The Legend and the Newbie

[dudeman0501]

Because my Dad has connections, I got invited to go to a dinner where "New" Vol Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl was speaking.

I am truly excited about this man being in Knoxville. He certainly has the enthusiasm to get things done, and he has a great track record. And, his style of play is something Tennessee hasn't seen since the days of Ray Mears. I can't wait for the first game. This might actually be the turnaround of this program. But, we've all heard that before.

And speaking of Ray Mears...

Only the "old" ones around here will remember him, but I got to meet this UT legend tonight. He was most noted for his style of play (heavy defense) and the fact that he consistently won. He also coined the term "Big Orange Country".

Anyway, it was great to meet the past and future of UT basketball in the same night. Just thought I'd share...

[OrangeCrush]

I'm envious and happy for you all in one. That had to be a great night for sure. Ray Mears is one of the greatest Vol coaches ever. He is also an extremely nice man. Ray has one of the coolest big orange rooms in his house. He is also known to keep it open to the public. All you have to do is look him up in the phone book and give him a ring. Unless he has something going, he is more than happy to welcome Vol alums and fans to come check it out.

I take it you enjoyed what you saw and heard of Coach Pearl. Would you care to give a breakdown of what he had to say?

[dudeman0501]

Would you care to give a breakdown of what he had to say?
He talked a little about recruiting, but he couldn't say much, as per NCAA rules. But he mentioned several times that we're going to have the talent to win. And we went over his style of play saying that "if you don't like defense, you better not come to UT".

He talked about how everyone has been so nice to him in Knoxville, especially the staff. He mentioned how the Lady Vols and Football players can walk around campus with their heads high and that the men's team can't. He's determined to change that.

And he made a few jokes about us not being able to keep a men's coach.