University of Tennessee Athletics
Coach Pearl Q&A
January 21, 2008 | Men's Basketball
1. What do you expect from the Kentucky Wildcats Tuesday (9:00E) in a road game on national TV?
A - "Kentucky is playing much better now. They've had a tough row. They beat Vanderbilt in double overtime, went down and gave a very good Mississippi State team a tough game and then lost at Florida in overtime. When they're playing at Rupp, it means there are a lot of elements you've got to go up against."
2. What did Coach Billy Gillespie mean in reference to the Wildcats "buying into" his system?
A - "There's an adjustment period that takes place in any coaching change. Part of buying into it is seeing it work. I remember back to my first year at Tennessee. The last two players to buy into the system were Chris Lofton and C.J. Watson. It wasn't so much questioning whether it would work, but it was important to see it work. It isn't what you do, but how you do it. You've got to believe in what you're doing in order to succeed."
3. Describe the qualities that make Vols sophomore point guard Ramar Smith such a standout.
A - "Ramar is our most competitive player. He'll rise to the level of competition and do what it takes. He's a physical guy. Last year when we got into league play his game stepped up, and it's doing the same this season."
4. In what areas would you hope for solid improvement before Tuesday's game at Kentucky?
A - "Kentucky is leading the SEC in rebound margin, and Tennessee is down near the bottom. We've just got to keep people off the offensive boards. The other thing is our post defense. Patrick Patterson is a McDonald's All-America, and he's a load on the inside. So the answer is, rebounding and our post defense."
5. What concerns you most about Georgia, which visits Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday (7:00E)?
A - "Georgia will have the entire week to prepare. Right now they have the best record in the SEC. They have veterans in the backcourt and young guys on the inside. They are playing very well right now."
