Did you think Pearl was going to stay?

[admin]

Thought BP would be faithfull to UWM and stay 6 (40%)

-I never thought Bruce would stay, but I did have faith he would stick around for another year. Originally I believed the Big Ten or Big East would be his destination job.

Thought BP would jump ship for the best offer 7 (46%)

-I didnt think Bruce was just about $, but...

Thought that UWM would re-sign him for major $$$

-I have heard confirmation that we had one hell of a deal set up for him had he returned. I am not sure we were ever able make our offer as things happened so quickly. If he stayed at UWM rumors stated he was going to make almost as much as what he will make as a Volunteer.

Later,
UWMfreak

[dutchpthr]

considering the team that we had coming back, i could have seen Bruce ride off into teh sunset with them, especially after all the of "this is a family" and "we are liek a family" talk that was heard all through out the weekend in cleveland and the game in Ill.

By no means do i fault someone for taking a job that betters them, but how much does it actually better him, other than just lining the wallet? everyone is right at UT he would play a distant 3rd fiddle to Football and Phil Fulmur, and women's b-ball and Pat Summit, but if you look at collegiate sports in the state of Tenn. he might actually be playing fourth fiddle behind even Calapiri (sp?) at Memphis. Now at UWM he was the man, and in the overall collegaite picture of sports in this state he was behind UW-Madison Football and Alverez and b-ball and Ryan, but thats about it and we should all know that there might not really be anything that can take UW-Madison away from any other state school especailly in football.

Now that is why i really don't see how this is a dream job as he has stated it would take, i guess it just seems a bit off. Now UT fans don't think that i am bashing your school or program, but i guess i don't see the big draw there for men's b-ball, but i guess if i was the AD i would want to try and bring the one deadwood sport back afloat and i guess this is a good way to do it. But i guess its all just a bit different than the way that i expected Bruce to leave. oh well its over not much that we can do about it now, good luck at UT.

[pnthr97]

Seriously, anyone who thinks the UT job isn't a good move for BP isn't in touch with reality, IMHO. Tennessee is in the SEC, it simply doesn't get much better than that. The Athletic Department budget is HUGE and there's a serious commitment to developing a winning hoops program.

As for what Bruce has said publicly over the last couple weeks, what do you expect him to say? "While we won tonight, I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for what other opportunities may exist for me next year." Please! He said all the right things in public, while having his representative (agent, etc.) contact the powers that be at Tennessee. That's why this happened so quickly. I don't know for sure, but I have no doubt that his reps have been in contact with Tennessee since the day Peterson got fired.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have Bruce as our main man for the last four years. I wish him nothing but the best of luck at Tennesse. I really hope he develops that program into a national championship contender.

[Panther 106]

pnthr97,
not in touch with reality..... I suppose you are going to now say that you were not a little pissed that the Easter Bunny didn't stop at your house either!! we may have had a chance if they were know as UT-Knoxville

[namuwm]

I did think Bruce would stick around for a while. I am not extreemly surprised to see him move on, if that does end up being the case...we'll find out for sure at the press conference this afternoon.

I do not blame him one bit for moving on. I wish like hell that he would stay, but he does need to do what is right for him, and if he and his family decide that the move to Tennessee is a good one for him, then that is the decision of Bruce and his family alone.

Its been night and day difference between when I first started at UWM (Bo Ryan was coach then) and now with Bruce. He has done wonders for this university, I wish he woudl stay and keep it up, but Tennessee is getting a fabulous coach and great guy as well.

I've never really cheered for many teams outside of Wisconsin, but if Bruce does go to Tennessee, I'll be watching them now as well.

Best of Luck Bruce and you will be missed if you do leave UWM.

We owe you as well. Thanks for all you have done for our program and the university.

Every Bruce I have ever known has been a fantastic role model and someone who I look up to. Just in case you were wondering I've known 2 Bruce's -- BP and my father. If the latter were still around, I know he would say the same of the former.

Thanks again.