Will Pearl stay or go??

[Ron Mexico]

PantherPrincess said:

He won't be leaving, he says so.

It's like the time my friend called me and told me that I was arrested last night. I said no, I wasn't, I've been home the whole time, but they still persisted and said that they saw the cops put me in the back of their car. People come up with the strangest things and then they stick to them even when they are told the straight up truth from the source itself.

at least not in the upcoming year or two

That's insane. At my sister's wedding in 2003, two of my uncles SWORE up and down that they saw me get arrested, despite the fact that I've never been arrested in my life. Where does this sh*t come from?

[GBFanJ]

I don't see Bruce Pearl leaving after this season for two reasons.

First, he does seem to have a dedication to the fans of UW-Milwaukee. That is always good to see. When a coach gets involved with the students, it really can help build the fan base and get people involved. It will be interesting to see how much attendance for UWM games increases next season after this season.

The second reason I don't see him leaving is because of the lack of available positions. There are some good positions open, but I don't think there are any that he would jump at right now. The only thing that could still happen is a coach from a great school stepping down from his position in a surprise move at the end of the season, and Pearl is considered as a candidate. As far as I know, the only big coach that is retiring at the end of this season is Gene Keady, but his replacement has already been found.

Here is a full list of available positions (according to ESPN.com):

Centenary
Coastal Carolina
Eastern Illinois
Eastern Michigan
Florida Atlantic
Fresno State
IPFW
Jacksonville
Louisiana-Monroe
Loyola Marymount
Massachusetts
New Mexico State
Siena
Stony Brook
St. Francis (N.Y.)
Tennessee
Tulane
Tulsa
UC Riverside
Virginia
VMI
Youngstown State

A few good names on there, but almost all are switching after bad seasons. There's not much to really look at on that list.

Plus, this is a VERY early prediction, but I think that the Horizon League will be very tough next season. which would make it more beneficial to stay at least one more season. It was a down season, but there is a lot of talent this season that was not developed yet. Of the nine teams, six look like they will be better (UWM, Detroit, Loyola, Wright State, Cleveland State, Butler), one that will stay about the same (UWGB), and only two that may actually get worse (UIC, Youngstown State). UWM, Detroit, Loyola, Wright State, Cleveland State, and Butler all are losing only a few players for next season, which will mean a lot of talent returning. UWGB is losing quite a bit of talent, but a top 25 recruiting class could even things out, and their fate may be decided by how well the recruiting ends up. I think this will equal out the team for next season but cause a dip in the standings because of how tough the league will be. UIC is actually more of a question mark right now. They are losing two very good players, and losing Martell Bailey already hurt them a lot. The recruiting class may also dictate how well they do in the season. As for Youngstown State...not much to look forward to there.

I got off topic a bit with all of that, though. In the end, Bruce Pearl will eventually go to another school, but it won't be after this season.

[dunzz]

This just came in from the DuzzMonster Press

Loyola and UIC fans are wrong again to say that BP will be leaving. Reports from their camps claimed bruce would be heading to UMASS by the years end. Andy Katz reported on espn.com that eastern Mich coach Ford took the job late this week in an effort to move up to bigger and better Pastures. When asked about the job Ford said, "Its a good thing that bruce pearl loves milwaukee soo much that he didnt want to leave. Other wise i might not of have been given this oppertunity." When the DunzzMonster Press asked UIC fans about the move by ford UICSTOMPER only have this to reply, "(stomp stomp stomp stomp stomp)" chilling words.........

sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2019802

[aknowsense]

Only rumor I know is that he has stated that he would like to stay until his kid finishes high school?? This UT stuff scares me though if they are willing to throw that kind of green around.

[mikeb]

aknowsense said:

Only rumor I know is that he has stated that he would like to stay until his kid finishes high school?? This UT stuff scares me though if they are willing to throw that kind of green around.

UT is far from a step up in my eyes. plus i think that jobs going to pat summit if she wants it. however i think tonys gone after this season for sure.