Pearl tells the BBB Vols ‘very blessed’

Fresh off the Tennessee Vounteers’ first Southeastern Conference basketball championship in 41 years, coach Bruce Pearl expressed pride in the accomplishment and determination to do more.

Pearl was in Chattanooga to speak at the Better Business Bureau’s annual luncheon and awards presentation Monday.

“We are very blessed and very fortunate to have accomplished something so significant,” he said. “At the same time, we would always like to go further. We got to the Sweet 16 a couple of times. It was our desire to go another step — whether that’s the Elite Eight or the Final Four.”

Despite the loss to Louisville in the third round of the NCAA tournament, Pearl reminded his audience that the Vols had a special season.

“I think our team had the best regular season in the country,” he said. “I would compare our regular season to North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis or UCLA — any of the Final Four teams — and I’m not sure any of (them) had as good a regular season as we did. ... This team did more perhaps than any in the history of Tennessee basketball.”

Pearl said coming to Chattanooga is an important response to area fans’ support.

“This is a great way for me to get out and also say thank you,” he said, “and make sure people know how much a part of our success (was because of the fans).”

Pearl also pointed out that what he has accomplished with the men’s program pales in comparison to Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols, who won their eighth NCAA tournament title last week.

“How would you like to go to work every day and be the second-best basketball coach in your own office?” he said, laughing. “I mean, it’s not even close.

“She just continues to amaze you with what she does and how she continues to raise the bar. It is a great team accomplishment, and then to have five gals go in the ... WNBA draft. How special for those kids.”

Following his speech to the BBB, a member of the audience thanked Pearl for bringing the Vols to town last December to play at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a game UT won 76-70 at a sold-out McKenzie Arena.

“There aren’t many Tennessee basketball coaches who would bring their team down here,” Pearl acknowledged. “But of course there aren’t many Tennessee basketball coaches who would take their clothes off and paint their chest orange. I don’t know which act was braver, to tell you the truth.

“But you know that game got our season kick-started. ... and that’s a series we’re going to look to continue. It’s the right thing to do.”

Pearl also discussed the future of Tyler Smith, who is considering leaving UT early to enter the NBA draft.

“I can tell you this: Tyler’s going to make an excellent decision,” Pearl said. “If the evaluations we’re going to get say he could be someplace near the lottery, then I’m confident that he should go. But if ... he’s going to be someplace in the second round, then he should stay. And I’m confident he’s going to make the right decision.”

Pearl also discussed what the future holds for the Volunteers program, including his plans for East Ridge High School senior and UT signee Philip Jurick.

“Very, very excited about Philip,” Pearl said of the 6-11 post player. “Very excited about his potential and the things that he brings — his ability to rebound, his ability to block shots and defend; he’s become a better scorer. We’re looking forward to getting him to campus and beginning the process of pushing him harder than he’s ever been pushed before.”

Pearl will be back in Chattanooga later this week as guest speaker at the Orange Grove Center’s “Breakfast of Champions” at 7:30 a.m. Friday.