Tonight's celebration...

[Zoofan]

Okay, anyone have anything to say about hte celebration tonight? I would like to say first, and foremost that I have a lot of respect for Bruce and how he handled things tonight. I really do think it was a very good choice not to be there. He was doing what was fair which was allowing the guys to be the center of attention; as it should have been. I also very much respect that he admitted to going against everything he told the team. It was good to hear him admit the things I had thought all along. I have truly changed my opinion on him,

Overall, I think it was very nice tonight. I think everything was well planned, and the guys finally got the congrats and recognition they had coming. ANy other comments?

[panthersrock]

My thoughts exactly zoofan......I have totally changed my feelings towards Bruce......since the beginning I never blamed him for the reasons why he wanted to leave but it was so sh*tty the way the whole situation was handled which caused me to build up a lot of anger towards him.

After watching the video tonight, I have totally gained back all of my respect for him. It takes a true man to admit when you make a mistake and thats exactly what he did....he admitted for going against everything he taught the guys and apologized for it.

All in all I thought the celebration was very nice and a great tribute to the team!!

[panthertrax]

The celebration tonight was first class. It was well put together. From the decorations to the food, to the atmosphere......it was all done up well. I am pumped for next year!

[dunzz]

FOOD-Thumbs up
Bill Johnson - Funny Funny Funny
Cash Bar - Cash Money!

I thought it was a great time. I really liked the front decorations. it reminded me of an empiral chair. It was good to hear the sr's sorta pick on each other and tell bits about the team and show their personality. James Wright is going to missed. That guy has so much class and integrity i almost shed a tear.

didnt know how to feel about the AS Prez being there. its like the first time ive seen him for at any basketball function. it felt forced on his part. but his words were nice to hear even if hes not that closly involved with basektball team.

too bad for joah. not to worry anyone, but joah got mugged and had wires in his mouth. apparently some guy sucker punched him. at first me and steve o thought he had gold plating put on his bottoms and we were freaking out like he was to go to the nba with all his dollar dollar bills yall. (lou thats a saying not a miss type)

I dono how to feel about the bruce video. from where i was sitting he wasnt getting a good reception from the students around me. it sorta still hurts when he said, TN was a great oppertunity. making me feel like UWM is less an oppertunity than TN. Not to pick too big of beef but ive heard those answers before. he repeats himself alot. Saying UWM is the american dream. ive heard that from him about TN and all that yadda yadda. Previously i want pissed at him and i supported him in his move. I still think its whats best for him but his video didnt really make anything better in my mind.


Cool Beans to the ticket office taking down names for season tickets. My memory is vauge but i thought Ron Diaz says we get special prices if you signed up that night with the office. For those of you who havnt already signed up for tickets and wish too, i suggest trying to get on the mailing list early so you may get the deal possiby. Panther Lou will have someone new to spill beer on him at games next fall . jk

Jeter was short but sweet and according to katie is dam sexy!

[panther4life]

adding to what dunzz said about joah,

in an email from Nicolet boys basketball coach Paul Hepp:

Nicolet grad Joah Tucker of UW-Milwaukee received a little setback recently. While playing in a pickup basketball game, Joah caught an elbow to the face and suffered a broken jaw. He underwent surgery two days ago and now has to have his jaw wired shut for 5 weeks. The surgery went well, but he will be out of action for a bit. He is in good spirits under the circumstances.

my 2 cents on bruce: ....he is gone, let it go and stop talking about it...he did his thing, now its jeters turn.

[pnthr97]

I thought the celebration was from start to finish, classy. Bill did a great job and each speaker made great comments and shed a lot of emotion about how great of a season it was. I thought Bruce's video tribute was one of the most genuine things I've ever seen. You could tell he felt horrible about how things played out, and was embarassed by it. It's very rare to find someone admit as much as he did. But, his words were incredibly heart felt.

A wonderful job by the university.

[sauby]

What exactly did Pearl say??? can anyone fill me in??

[representforuwm]

I thought the celebration was nice and the room did look great. None of the video clips showed BP except the One Shining Moment- great job keeping him out of it- The video clip was ok maybe a little over the top but he is emotional. I was not impressed with Chan Santiago- I know he is not Nancy Zimpher as far as being a good speaker but his comment about not planning on attending any sporting events when he first got the job made me cringe- He needs to be more of an ambassador for the school. My big question is "WHERE WAS ROB SANDERS?"
Ps dunzz- What is "empiral chair"-

[PANTHERfan]

all i can say is what a first rate event last night. i was impressed from the moment i walked in there. the room looked beautiful and it was obvious that A LOT of effort went into planning and coordinating everything. the speakers spoke eloquently and from the heart while the team seemed to genuinely appreciate the recognition. all in all it was perfect closure for a really great season. i'm already looking forward to next year!

GO PANTHERS!!!

[n8]

I was impressed with the event held. wish I would have known it was going to be so classy, but what are you gonna do.

I was touched by Bruces video. I accepted him as being very cincere. he appoligized for how the events after the IL game unfolded, basically leaving the team and taking the spotlight away from them. he admitted to have acted selfishly and been a hypocrite to many things he stood for at UWM (like taking the spotlight away, etc) he congratulated the players for their success because they rightfully deserved it. he thanks the players, staff, fans, and community for everything, for they allowed him the opportunity to be where he is today. he got a bit choked up when talking about the players, specifically Joah if I remember correctly. he made me feel as if he is really going to miss what hes leaving here. my only problem (as well as everyone around me) was that he gave special thanks to Andrew Cheverolet, David Gruber, M&I Bank, etc... had to get the final endorsement $.

the "empiral chair". by that, dunzz meant that the stage decor could have been mistaken for the Emperor's Throne in Star Wars.

overall, great event. brought proper closure to the spectacular season.

-nate

[Kroener3535]

BTW...what Dunzz said about the Joah situation is a hell of alot more accurate than what was posted by panther4life.....neither are accurate but the getting elbowed in the jaw is a cover up....not even close did that happen...Dunzz is closer but not entirely right

[PantherLou]

I thought last night was great.

The decor, the food, the entire setting was FAR more impressive than any other UWM function I have been to, including Bruce's golf tournaments and several other ticket holder functions. I would say that the Sweet 16 money has certainly helped pad the coffers.

I got to meet Rob Jeter, and spoke to him for a few minutes. I was very impressed with his manner and enthusiasm. I really appreciated that he stayed in the background and kept the focus of the night of the players. That was cool.

I'm really glad that Bruce's video was shown. I know that he said what he meant. He's a good guy, and hopefully those of you who were still holding a grudge will let it go.

Great end to the season, and to the "Bruce Pearl Era". Here's to another sweet sixteen celebration next year!!!

[dylanrocks]

I think Lou describes my feelings perfectly (good job, Lou). As Bud said last night, 'One chapter of UWM basketball is written. Let's go write some new and even more exciting chapters.'

[PantherLou]

Yes, I think the Vulcan Mind Meld that dylanrocks and I had went very smoothly indeed!