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Got to see Pearl today at the Big Orange Tipoff Club. He was fun to listen to as always.
Hamilton spoke first and said that only 200 tickets remained for Florida as of this morning. He went on to say that it was nice that our program is being noticed, referring to Brady and Calipari. Pearl later referenced Calapari by saying "he thought I knew what a gang-banger is". I must have missed it because I have no idea what that means.
Hamilton went on to tell a story about Pearl's recruitment as our coach. Mike had finished his meetings with Pump and had a good base evaluation of who they wanted to talk to. Hamilton described Pump as a guy who knows everyone who is anyone in sports. If you are anyone in sports, Pump has your cell phone in his cell phone. Anyway, Pump called Bruce Pearl.
"Bruce? Pump. How's it going. Hey, you interested in the Tennessee job.? Yeah, I have their search team here with me. We have got our eye one you. You da man! Just keep winning and we will be in touch."
Next, Pump was ready to call the next candidate on the list. For privacy concerns, we will call him Frank.
"Frank? Pump. How's it going. Hey, you interested in the Tennessee job? Yeah, I have their search team here with me. We have got our eye one you. You da man! Just keep winning and we will be in touch. (long pause). Oh, ok."
Curious as to what was going on, Hamilton asked Pump what the deal was. Pump responded, "I accidentally called Bruce again by mistake".
It was a pretty funny story, and I am sure I don't do it justice compared to listening to them tell it.
As Pearl started talking, he mentioned that he did not have a speech prepared. His reasoning? He thought we would rather have him watching Florida film this morning rather than preparing a speech.
As a team, Bruce acknowledged that we have to play better in close games. He feels like we can be in the game late with anyone in the country but winning those games with our talent and depth is tough.
He talked some about the team. He really was impressed with Bradshaw but said that he has to find a way to keep him hungry. Obviously Bradshaw went out with something to prove last night and Pearl want to try and keep him that motivated. He next commented on Asumnu. He said that Stanley is great at getting to the basket, but once he does nobody knows what he is going to do. He was not happy that Stanley missed 9 layups.
Pearl wasn't hesitant to take a shot at Kentucky. He found it funny that they lose by 25 and all of sudden Morris is eligible the next day.
He talked briefly about the upcoming Florida game and playing against Humprey and Brewer. His comments on Florida getting two of our top local kids to go out of state were "that won't happen again".
Bruce was very complimentary of the Lady Vols as usual. He said his biggest weapon in recruiting was not himself or Lofton/Watson or even Phil Fulmer. His secret recruting weapon was Candace Parker. He told all of the recruits that she would be here for three more years.
A person from the audience asked about Damien Harris. Baby Shaq? Pearl said that was his nickname and that was also the only resemblance to Shaq, besides maybe the baby part. He said only if Wingate or Patterson gets hurt would Harris play.
Pearl was very happy with the fan support so far. He said the fans performance was ahead of the teams at this point. He also mentioned that he was excited about the renovation of the Ray Mears Room and the plans to build a practice facility.
Speaking of next years team, Bruce is confident we will be better at every position except point.
Hamilton spoke first and said that only 200 tickets remained for Florida as of this morning. He went on to say that it was nice that our program is being noticed, referring to Brady and Calipari. Pearl later referenced Calapari by saying "he thought I knew what a gang-banger is". I must have missed it because I have no idea what that means.
Hamilton went on to tell a story about Pearl's recruitment as our coach. Mike had finished his meetings with Pump and had a good base evaluation of who they wanted to talk to. Hamilton described Pump as a guy who knows everyone who is anyone in sports. If you are anyone in sports, Pump has your cell phone in his cell phone. Anyway, Pump called Bruce Pearl.
"Bruce? Pump. How's it going. Hey, you interested in the Tennessee job.? Yeah, I have their search team here with me. We have got our eye one you. You da man! Just keep winning and we will be in touch."
Next, Pump was ready to call the next candidate on the list. For privacy concerns, we will call him Frank.
"Frank? Pump. How's it going. Hey, you interested in the Tennessee job? Yeah, I have their search team here with me. We have got our eye one you. You da man! Just keep winning and we will be in touch. (long pause). Oh, ok."
Curious as to what was going on, Hamilton asked Pump what the deal was. Pump responded, "I accidentally called Bruce again by mistake".
It was a pretty funny story, and I am sure I don't do it justice compared to listening to them tell it.
As Pearl started talking, he mentioned that he did not have a speech prepared. His reasoning? He thought we would rather have him watching Florida film this morning rather than preparing a speech.
As a team, Bruce acknowledged that we have to play better in close games. He feels like we can be in the game late with anyone in the country but winning those games with our talent and depth is tough.
He talked some about the team. He really was impressed with Bradshaw but said that he has to find a way to keep him hungry. Obviously Bradshaw went out with something to prove last night and Pearl want to try and keep him that motivated. He next commented on Asumnu. He said that Stanley is great at getting to the basket, but once he does nobody knows what he is going to do. He was not happy that Stanley missed 9 layups.
Pearl wasn't hesitant to take a shot at Kentucky. He found it funny that they lose by 25 and all of sudden Morris is eligible the next day.
He talked briefly about the upcoming Florida game and playing against Humprey and Brewer. His comments on Florida getting two of our top local kids to go out of state were "that won't happen again".
Bruce was very complimentary of the Lady Vols as usual. He said his biggest weapon in recruiting was not himself or Lofton/Watson or even Phil Fulmer. His secret recruting weapon was Candace Parker. He told all of the recruits that she would be here for three more years.
A person from the audience asked about Damien Harris. Baby Shaq? Pearl said that was his nickname and that was also the only resemblance to Shaq, besides maybe the baby part. He said only if Wingate or Patterson gets hurt would Harris play.
Pearl was very happy with the fan support so far. He said the fans performance was ahead of the teams at this point. He also mentioned that he was excited about the renovation of the Ray Mears Room and the plans to build a practice facility.
Speaking of next years team, Bruce is confident we will be better at every position except point.
