Why Can't Tennesse Win? | the guru's scrolls

The Tennesse Volunteer men failed to advance to the Elite Eight, ending their bid to reach the Elite Eight for the first time in the schools history. I am baffled that a team that beat the second highest seed in the country on the road and was #1 in the country(albeit for only one game), and was complaining about being a 2 seed lost to Louisville, not dissing Louisville. I have a coulple reasons Tennessee can't get the job done.

1) They Can't Win Big Games. Say what you wan't about the Memphis game, in every other big game they have layed an egg that would make the Easter Bunny proud. they lost to Vandy ranked #1 at home, the had an OT game in the second round vs Butler that should have been a easy win, they lost to Arkansas in the SEC tourney in another game that should have been easily handled, and now they finally lost to Louisvilly by 19 in the Sweet 16. This are just this years dissapointments people.

2) They take Horrible Shots. I mean come on, Stevie Wonder could tell you not to take some of those shots, they launch more jumpers than the golden gate bridge. I have no problem with taking ill-advised shots, if you f'in make them.

3) Bruce Pearl Can't Find the Formula. I am not blaming the coach, because it isn't the coach's fault here, withouth Pearl the Vol's wouldn't even be in the second round let alone the Sweet Sixteen. But he can't win the big games, which means he isn't motivating his players the right way. From what I have read he has a relaxed relationship with his players. I know it is the norm right now, but let's remember one thing. Bob Knight NEVER had a relaxed relationship with his players and he is the winningest coach in NCAA Division 1 history.

In conclusion, if Tennessee doesn't fix their problems now, they will be considered like present day Duke, lots of hype, but will go down in the early rounds to a higher seed.

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April 9, 2008 12:13 PM ET

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Pearl has been the coach for 3 years and has had much more success and won more big games than the last three coaches combined, he has a lot of young players...maturity and talent win the big games. They have talent...maturity comes with time. I think it's pretty off base to say Pearl is not a motivator...what they need is a true point guard that can run the offense pearl wants to run.

chattyvol

Clinton , MS

Total Comments (3)

June 8, 2008 03:41 PM ET

Can't win big games... Plz what are you watching? TN hasn't had a true program until Pearl. What other school can you say that has just began their career can win big games? TN is trying to build a program that has never really been taken seriously. Until Pearl it was just Football and Women's Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Track. But Men's Basketball wasn't even on the radar. So Pearl has done an unbelievable job. Give him time to recruit and the country better watch out.