New Bruce Pearl?

[MikeHamiltonFan]

Vols catching on to Pearl's demeanor GoVolsXtra

I think his personal life is clearly in a better place this year and I think he feels the pressure of this season.

If he has a great year he will be able to recruit horses to keep him competitive with Kentucky. If he has less than a great year, Tyler will not be a lottery pick, Wayne will not be drafted high and guys will say that you cannot make NBA $ if you go play for Bruce Pearl. CJ Watson is not going to cut it as an NBA resume. I think in 2 years we could be talking about Watson and Wayne playing in the NBA and Smith and Hopson making lots of money in the NBA and that is something that Pearl will be able to use to great effect.

I think we will be able to see it early this year. If we are stealing 10 plus per game, if we are winning by 40 but Bruce is still yelling about missed defensive assignments, we will be able to get excited about Kansas and Memphis and Kentucky.

I also think that Goins will make a difference, JP will play defense at a level no one at TN has seen before and we will win the tournament, perhaps against a good Purdue team.

By December 1 I am hoping UT has a top 5 recruiting class and an undefeated basketball season going.

They say Pearl is out of patience, well 5 of these players are out of time. If they rise to the level they are capable of playing, all of them can make some money in basketball and some can make a good deal of money. Wayne needs to play like he has played at his best as his average. Tyler needs to work on the things he saw as needs in NBA camps and not try to make an AND 1 highlight tape. JP just needs to show people that injuries have slowed him and that he is not a bench warming Arizona reject who cannot play defense and who killed us at PG, but is a long limbed athlete who can do lots of different things well.

I was concerned listening to Bobby Maze that he is going to be shooting too many jumpers this year. If Bobby is pressing and then running out layups and is penetrating off the dribble, I am all for it, but if he thinks he is Alan Iverson, his missed 18 footers will be the second most annoying shot behind Chism's missed 3's.

Finally Scotty Hopson is ready to break out. Should be fun to watch. Kenny will be needed and relied on because of E man going down, and he should be all right. Some other guys could surprise but on this senior laden team, if these guys buy in to the Pearl press and play as hard as they can, we will have Pearl's best season at TN.

[MikeHamiltonFan]

"We're finishing up recruiting right now as we head into this really, really busy late-October, early-November period. And we feel like we're positioned well. Some things have got to come together for us here down the stretch in order for us to have the kind of year we need to have in recruiting. Because when you talk about replacing Bobby Maze, J.P. Prince, Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism–those will be four great players who will play a lot of basketball this year. So therefore there's a tremendous opportunity there (for new players to step in), and that's what we've been out there selling. I think we've done well so far. We're in position to do really well, but we'll have to see how it all plays out."

Bruce Pearl at the press conference.

I think he feels pretty good about Tobias Harris and Jayvaughn Pinkston...

[7thgroupvolfan]

Lets Go Boys!!!

[Unimane]

Originally Posted by MikeHamiltonFan

"We're finishing up recruiting right now as we head into this really, really busy late-October, early-November period. And we feel like we're positioned well. Some things have got to come together for us here down the stretch in order for us to have the kind of year we need to have in recruiting. Because when you talk about replacing Bobby Maze, J.P. Prince, Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism–those will be four great players who will play a lot of basketball this year. So therefore there's a tremendous opportunity there (for new players to step in), and that's what we've been out there selling. I think we've done well so far. We're in position to do really well, but we'll have to see how it all plays out."

Bruce Pearl at the press conference.

I think he feels pretty good about Tobias Harris and Jayvaughn Pinkston...

It sounds exactly like what was reported by Rob Lewis. Tennessee is in the lead for both, but both have other potential suitors that could swoop in and take them. It's good to hear that Pearl is optimistic, but not overconfident.

[Jason Agee]

Looking for a good year

[zjcvols]

Originally Posted by MikeHamiltonFan

Vols catching on to Pearl's demeanor GoVolsXtra

I think his personal life is clearly in a better place this year and I think he feels the pressure of this season.[/b]

If he has a great year he will be able to recruit horses to keep him competitive with Kentucky. If he has less than a great year, Tyler will not be a lottery pick, Wayne will not be drafted high and guys will say that you cannot make NBA $ if you go play for Bruce Pearl. CJ Watson is not going to cut it as an NBA resume. I think in 2 years we could be talking about Watson and Wayne playing in the NBA and Smith and Hopson making lots of money in the NBA and that is something that Pearl will be able to use to great effect.

I think we will be able to see it early this year. If we are stealing 10 plus per game, if we are winning by 40 but Bruce is still yelling about missed defensive assignments, we will be able to get excited about Kansas and Memphis and Kentucky.

I also think that Goins will make a difference, JP will play defense at a level no one at TN has seen before and we will win the tournament, perhaps against a good Purdue team.

By December 1 I am hoping UT has a top 5 recruiting class and an undefeated basketball season going.

They say Pearl is out of patience, well 5 of these players are out of time. If they rise to the level they are capable of playing, all of them can make some money in basketball and some can make a good deal of money. Wayne needs to play like he has played at his best as his average. Tyler needs to work on the things he saw as needs in NBA camps and not try to make an AND 1 highlight tape. JP just needs to show people that injuries have slowed him and that he is not a bench warming Arizona reject who cannot play defense and who killed us at PG, but is a long limbed athlete who can do lots of different things well.

I was concerned listening to Bobby Maze that he is going to be shooting too many jumpers this year. If Bobby is pressing and then running out layups and is penetrating off the dribble, I am all for it, but if he thinks he is Alan Iverson, his missed 18 footers will be the second most annoying shot behind Chism's missed 3's.

Finally Scotty Hopson is ready to break out. Should be fun to watch. Kenny will be needed and relied on because of E man going down, and he should be all right. Some other guys could surprise but on this senior laden team, if these guys buy in to the Pearl press and play as hard as they can, we will have Pearl's best season at TN.

1) If his personal life was affecting his coaching, then he I have lost respect for Pearl.

2) I'll go with that. We need some NBA players to help in recruiting

3) Goins was a worthless scholly, and JP Prince will never, ever, ever learn to play defense. Stop being blind.

4) I'll be shocked if we are undefeated by December 1st. Also, we are not going to have a top 5 recruiting class, because Tobias Harris isn't coming here.

5) Agree about Bobby Maze. Sadly Bruce's inability to recruit a good PG is going to hinder this team.

6) Scotty Hopson is not mentally tough enough to be a great player. Its not in him.

7) This team didn't want to press or play D last year. What makes you think they will this year?

8) This team will not be Bruce's best team. The highest ceiling for this team is 25 wins.

[i2amavol]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

1) If his personal life was affecting his coaching, then he I have lost respect for Pearl.

2) I'll go with that. We need some NBA players to help in recruiting

3) Goins was a worthless scholly, and JP Prince will never, ever, ever learn to play defense. Stop being blind.

4) I'll be shocked if we are undefeated by December 1st. Also, we are not going to have a top 5 recruiting class, because Tobias Harris isn't coming here.

5) Agree about Bobby Maze. Sadly Bruce's inability to recruit a good PG is going to hinder this team.

6) Scotty Hopson is not mentally tough enough to be a great player. Its not in him.

7) This team didn't want to press or play D last year. What makes you think they will this year?

8) This team will not be Bruce's best team. The highest ceiling for this team is 25 wins.

It will be interesting to see who gets closest to being right. On number one, you have got to be kidding me saying that someone's personal life doesn't affect their work. Some people can hide it pretty well, but it does affect their work. Divorces and courtships will almost always negatively affect work. It seems that getting married usually helps, IMO. See Tiger Woods. Again, just my opinion.

[Shaun1985]

I really think Scotty will be a lot better this year. To be a young kid coming in with that much hype, I don't think he dealt with it good. The whole 1 and done thing really screwed with this kid Now the pressure has lifted some, he has a year under his belt, and he is very, very talented. I see this kid lighting it up this year. Also, I do think JP improves his defense. People forget how high this kid stock was when he first came. He has something real nice but he's too darn skinny! If he had more upper body strength, his shots wouldn't be so altered when he attacks the rim. I sure hope he hit the weights in the off season.

[allvol21]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

1) If his personal life was affecting his coaching, then he I have lost respect for Pearl.


6) Scotty Hopson is not mentally tough enough to be a great player. Its not in him.

7) This team didn't want to press or play D last year. What makes you think they will this year?

8) This team will not be Bruce's best team. The highest ceiling for this team is 25 wins.

I realize that a forum is an opportunity to express opinions. That being said a post full of negative assumptions with no backbone of meaningful evidence is a waste of space IMO.

6) I will agree to go as far and say Scotty Hopson was not as aggressive or consistent as you would want a McDonald's all-American to be and that is a direct reflection of mental toughness but unless you are his sports psychologist I don't think you are in a fair position to state what his potential is mentally.

7) This team was not effective or even mediocre in half court d, but once again I don't see how anyone besides this staff can speak for the mentality of how this team is responding to extending back to the full court pressure. I would think that veterans in this program will be excited to go back to up tempo basketball and that is based on what I saw 2 years ago.

8) with 7 upper class-men that will be contributing to this team. and 3 more players with a year of experience under their belts in the SEC any statement regarding the potential of this team would be a complete gut feeling at this point, and would be unfair.

[yoranguavol2]

Originally Posted by zjcvols

1) If his personal life was affecting his coaching, then he I have lost respect for Pearl.

2) I'll go with that. We need some NBA players to help in recruiting

3) Goins was a worthless scholly, and JP Prince will never, ever, ever learn to play defense. Stop being blind.

4) I'll be shocked if we are undefeated by December 1st. Also, we are not going to have a top 5 recruiting class, because Tobias Harris isn't coming here.

5) Agree about Bobby Maze. Sadly Bruce's inability to recruit a good PG is going to hinder this team.

6) Scotty Hopson is not mentally tough enough to be a great player. Its not in him.

7) This team didn't want to press or play D last year. What makes you think they will this year?

8) This team will not be Bruce's best team. The highest ceiling for this team is 25 wins.

find a new team, Vol fans don't need you.

[Urinal Mint]

Originally Posted by yoranguavol2

find a new team, Vol fans don't need you.

GOOOZZZZ VOLZZZ BRUCE FOREVER!!!!! I <3 BRUCE!!! Is that what you want from every UT fan? The man said nothing but truth, sorry I know it hurts sometimes.

[yoranguavol2]

Originally Posted by Urinal Mint

GOOOZZZZ VOLZZZ BRUCE FOREVER!!!!! I <3 BRUCE!!! Is that what you want from every UT fan? The man said nothing but truth, sorry I know it hurts sometimes.

No, Just don't understand the pessimism! Since Pearl has been here we have had one "marginal" season (last year) and rest have been great. I don't understand the disdain for a man who has won so many games in such a short period of time. It's not like the last four years have been typical of UT basketball the last 30 years. Face it, rarely has this program had the success we have had under Bruce Pearl. Like many others, I had great expectations for last season (in hindsight they were unrealistic considering the number of new faces on the team and the losses off the past team), but those expectations were created because of the success of Bruce Pearl. Quite frankly, this "hate" (and no I don't think it is unfair to characterize it that way) that I read on this board concerning Pearl is not only unfounded, but irrational. I can't help to think that there is more to this story for some of these ardent Pearl haters. Is it because he is Jewish? I don't know and I don't get it! I don't expect to change your mind or anyone else on here... it is obvious that many on here are quite invested in tearing down Bruce Pearl and no amount of wins or championships will change that opinion. In fact I'm sure the same people who blast me everytime I post something pro-Pearl will do it again. The sad fact of the matter is that you Peal haters are a VERY vocal and VERY minority of UT fans. While I would never say that someone does not have a right to his/her opinion, if you hate BP and the state of the program so much, than do us and yourself a favor and just quit following the team. It's not worth all the drama. God bless.

[emainvol]

Originally Posted by yoranguavol2

No, Just don't understand the pessimism! Since Pearl has been here we have had one "marginal" season (last year) and rest have been great. I don't understand the disdain for a man who has won so many games in such a short period of time. It's not like the last four years have been typical of UT basketball the last 30 years. Face it, rarely has this program had the success we have had under Bruce Pearl. Like many others, I had great expectations for last season (in hindsight they were unrealistic considering the number of new faces on the team and the losses off the past team), but those expectations were created because of the success of Bruce Pearl. Quite frankly, this "hate" (and no I don't think it is unfair to characterize it that way) that I read on this board concerning Pearl is not only unfounded, but irrational. I can't help to think that there is more to this story for some of these ardent Pearl haters. Is it because he is Jewish? I don't know and I don't get it! I don't expect to change your mind or anyone else on here... it is obvious that many on here are quite invested in tearing down Bruce Pearl and no amount of wins or championships will change that opinion. In fact I'm sure the same people who blast me everytime I post something pro-Pearl will do it again. The sad fact of the matter is that you Peal haters are a VERY vocal and VERY minority of UT fans. While I would never say that someone does not have a right to his/her opinion, if you hate BP and the state of the program so much, than do us and yourself a favor and just quit following the team. It's not worth all the drama. God bless.

So, those that dislike Pearl have a right to their opinions, but they should quit following the team (a team that many have been following for their entire life)? Also, are you suggesting they might be bigots?

Sorry dude, that's just a whole lot of dumb.

[MikeHamiltonFan]

Two things:
JP Prince was playing very well before he hurt his ankle last year. He cannot physically look diesel, but he is a solid guy. His cousin has made a ton of money in the NBA playing with a very skinny frame. This guy is not Victor, he is the right size.

The other is an explanation of the Pearl hatred for those who really want to know:

Some fans are rooting for him to fail because they publicly and vocally used the platforms they had to tell everyone they knew involved with the program from AD to boosters who we should hire and it was not CBP. They viewed him as untested and a bad choice. They have looked stupid ever since.

Some fans are jealous of him. He is in great shape, he is a millionaire and he has gone further in a profession some of them dabbled in than they can dream of.

Some fans do not like his over the top publicity seeking. Kevin O'Neill does not hate Bruce for being a great coach, he hates him for being praised for being excited. O'Neill is boring, but he will also never recruit like Bruce (though I love their freshman stud).

Some fans do not like him because he turned in an Illinois recruit he secretly taped 20 years ago. The guy was talking to him about coming to Iowa where he was working and then said that his mom was being offered cash to fix up his place etc.

There are also people who hate the offense he runs which is kind of chaotic.

Finally there are people who are mad that we lost Selby while he was coaching in Israel. I think Josh has a greedy mom and it would not have mattered if Bruce was sitting in the Nike camp in his Adidas shirt, she was going to listen to Worldwide We$ but it could not have been helpful for him to be coaching his son in Israel.

Hope that clears it up.

[emainvol]

Actually, you forgot about the people like me that think he is getting paid entirely too much to run a team that doesn't play defense.