March 12, 2007

Coach Pearl talks to the media

Bob Kesling with Coach Pearl

1. Based on the record, did Tennessee get a fair draw in the NCAA tournament as a fifth seed?

A - "We are about where we belong. When I learned Florida was the top seed in the tournament, I figured since we had the second best record in the SEC, we might get a fifth seed. I just didn't think the tournament would go one-six for the SEC. We got a five, Vanderbilt got a six, Kentucky was an eight and Arkansas a 12. I think the seeding was fair."

2. Tell about Long Beach State and how well the Vols match up for the opener Friday (2:45E).

A - "Long Beach State reminds me of my old Wisconsin-Milwaukee teams, if you will. Undersized, very athletic, great one-on-one players -- and seven seniors. It's a dangerous matchup. It's not that physically they will overwhelm us. It's just that they have so much experience and so many good one-on-one players. We'll have a hard time stopping them, and they'll have a hard time stopping us as well."

3. How productive have practices been for the Vols as they prepare for the NCAA tournament?

A - "They have been good. We're healthy, and we need to stay healthy. We'll have some contact practices. So far, so good. I feel like we are in great shape."

4. Give an assessment of the Southeastern Conference's representation in the NCAA.

A - "I was glad to see Arkansas get in the tournament. They deserved it. It would have been a disservice to the SEC West had they not made it. Arkansas won their last five games. I was glad to see Arkansas invited."

5. What will you need from the Vols for the team to advance to the second round?

A - "Special. They've got to do something special. We're best when everybody contributes. We're going to need that if we are going to advance."