Bruce Pearl Quotes on Basketball (12 Quotes)

We have to focus on getting better down the stretch and playing better basketball. There's no margin for error with this team. When we slip up a little bit, obviously a team like Kentucky is able to expose that.

We've tried to do a lot of things this year to embrace the history of Tennessee basketball.

This is what March is all about. Alabama is a very good team. They've made four straight NCAA tournaments and reached the Elite Eight last year. But we represent a high level of basketball as well, and when you get in this tournament, you get the opportunity to show it.

At the National Association of Basketball Coaches Meeting a few years ago, they explained how pods and seeding worked. One thing was clear. If a team is a three seed, it could easily be a two or a four. A lot of it has to do with travel, match-ups and how long it's been since a team has been in the tournament.

He does more in the game of basketball than make baskets, but certainly we don't win without him making baskets. You can get other guys to rebound. You can get other guys to steal the ball. You can't get other guys to make the shots he's making.

It's incredible. To be seeded higher than any team in the history of Tennessee basketball, goes a long way. I'm happy with where we're at. Now we have to take advantage of this opportunity.

We are committed to up-tempo basketball. We will press 94 feet. There's a definite advantage because there is a different preparation (for opponents). I think the players do fit our style.

We understand there's been a lot of discussion about whether we deserved a No. 2 seed. We had an unbelievable regular season. We've got to find the hunger once again to prove to people that we're deserving, and continue to bring honor to Tennessee basketball.

I think that we've got to focus on trying to come down the stretch here and start playing better basketball. Every night we've had some really, really intense, physical games the last three or four, and there's no margin for error with this team. When we slip up a little bit, obviously a team like Kentucky is able to expose it.

This is a real good night for the Southeastern Conference basketball. This is a shot that will be heard around the country. You look around the SEC and see it is so competitive. When a team like Tennessee can do something to create better balance in the league we all benefit.

We will win more championships during my time here. We've won championships in the past. This one is going to be significant and it's going to be special because it was so unexpected and accomplished with a lot of obstacles and a lot to overcome. That said that's about all the reflecting I'm going to do on it because we have a lot of basketball to play.

It's the greatest sound in college basketball. The crowd makes this noise, like ' oh no ' when a guy who's hot gets the ball and has an open look. Even before he shoots, before he makes it, the crowd reacts. It's so cool, and it's a testament to how smart these fans are. And it's fun for the shooters, too.