Bruce Pearl story...

S

SWIHawk

Well-Known Member
I was at the Final Four the year after Pearl's first year at Tennessee. I ended up at the hotel lobby where all the coaches hang out. He saw my buddy wearing an Iowa cap, so he came over and talked to us. He absolutely loves Iowa. I said to him that I was disappointed that he went to Tennessee because I hoped he would be the guy at Iowa. He replied that you can never say never, that he loved Iowa, and would always look at that job if it was open.

A lot has happened since then, definitely. But, if the job is indeed open, I am not giving up on the possibility of him coming back to Iowa.
 
Pearl is my #1 choice. He's got a good thing going at UT, though. But, he's losing 4 seniors 3 of which are starters. Plus, one of his assistants, Jason Shay, is an Iowa alum. Hopefully, Pearl is on the shortlist.
 
I always thought the contact to Pearl last time was made up and that Barta had his mind set on Stallings or Lickliter. Hopefully, Barta's ego sees the light this time. Make the guy an offer he cant turn down.
 
Southernhawk said:
Pearl is my #1 choice. He's got a good thing going at UT, though. But, he's losing 4 seniors 3 of which are starters. Plus, one of his assistants, Jason Shay, is an Iowa alum. Hopefully, Pearl is on the shortlist.
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Pearl was my #1 pick 3 years ago, and that has not changed. I would love to see Pearl on our sidelines, and the fan base could finally unite, I believe. Maybe his assistants would encourage him to take the Iowa job since they have Iowa ties as well. Assuming Lick is done, I think Barta needs to make this phone call again. You can't win if you don't play.
 
EckoHawk said:
I always thought the contact to Pearl last time was made up and that Barta had his mind set on Stallings or Lickliter. Hopefully, Barta's ego sees the light this time. Make the guy an offer he cant turn down.
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The problem with that is Tenn also has the ability to make him a counter offer he can't refuse and he already has a good thing going at Tenn.
 
HawkIreign said:
The problem with that is Tenn also has the ability to make him a counter offer he can't refuse and he already has a good thing going at Tenn.
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Not if every Hawk fan in the state started to throw money at the idea of Pearl coming to Iowa. I'd dig deep into the pockets.....heck I'd even donate a little to that cause. Don't settle this time.
 
cibula11 said:
Not if every Hawk fan in the state started to throw money at the idea of Pearl coming to Iowa. I'd dig deep into the pockets.....heck I'd even donate a little to that cause. Don't settle this time.
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I'd pitch in $20 for the cause. Heck - put me down for $100. Dead serious. :D
 
HawkIreign said:
The problem with that is Tenn also has the ability to make him a counter offer he can't refuse and he already has a good thing going at Tenn.
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At Tennessee, Pearl will always be No. 3 in the pecking order of coaches. At Iowa he would be an immediate No. 2 with the chance to compete for Top Gun or co-Top Gun, and I think he'd find that attractive.

If he managed to turn the program around, fill CHA and aid with fundraising, he would have a chance to establish a Hayden Fry-like legacy. He's at the age and point in life where coaches start to think about things like that.

I used to think Pearl would be a long-shot. I no longer feel that.

I'd sure like Barta to make a SERIOUS run at him this time.
 
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