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Window wide open for Pearl to recruit for UT

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 06:56 p.m., May 31, 2008
Updated 06:56 p.m., May 31, 2008

Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl said times have changed on the recruiting trail.

No longer does Pearl try to keep up with the Joneses.

Instead, he has become one of them, able to land top-level recruits who also are being courted by such traditional kingpins as North Carolina, UCLA, Kentucky, Duke and Georgetown.

"We have an opportunity now; there is a window,'' said Pearl, whose most recent recruiting class is rated No. 10 in the nation by Rivals.com. "What's changed is the general consensus for Tennessee basketball from a national perspective.''

Pearl said UT athletic director Mike Hamilton deserves much of the credit, having taken a chance on hiring him three years ago and procuring funds for the renovation of Thompson-Boling Arena and the building of the Pratt Practice Pavilion.

"Mike Hamilton, when he hired me, was not interested in winning the press conference,'' Pearl said. "He was concerned with winning the Southeastern Conference.''

Once hired, Pearl did the rest, and sports marketers are taking notice.

"Television executives at ESPN and CBS want to make games for us,'' Pearl said. "Going up to recruit against the (top) programs? Bruce Pearl? That was not a big draw.

"That has changed some the last couple of years with our success, and therein lies our success recruiting a couple of guys we wanted.''

Kenny Hall, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Stone Mountain, Ga., who has committed to UT in the Class of 2009, said the Vols' recruiting experience is almost surreal.

"The experience was crazy, the crowd and the atmosphere,'' said Hall, who chose the Vols over Kentucky and UCLA, among others. "It seemed like it wasn't even real, the way the fans reacted.''

Howell Surgery: Former Vol Jordan Howell said having his gallbladder removed Tuesday won't prevent him from playing in the Pilot Rocky Top League this summer.

"I want to see Scotty Hopson, Daniel West, Bobby Maze and all of them,'' Howell said. "This is a really good class.''

The draft for the Rocky Top League will be held at 7 p.m. on June 11 at Rays ESG. League play begins June 16 and runs through July 2 at Bearden High School.

Howell is returning to Knoxville after spending time in Los Angeles and Las Vegas exploring career opportunities.

"Basketball has been my life, and I love music, too, but I need a career,'' said Howell, who has a finance degree from UT. "I'm going to drive back to Knoxville and get some advice from Coach Pearl.''

UT Signees: Incoming freshmen West and Hopson will enroll in classes at UT on Monday while Maze and Renaldo Woolridge are expected to enroll in July.

Maze is finishing up coursework at Hutchinson (Kan.) Junior College and Woolridge's enrollment was delayed because of his high school's late graduation date in California.

Spin Master: Pearl takes it as a compliment that he's become a media favorite in such a short amount of time, but he said it's a matter of just being himself.

"I want to be consistent (in interviews), and I have a philosophy of how I want to do things,'' Pearl said. "Whether there's a spin, or an angle or a theme, I want to be consistent. When I'm trying to find the answer, I'm searching myself.

"A lot of times I'll ask questions (back to the interviewer) so I can be more informed.''

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       49 Comments

Posted by pdhuff on May 31, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonder if this recruiting thing is catchable?

Posted by KHVOLFAN on May 31, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Love the fact that we are taking players from UK and other big basketball schools. GO VOLS!

Posted by IPOrange on May 31, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chavis is immune to the recruiting epidemic, pd. Others may be susceptible, though.

Posted by txvolsfan on May 31, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When is Coach Pearl's raise coming?
Haven't heard anything about new contract or raise???

Posted by GerryOP on May 31, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In Bruce We Trust!

Posted by mempuss on May 31, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bruce is loose! Haters beware!

Posted by pdhuff on May 31, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TT- ouch, you just raised some eyebrows!

Posted by murrayvol on May 31, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN and Bruce are like peas & carrots.

If your choice for an interview (or a studio game overview) is Bruce Pearl or Kevin Stallings or any SEC coach I can think of whatcha gonna do?

The guy is a natural for the wired world, he's one of a kind, and he's the coach at Tennessee. I'm trying really hard not to wake up.

Posted by brauhuff on May 31, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce is the best thing since Don Devoe and Ray Mears only a notch better. I hope he wins NC soon or at least the final four

Posted by rpowell on May 31, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brruuuuuuuuuccee!!!!!

Posted by ncvol on May 31, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols...Bruce is the man.
It is nice to call him coach.
Most of us are thinking positive and are not wondering about negative things TT.

Posted by TommyJack on May 31, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I-pee: The chief has been innoculated.

Posted by Pullingguard on May 31, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Give Hamilton credit, one of if not the best hire the Vols have ever made. Just keep Bruce happy in K. Town..

Posted by budrhon on May 31, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The key thing for Coach Pearl is going to be how he coaches the Vols once they go into the NCAA tourney. He has to find the right formula to keep them hungry coming out of the rigorous SEC schedule. Another showing in the NCAA tourney like this past season will raise questions, but I like most feel that if anyone can figure how to keep the Vols hungry in post season it's Coach Pearl.
Brauhuff - putting Devoe in the mix with Pearl and Mears just doesn't cut it. Devoe was a great preparer of less talented individuals, but he was no Mears or Pearl not even a couple of notches. He lacked the ability to recruit which is essential to any program. And when the shot clock was ushered in out went his Coaching strategy.

Posted by IPOrange on May 31, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - Exactly. He walks among his peers without fear of contagion.

Posted by newtonrail on May 31, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a Basketball article. Can't you hate mongers at least leave it on the FB articles? There are plenty of them. You think you are cute, but you aren't. And to see one old timer get in the gutter with you. Sad.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on May 31, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What will ya'll cry about if we beat the Gaytors, Cow College, Joega and the Cheatin' Tide?

I guess if we don't hang 50 on each of them while having the D drop a goose egg then you will complain about that too.

If someone gave you a free Cadi then you'd b!tch because it wasn't a Benz.

Good luck with all your expectations in life!

Posted by robvols on May 31, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey TDTN,

If you see those Blurp City arsheholes invade this post, go out and sick'em. Don't be easy on them either.

This will be just the first of many recruiting classes that will reap extraordinary benefits for years to come.

Posted by bamacheats on May 31, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Watch Duke Crews' replacement...he will be in school in July.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b-J58...

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 1, 2008 at 2:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bamacheats,

He really plays ball at the Speed of UT. I really like how he stays with the ball, follows his shots and his teamates shots till they drop.

Posted by cdldoc on June 1, 2008 at 3:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This was a pleasant site to get some UT sports info and a few chuckles for a short while. But touchdowntennessee is back with his bad, negative attitude. He starts with violating John Ward's famous words for his screen name. Then goes into his redundant posting, tying up space thoughtful people could use.

Dude, go away again so we can enjoy this site. I wish we could fire you. Next to Coach Fulmer you are a fool-moron. He is a better man and better human being in every way compared to you and your childish and churlish attitude.

Posted by TommyJack on June 1, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc: Many enjoy TDTN. I haven't seen any shortage of space here.

Posted by pdhuff on June 1, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What's up with Mikey H saying "He was concerned with winning the Southeastern Conference"?

When did that creep into our thinking?

Nary a word on teaching and mentoring.

Posted by Gigavol on June 1, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Bruce Pearlalicious is the biggest thing since Stokely!

Coach Raliegh is the biggest thing since Shakely!

Will the next football coach be a Raliegh or a Pearl? Now that Hammy signed Phillip for a brand new 7 year contract, maybe our grandkids will find out!!!

Posted by TommyJack on June 1, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gig: Then the "true vol fans" should be happy.

Posted by DSaVol on June 1, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HEY TOUCHDOWN - You ask em, I'll answer em!

1. "how many points will we lose to our arch enemies this year?" MANY or LOTS - your choice!

2. "Who will embarrass us this year?" FLA, AUB, GA and BAMA for sure with another one thrown in to ensure it's a PERFECT storm!

3. "And after we do, how low will our recruiting class fall next season?" Well a ranking of 117 would be about the lowest I believe so does that answer it????

BIGORANGE - I notice you use the word IF rather than WHEN in referencing wins over the big boys - a little uncertainty there big fella????

As for hoops - well, can't we just skip that looming fall debacle and move right into TBA MADNESS!!???

Posted by pdhuff on June 1, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Slight roil in the doldrums.

It'll go away.

Posted by threehundredbowler on June 1, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you cdldoc,I agree with you all the way.

Posted by IPOrange on June 1, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just commenting on the Chief's own admission, boys. Anger management classes are available to those in need. Look into it.

Posted by invisiblekid on June 1, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This quote from Howell speaks volumes about Pearl in my mind :

"I'm going to drive back to Knoxville and get some advice from Coach Pearl.''

Some people may get rubbed the wrong way by Pearl, usually any team he beats, but you can't deny that he cares about his players.

Posted by TK on June 1, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce needs to find a big man that can block shots, rebound, and be the front man on the press. Maybe, Brian Williams will hit the weight room and the treadmill. At least the days of starting three players 6-2 or shorter are more than likely over. Which will help the press with taller longer wings.

Posted by murrayvol on June 1, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

invisible: I sure don't know many (if any) Tennessee fans that Pearl rubs the wrong way. And I don't spend much energy worrying about the other guys.

Posted by murrayvol on June 1, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TK: Guys that are proficient in all those areas are like DTs in football....much in demand. Negedu may be that guy for us if he sets up shop in Knoxville. Williams? Maybe, but he's got a lot of work to do.

Posted by TK on June 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I said he needed to find one. I did not say it would be easy. Negedu at 6-6 is not a big man. That is just another Crews trying to play the post. Someone more like Major Wingate. Closer to 7-ft, long arms, can run and jump. If Williams would put down the PS2 and the hamburger. He could turn out to be the best big man to ever play for UT(which is not saying a lot. I do not think UT has ever had a great big man play for them....Reggie Johnson maybe the best). Williams has very good hands and feet. Very court smart for someone who has played so little basketball. The question is does he want to be great or just another big guy.

Posted by TommyJack on June 1, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc: Real men don't say "churlish"

Tsxvol has grown a set of Texas size nads! lol

Posted by BleedingOrange on June 1, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not sure how this article relates to football......

Posted by cdldoc on June 1, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I will leave the posting to the haters, whiners and complainers and just read the articles because I am so afraid of tuchdon10nsee and his mindless gang of carrion eaters.

Tommyjack: Spawn of tdtn, how could you know what real men say? Your are simply the regurgitant of tdtn's spewing.

While Phil Fulmer adds to the value of humanity, you boys, and I do mean boys, bring nothing to the table except the meal you get from the kitty litter box.

Eat up.

Posted by TommyJack on June 1, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdldoc: regurgitant. good one.

Posted by iowavol on June 1, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good for you cdldoc. This place used to be a good forum for real dialogue. The reality is that the morons have made this site trite. I'm beginning to think they are all really John Adams using pseudonyms.

Posted by KingsportVol on June 1, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

iowavol and cdldoc & vol72(nut grabber) relaxing after a long day at war with TDTN and TJ.I'm glad I am not a moron.Good post iowavol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPX8_S...

Posted by b_neas on June 2, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trooper Taylor caught the recruiting bug from the basketball coaches, but he left before he could pass it on to anyone on the football staff.

Posted by overatedvols on June 2, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl for President!!

Posted by auttat on June 2, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Overated is catching on

Posted by Volumnus on June 2, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Given the low graduation rate, low GPA, potential problems with incoming academics and the absence of a true point guard, as well as the "one and done" syndrome affecting 1st line recruits Coach Pearl might be well served to remember how he worked the 1st 3 years. Maybe we don't need to be recruiting the KY, NC type players, but keep recruiting an academically solid athlete who will stay 4 yrs. make decent grades, graduate and play basketball with a chip on their shoulders. We need to get back the scholarship that was lost in the Smith and Crews fiasco. Oh and there is that need for a floor general, that may have just kept us out of the elite eight twice now.

Posted by robvols on June 2, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN,

He has struck with his sarcastic tone, YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

THE MORTAL ENEMY LIST (as of 6/1)

THE BIG 10
OHIO STATE
ESPN
OVERATEDVOLS
ITSME
PAC-10
PENN STATE
NORTE DAME
NICK SABAN
CHRIS FOWLER
LOU HOLTZ
KANSAS STATE
NEBRASKA
MARIJUANA

KNOCKING TO COME IN
JOHN CALIPARI

WITH A PASSION
ALABAMA (always)

CURSED
THE 2 SEED

PREVIOUS STAYS
STEVE SPURRIER = THE FLORIDA GATORS
MICHIGAN

Posted by overatedvols on June 2, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Robvols for Vice President!

Posted by THE_VOL on June 3, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volumnus - you are a dreamer aren't you??? While your thought of our teams make-up is nice, please tell me - over the last 10 years how many teams that have been in the Final Four have fit that description????? ZERO - NONE - NADA!!!! PLAYERS win CHAMPIONSHIPS! coaches RECRUIT players!

Posted by ButchIsBack on June 6, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volumus-your are also an idiot. Pearl achieved what he did with mirrors. He took Crews and Smith because he needed to and knew that they would not last 4 years but he needed to bridge the talent gap left him until he could build it up. That is why these guys got a thousand chances but are no longer needed. There is no scenario where a coach, any coach, does not get better as his talent gets better. That being said, Pearl took average talent and is one of only 4 other coaches to go to back to back Sweet 16's. You are about to witness REAL success coming soon. Hang on.

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