ST. LOUIS — The questioned was posed to Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl on Saturday, long before anyone was sure the Vols’ best basketball season ever would end within 24 hours.
The sports writer wanted Pearl to discuss senior forward Wayne Chism, arguably the most charming of Pearl recruit ever.
“The biggest thing I wanted Wayne to do over four years was not really change,” Pearl said. “I wanted him to stay Wayne, and that’s a sweet, wonderful young man.”
Opponents might question that assessment, beginning with Michigan State, which watched the 6-9 Chism swish three 3-pointers, score a team-high 13 points and nearly lead the Vols to their first Final Four before succumbing 70-69 to Sparty in Sunday’s Midwest Regional final.
Or as State coach Tom Izzo said on Saturday of Chism, “He’s got great versatility. He can score inside, he can score outside, he can put the ball on the floor, and his length creates some problems for us.”