Bruce Pearl Saga Over at Tennessee

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The case that has shadowed Bruce Pearl is still in full swing but his tenure as the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers appears to be over.

Pearl took over the Vol's after a (14-17, 6-10) season and immediately had an impact.

In his first season at the helm, Pearl orchestrated one of the biggest turnarounds leading the Vol's to their first tournament appearance since 2001.

Coach Pearl continued the same success throughout his tenure making a school record, six straight NCAA tournament appearances, where he racked up an 8-5 postseason record along with the first Elite Eight berth in school history.

The Vol's unhappily, cut ties with their most successful coach who finished his career at Tennessee with a 145-61 record.

The firing was a bit surprising, because athletic director Mike Hamilton wanted to stand by Pearl throughout the process, but according to sources UT-Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheeks made the call in his firing.

Coach Pearl had been involved in recruiting violations that started in September after he knowingly broke NCAA rules by hosting recruits and 'mislead' the NCAA investigators in their investigation after photos surfaced.

Tennessee has agreed to pay 948,728 as a part of his termination agreement. Former Appalachian State head coach Houston Fancher has been the designated interim coach until the new coach is hired.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Should Tennessee and Bruce Pearl Part Ways?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Tennessee Volunteers (17-11, 7-6) announced that Bruce Pearl would succeed Buzz Peterson as head coach in 2005. As a result, many recruits decided to attend other schools, and many current players transferred.

But that didn't stop Pearl from success one year in his tenure.

In his first season at Tennessee coach Pearl led the Vol's to a 22-8 record, and 12 conference victories. Additionally, Pearl also added to his success by acquiring one of the best recruiting classes led by Wayne Chism.

Coach Pearl continues to have success at Tennessee as well as picking up marquee accomplishments on the way.

Coach Pearl has been named the Adolph Rupp National Coach of the Year in 2008 and is a two-time SEC Coach of the Year.

But along with bringing major accomplishments and wins, coach Pearl has brought recruiting and unethical violations to the Tennessee athletic program.

Pearl had previously been suspended eight SEC conference games for violating NCAA rules and misleading investigators.

The NCAA's punishment has yet to be felt by Pearl and despite his optimism regarding his job security, there is a possibility that you won't see him pacing the Vol's sideline too much longer.

Coach Pearl and his assistants were cited for 96 impermissible telephone calls to perspective student-athletes, as well as a visit to talk to 2012 prospect Jordan Adams of Oak Hill Academy.

Additionally, the NCAA believes Pearl knowingly violated NCAA rules by inviting a prospective student-athlete to a unofficial visit/barbecue at his home.

The Vol's have did their part in issuing Pearl to sit eight SEC conference games due to his recruiting violations, but the big question everyone wants to know is "is that enough?"

Just this week, the NCAA decided that the Connecticut Huskies head coach Jim Calhoun would be suspended three Big East conference games for recruiting violations and failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within the program.

The two coaches have one similar comparison, which is recruiting violations. However, coach Calhoun was never cited for being untruthful to the investigators.

But earlier this year, AD (Athletic Director) Mike Hamilton was noted as saying, "It's our intention to keep him." He followed by saying, "Unless there's something out there we're unaware of."

Coach Pearl has rallied this Tennessee program and improved them every year drastically. Under Pearl Tennessee reached their first Elite Eight in school history along with a 143-57 record.

If there is one thing that is going to keep Pearl around it's his ability to win basketball games. Pearl is known for knocking off top-ranked teams. During his tenure at Tennessee the Vol's have defeated 20 Top 25 ranked opponents along with five in the top-five and two No. 1's.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Bruce Pearl Has Vol's Winning Despite Adversity

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

To some, Bruce Pearl's image remains framed by his NCAA violations, and loss to a Division II program in Indianapolis before the season even started.

But, now, coach Pearl has moved on from his horrid off-season to become the best coach in the SEC, or possibly the nation, right now.

The Tennessee Volunteers (7-0) entered the season without many expectations. That notion was decreased once the Vol's fell to Indianapolis, a Division II program.

However, those expectations only grew after an early win over then-No. 7 Villanova 78-68 that moved the Vol's inside the top-20 at No. 17.

After running over Middle Tennessee 86-56, the Vol's received another chance to make a statement over the No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers.

During the game, junior guard Scotty Hopson had a career night scoring 27 points, on a night where he was 10-of-13 from the field. Remember, Pitt has one of the best defense in the nation.

Tennessee defeated two top-10 opponents, and Pearl's picks up his seventh win over top-5 opponents, and is the only Tennessee coach to be plus-500 on highly ranked teams.

Freshman Tobias Harris has emerged as a consistent contributor for coach Pearl. Harris averages 15.2 points, and six rebounds, which ranks among the top of all freshman.

However, the true explanation as to why the Vol's are continually getting better is the man pacing the sidelines. Coach Pearl has scheduled tough, and his guys have responded.

This is the second season in a row where Tennessee was able to defeat a top-5 opponent. Last year it was No. 1 Kansas, this year Pitt.

Coach Pearl has the Vol's inching closer to being one of the top teams in the nation. Despite adversity, Pearl has kept his composure and willed this squad to the best start (7-0) during his tenure at Tennessee.

Last years coach of the year is very similar to coach Pearl. Jim Boehim of Syracuse, led his team to the No. 1 ranking, and inside the top-5 for most of the year after barely being inside of the top-25 before the season started.

Pearl has a shot at becoming a two-time coach of the year recipient; depending on whether or not the suspension will affect his chances.

He has a great team led by young star Harris, and Hopson. The Vol's have five more ranked opponents on their upcoming schedule. The Vol's have the talent, and passion to continue their dominance on the basketball court.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Tennessee Volunteers Making a Statement Early

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Tennessee Volunteers (No. 24 AP, ESPN/USA Today No. 24) had to make an early statement that it wasn't affected by the Bruce Pearl suspension, nor allegations, and so far they have succeeded in doing just that.

After falling to a Division II Indianapolis, Bruce Pearl has his Volunteers (5-0) with a top-10 defeat under their belt.

Tennessee's junior guard Scotty Hopson has paced the Volunteers with 15.8 points per outing, while chipping in 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assist as well.

Freshman Tobias Harris has also ended up in the scoring column with 15.8 points, but also adds 5.8 rebounds per game.

More impressively, junior Cameron Tatum is averaging double-figure scoring for the first time in his career averaging 12.6 points a game, while adding 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assist.

The Volunteers have been very tenacious on the glass pulling down 43 per game, while dishing out 14 assist as well.

This is the opposite of what many fans expected from Tennessee. After watching them fall to a Division II school by double-figures, to seeing their coach be suspended, and watching NCAA violations, and allegations pile up. Many would suppose that the Vols' would be distracted, maybe, just even a little bit.

However, that seems to be the fuel that drives the Vols', or maybe the opposing fans that continue to chant 'cheaters never win' every time Tennessee takes the court.

In all, the Vols' are at a flawless record with five wins. They have been able to hurdle adversity and focus on basketball. With the two-prone attack of Hopson, and Harris, the Vols' could continue to impress early.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

SEC Basketball: New No. 1 Leader Not Named Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Kentucky Wildcats almost ran the tables in the SEC. They were rarely tested and prevailed by big numbers every game. However, Tennessee, Florida, Ole Miss and Georgia all have something to say about that this year.

This upcoming 2010-11' season the Florida Gators are conceived to win the SEC. They did return all five starters from last year's NCAA Tournament squad that lost a heartbreaker to BYU. Not to mention, the Gators picked up a highly touted freshman in Patric Young that will pose as a key threat off the bench.

With Chandler Parson leading the way for the Gators Head Coach Billy Donovan should be smiling a lot during the conference slate of games.

The Gators received eight first place votes with the Ole Miss Rebels trailing with three, and the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers each with two.

Ole Miss returned their senior lead guard Chris Warren, and surrounded him with an elite freshman like Demarco Cox. Not to mention, starters Zach Graham, Murphy Holloway, and Terrance Henry were reserved for the upcoming season.

Expect the Rebels to be dancing this season rather making a run at the NIT Championship.

Kentucky, as expected, reloaded for another year of College Basketball. They retained DeAndre Liggins, and brought in Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter and many other freshmen that can make an instant impact.

With the notion that Kanter will not receive eligibility, the Wildcats deserve the spot given. With Kanter, the Wildcats could challenge for the top spot in the SEC.

My sleeper is the Alabama Crimson Tide. Freshman guard Trevor Releford will have the Tide rolling high with returning players JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell, Senario Hillman, Chris Hines and more.

This year's team to watch is the Georgia Bulldogs. Yes, they received one first place vote, but they should have gotten more. Trey Thompkins, and Travis Leslie both returned for the Bulldogs. Last season, the duo almost scored 50 percent of the Bulldogs points.

This year they added freshman Marcus Thornton, and returned starters Jeremy Price, along with Dustin Ware.

With electrifying Travis Leslie, the Bulldogs will challenge for the first place slot in the SEC. Brandon Knight of Kentucky, Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins of Georgia, Jeffery Taylor of Vandy, and Chris Warren of Ole Miss were all First SEC-Team.

Overall, the SEC Conference should be among the toughest basketball conferences in all of College Basketball. The SEC has some of College Basketball's most electrifying athletes.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Tennessee Facing NCAA Investigation, Bruce Pearl Punished

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl, has issued an apology claiming he misled the NCAA investigators who were looking into the Vols basketball program.

Pearl's apology comes less than 24 hours after the news broke that the NCAA was investigating the men's basketball program. Tennessee's football program is already being investigated following the aftermath of Lane Kiffin's one year in Knoxville.

Pearl was teary-eyed in his apology, saying he made a mistake in misleading the investigators.

The Tennessee men's basketball program has had plenty of off-the-court issues over the course of the past few years. From arrests to suspensions to dismissals, Tennessee has continued to move forward, making their first appearance in the Elite 8 in school history this past season.

And, Bruce Pearl has been there leading the way.

Pearl has worked hard his entire coaching career, working his way up to Tennessee through success at previous schools.

Tennessee athletic director, Mike Hamilton says the troubles in the Tennessee men's basketball must end, and now the NCAA is getting involved.

The most recent news explains that Bruce Pearl has accepted self-imposed sanctions from the university. Tennessee has cut Pearl's pay by 1.5 million dollars over a five year period, as well as, preventing him from participating in off-campus recruiting for a full year. The pay of his assistants was also cut.

The self-imposed sanctions are a first step of punishment issued, but Hamilton has said he is happy to have Pearl as their head men's basketball coach.

As the Vols will move forward the question will remain whether or not Tennessee's recruiting will take a hit as a result of the self-imposed sanctions and NCAA investigation.


*Photo: Bruce Pearl *Credit: midwestsportsfans.com

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

College Basketball: Five Biggest Upsets of the 2009-10 Season

This college basketball season was jam-packed with enormous talent, surprises, and most importantly, competitiveness. I always like those mid-major teams playing the No.1 team in the nation. It's always seems like they give top-tier talent all they got. Or it's other's that will give the top teams something to remember. 

Whatever, size, shape or form, there were a lot of upsets this season. Here are the top five:

1. Northern Iowa defeats Kansas, 69-67


This was possibly the biggest upset the NCAA tournament has EVER seen. Northern Iowa, the team that nobody gave a chance. 


The Jayhawks came in as the No. 1 overall seed, so i could understand why nobody would predict any kind of struggle with a team like Northern Iowa. But that's where the old saying comes in at, "That's why we play the game." 


Ali Farokhmanesh or as some say, "The Jayhawk killer" took a gutsy shot with less than a minute left to play. 



After that, the game was history. That was a gut-check to the whole Jayhawk nation, including the whole college basketball family.


2. South Carolina Gamecocks defeats No. 1 Kentucky