Food For Thought

[hatvol96]

We should really savor this season. I've heard several coaches over the years, notably John Calipari and Bob Huggins, talk about how the most enjoyable time in building a program is that period before big expectations take hold. Now that we've seen what Coach Pearl can do, people will place greater demands on the team. It will never be as much pure fun as it was this year.

 

[GAVol]

It will never be as much pure fun as it was this year.

I agree 100%. It was just a group of guys playing their guts out for nothing more than school pride.

 

[NCGatorBait]

I know he got a contract extension and raise..but don't you worry that this may be a stepping stone for him..especially if the Big 10 comes calling.

 

[hatvol96]

I know he got a contract extension and raise..but don't you worry that this may be a stepping stone for him..especially if the Big 10 comes calling.

I'd be far more concerned about the Big East. There's not a Big 10 job open anytime soon that I think he would have real interest in pursuing.

 

[tidwell]

I know he got a contract extension and raise..but don't you worry that this may be a stepping stone for him..especially if the Big 10 comes calling.

Yep.

 

[NCGatorBait]

I'd be far more concerned about the Big East. There's not a Big 10 job open anytime soon that I think he would have real interest in pursuing.

Anyone that plays Illinois may interest him!

 

[vols2345]

You guys dont seriously think Bruce Pearl will be leaving UT???

 

[rwemyss]

BC is the ONLY place I ever see him cutting and running for. Believe wat you want, I think he's in Knoxville for the long haul.

And on topic... great post Hat, 100% agree.

 

[vols2345]

yes very much agree with Hatvol, which acutally, has been going on for a while the past couple days. surprising that we see eye to eye on something. they may be hope for you still........

 

[WA_Vol]

We should really savor this season. I've heard several coaches over the years, notably John Calipari and Bob Huggins, talk about how the most enjoyable time in building a program is that period before big expectations take hold. Now that we've seen what Coach Pearl can do, people will place greater demands on the team. It will never be as much pure fun as it was this year.

I'm already more looking forward to the BB season next year then the start of FB season in the fall. Pearl has the program going straight up. I think it will be more fun the next couple of years, when Pearl brings in some of the top prospects in high school to work with. The only thing this program has to fear is Pearl leaving to coach somewhere else like the pro's.

 

[GAVol]

The only thing this program has to fear is Pearl leaving to coach somewhere else like the pro's.

I don't think his style would mix well with NBA egos. :twocents: :dunno:

 

[GVF]

I don't see him as one to jump ship like alot do. We are a large program, and one that is worth staying for given the resources to build it, and UT has that. I see him at UT for a long time, as long as UT don't run him off.

 

[KnoxKDX]

Yep, what we lacked with respect to an aggressive inside game will arrive next year with a vengeance...Duke Crews and Wayne Chism...the two guards Pearl signed should be fantastic,as well. I'm really looking forward to it! :yes:

 

[Lexvol]

I don't think his style would mix well with NBA egos. :twocents: :dunno:

The only reason to leave for the NBA is the salary. He could get a gauranteed contract for about 4 to 5 million a year. Even if he fails he has set his family up for life ala Pitino, Calipari, and Carlissimo. The down side is that full court pressure defense, and run and gun require way too much teamwork for an NBA team.

The reason that I think he will stay is because the conference is winable. Though Florida and UK generally dominate, the SEC is still one of the easier roads to the dance IMO. He has also gotten primo exposure for a UT bb coach. It is hard to imagine him getting anymore national attention than he garnerned this year even with another team absent Duke, UK, or UNC, and those jobs are not vacant.

The only reason that I could give for him leaving would be program prestige. He had a two seed handed to him this year which was surprising. Those opportunities are once in a lifetime.

 

[VolinArizona]

I really really don't see Pearl leaving in the next 6 or so years, if EVER. Tennessee has the money to give him to stay around until he retires if he continues to coach this team like he has. Do you really think Tennessee wouldn't put its best efforts into making sure he stays here? UT has the resources to become a top 10 basketball program every year, and he'd be a legend here.

 

[hatvol96]

The only reason to leave for the NBA is the salary. He could get a gauranteed contract for about 4 to 5 million a year. Even if he fails he has set his family up for life ala Pitino, Calipari, and Carlissimo. The down side is that full court pressure defense, and run and gun require way too much teamwork for an NBA team.

The reason that I think he will stay is because the conference is winable. Though Florida and UK generally dominate, the SEC is still one of the easier roads to the dance IMO. He has also gotten primo exposure for a UT bb coach. It is hard to imagine him getting anymore national attention than he garnerned this year even with another team absent Duke, UK, or UNC, and those jobs are not vacant.

The only reason that I could give for him leaving would be program prestige. He had a two seed handed to him this year which was surprising. Those opportunities are once in a lifetime.

It's also impossible to play that style 82 nights a year. The only concern I have would be that almost all the guys who have left the college game for the pros, Pitino, Cal, Floyd, Kruger, Hamilton, and Tark, have been able to come back and get good college jobs if they want one. That certainly reduces the risk factor of a jump to the NBA.

 

[hatvol96]

yes very much agree with Hatvol, which acutally, has been going on for a while the past couple days. surprising that we see eye to eye on something. they may be hope for you still........

It just means you're getting smarter.

 

[volinasheville]

It's also impossible to play that style 82 nights a year. The only concern I have would be that almost all the guys who have left the college game for the pros, Pitino, Cal, Floyd, Kruger, Hamilton, and Tark, have been able to come back and get good college jobs if they want one. That certainly reduces the risk factor of a jump to the NBA.

I think that list of unsuccessful NBA coaches also makes it less likely that most college coaches will be considered seriously by the NBA in the near future. That door may be closed for the foreseeable future.

 

[volinasheville]

yes very much agree with Hatvol, which acutally, has been going on for a while the past couple days. surprising that we see eye to eye on something. they may be hope for you still........

He's winning us all over to the dark side.

 

[BIG T]

Anyone that plays Illinois may interest him!

Here we go again!!!!!!! :mf_surrender:

 

[jakez4ut]

It will never be as much pure fun as it was this year.

I agree 100%. this was fun.

 

[VolBeef88]

hatevol your getting smarter all the time buddy. I agree with you 100%. My question is how long will it take for some UT fans to get spoiled and cry if we do have an off year.

 

[hatvol96]

hatevol your getting smarter all the time buddy. I agree with you 100%. My question is how long will it take for some UT fans to get spoiled and cry if we do have an off year.

Not very long. That's the nature of the beast in big time college athletics these days.

 

[VolBeef88]

Not very long. That's the nature of the beast in big time college athletics these days.

You know it is a shame though. I wonder if any of the UNC fans will be calling for Roys head?

 

[hatvol96]

You know it is a shame though. I wonder if any of the UNC fans will be calling for Roys head?

I don't think their memories are that short. The guy I feel sorry for is one of my favorites, Bill Self. I'm sure he's catching it big time right now.