you aren't the sharpest crayon in the box.
You must have your solar panels aimed at the moon. Did you read the article? Memphis has the #1 recruiting class and #2 Ohio St. isn't even close. Memphis will have five, yes five 5 star players next year ( including Elliot Williams who is a sophomore on this year's team) and a bunch of 4 star players including Crawford who Pearl recruited and wanted so badly. We're talking teams here, not individuals. Memphis has three of the top 15 recruits in the country!!!
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.co...
Combine these 8 players coming in (7 foot 4 star Garcia will be coming in after sitting out with an injury this year) with returning talent like Elliot Williams, Coleman, Sallie and Witherspoon and you have the #1 team in the country. Now who gets the better end of THAT deal??? :)
bluevol writes:
My bad! Actually Memphis has three of the top twelve recruits in the country. =)
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
I know..I was wondering the same thing..I don't give a rat's behind about Memphis or Kentucky right now..I'm just focused on our games and one game at a time, for that matter.
Since we are talking about recruiting..Bruce will always get his share of good recruits!!!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Would you care to give me a little info on Tobias Harris?? That would be much appreciated. Thanks.
GBO!!
Bigger_Al writes:
I agree that this is the best era ever in Tennessee Basketball, given the interest in NCAA hoops in this timeframe compared to the others. A bit dubious, but if we can advance further than ever in the NCAA, this can really be something to be proud of.
I forgot that DeVoe made 5 in a row.
bluevol writes:
Well VOLKING dragged Memphis into it with this reply to MorristownVol:
"
LOL!! A Memphis interloper doesn't like Calipari or Pearl. Wow!!! Who woulda thunk it? How's your Tiggers looking? LOL!!!"
The thing is I do believe Morris has the wool pulled over VOLKING'S eyes. I've seen Morris' posts in the past and I know he's not a Memphis fan. And Harris is far from a done deal. Right now there are 7 teams in the running for Harris with him having equal interest in them all. I mean Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford were done deals too from what I read on Vols boards. Now about Harris, again, it doesn't look like a done deal to me.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketba...
bluevol writes:
I stand corrected. It does seem Harris is a done deal, for West Virginia:
This weekend WVU played host to its highest-rated hoops prospect in the 2010 class, New York small forward Tobias Harris, the nation’s No. 3 small forward and No. 7 overall prospect according to ESPN.com. West Virginia’s coaching staff seems to have the Mountaineers very much in position to potentially land a commitment from the blue-chip recruit.
Today we spoke with Harris’ father, Torrel Harris, who has guided his son through a lengthy recruiting process that has included dozens of campus visits and that will end with a nationally televised announcement on Nov. 19. Tomorrow, we'll have Tobias’ take on the trip to WVU.
VolinCalif writes:
Watch out. I hear there is a new program on Radio. Called "What'ch going to do when they take your TV from you." Oh well there is always the Kool aid, We'll share
murrayvol writes:
And they will get there.
murrayvol writes:
Coaching, preparation and chemistry actually matter in the game of basketball.
Pastner may turn out to be one of the greats. Maybe not.
bill#1374014 writes:
Pearl has taken advantage of the fact UK and UF have been down the last 2 years. Vols are not the same without Lofton and Jujuan Smith. Forget about them winning the East anytime soon, as long as Ky. is pulling in the studs they're getting. UT had their chance to go to elite 8 when they lost to Ohio St. 3 years ago.
Cldvols1 writes:
Come one bv, this is a Vol website who cares about WVU! If it was an SEC school I could understand but the Big East?
tennrich1 writes:
bluevol, this is an honest question...please speak for those guys (and i know a couple on here) that go to opposing teams websites and talk unfounded info to get replies...i am a criminal character analyzer and interested in what makes one do what they do...just give an honest reply...
bluevol writes:
I swear A_VOICE OF_IMBECILITY if you were any denser, the geocentric theory of the universe will come true. You said Harris was a done deal. I simply did research and posted an article that proved you wrong. Tennrich I cannot answer your question. I know Vol fans are the worse at invading the Memphis boards with trash talk. I came here to read what was going on with the Vols because I'm interested and see a post by Volking trashing Memphis for no reason and A_Voice telling lies so I responded in kind.
G'day.
TopTenn writes:
Good Luck Coach on 100.
RockyTopRenegade writes:
First things first-
Cal is a cheater who has VACATED two seasons at two universities. He is a pitiful floor coach who teaches a playground ball that is just like him - all flash and collapses when under pressure. Those are the reasons he will always be owned by Pearl.
Pastner was 10th on Memphis' hire list and was put on by RC to keep the FEDEX money flowing by cutting contract cost of a program that had just VACATED an entire season. Now that Wonder Boy has proven capable of recruiting, admirably so, he will take his new Head Coach cred to Arizona to cash in on what JC tried to cheap-out on. Tonight's destruction of Mempuss will be a preview of the New Year's Eve spanking that faces Coach Pastner's team.
Looking forward to Coach Pearl's 100th, watching Scotty's new three, sweet isn't it, looking to see more of Goin's quickness and Tyler's new floor leadership. A lot of promise to this year's SEC championship frontrunner. Looks like a great TEAM, thanks Coach Pearl, behind you all the way!
RockyTopRenegade writes:
RC
huntined#565710 writes:
WOW Guys this is a big deal...to win 100 in 137 especally in the sec that is great,, GREAT JOB COACH!!! man it is hard for people to stay on the subject in here..
PoochPuntOn3rdDown writes:
Since all you ever talk about is "bench coaching", I'm really curious who you consider a good bench coach?
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Ok..thanks for the info.
bluevol writes:
A_Voice, you couldn't guess up from down if you had three guesses. Some of your posts look like they were made by someone so confused that you wouldn't know rather to wind your rear or scratch your watch. I didn't trash the Vols at all, just said they have something to worry about which is true. Pastner is hauling in the top recruits, many that Pearl recruited. Now I don't see where saying the Vols have something to worry about is bashing. Now you lie a again by trying to make it look as thought Volking was merely asking how the Tiger's were doing. Read it again.
VOLKING writes:
in response to MorristownVOL:
I agree, he needs to be more like coach Pearl. recruit the second rate kids and suck at being a bench coach.
LOL!! A Memphis interloper doesn't like Calipari or Pearl. Wow!!! Who woulda thunk it? How's your Tiggers looking? LOL!!!
Now I would say Volking's 12:25 AM post is prior to my 2:37 AM post. Maybe that math is too complicated for you. Now you're trying to make that post look like Volking was merely asking how Memphis was doing. Give me a break. Any fool can see that was a lame attempt to insult Memphis. Then again you aren't just any fool, you're an extraordinary fool. You want to bet $10,000 with a stranger on a chat board?? Okaaaay...... Maybe you should check into the HaHa Hilton for a few months A_Voice, just relax, and take your meds. I look forward to the next dozen posts from you when I check back in a few hours. And Harris is not signing with UT. As I said he;s a done deal like Joe Jackson and Chris Crawford were..... bet me $10,000!! LMAO!!!!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Hard to say what the new CBA will include, but I would be willing to see something like what you said. Except for limiting the draftable pool to 10, that sounds a good deal like what baseball does now. Almost anything would be better than one-and-done! That rule not only makes college attendance a travesty for that class of players, it gives false hope to a far larger subset of players who only THINK they are good enough to go straight to the NBA.
However, if the NBA does enact a rule like that, I would expect to see, say, the next 11-20 players give a hard look to playing overseas after HS. The success of Brandon Jennings this year has opened a lot of eyes, though a couple of others who tried that route aren't doing so well over there. It's not for everybody. It may also be an option for some of the "select 10" if they DON'T get drafted. Maybe they can also have the option of going to college in that case, but that could be a real mess.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Same argument AVOR made about UK. As a rookie coach, Pastner may have an even harder time keeping a roster-full of "blue-chippers" happy with playing roles than Calapari will at UK with far more experience with that caliber of players. One never knows how well teams of All-Stars will gel. There is, after all, only one ball, and most of those guys are perimeter players who are used to having it in their hands a lot. Remember the original "Fab Five" at Michigan; that was a position-balanced class, yet they made only one Final Four in their whole career.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Shout-out to AVOR, though he probably won't think much of it coming from me(;-P)! A maximum of info and reasonable--if sometimes debatable--opinion with a minimum of gratuitous insults.
ellunitiko writes:
Omg this game is like watching the USA Dream Team vs. Special Olympics Dream Team (not making fun of special olympics, just pointing to the disparity b/t the two). We are absolutely-yessiree PWNING them. Pwn Pwn Pwn Pwn, Hopson for 333333333333333
bluevol writes:
Wrong! Pearl has stated over and over the importance of recruiting Memphis and he has recruited Memphis tenaciously and come away with nothing. I guess Pearl didn't want Jackson, Crawford or Black?? Yeah, right! I don't care where he recruits. Results are all that matters. Speaking of results where is UT's 2010 class ranked???
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