Well, as it turns out, Bruce Pearl is a pretty smart guy after all.  The entirety of the Big Orange Nation was holding their breaths waiting for the decision to come down from the All-American Chris Lofton, but until the press conference, people were still unsure.

That’s because Bruce Pearl allowed, and in fact, encouraged Chris to explore his options in the NBA.  Many vol fans, upon hearing this news, were mortified that Lofton might actually leave UT for millions of dollars, big houses, nice cars, and adoring fans.  I mean, the nerve…

But as it turns out, Lofton is going to stay in school.  Don’t get me wrong, I think that’s great and everything, but what’s going to happen when the real Chris Lofton wakes up, and finds himself in Bruce Pearl’s basement somewhere, watching a press conference with a Lofton-Bot announcing that he’s going to stay in school for another year?

Crap, what did I just say?  WHAT DID I JUST SAY?

Some are saying that Bruce Pearl is helping himself out in terms of recruiting due to the fact that it looks like he is looking out for the best interests of his players by allowing them to explore their options and being open to players leaving early to play in the pros.  I’ll agree that that is true, but we don’t really know what’s going on behind the scenes.  Maybe he’s putting on a brave face in front of the cameras, and then as soon as the doors are closed, the mics are off and the cameras stop rolling, he bursts into tears, crawling on his knees begging his players not to leave.  No?  Well, a guy can dream.

With Lofton staying at UT, the BasketVols should be in good contention to win the SEC East next year with the entire Florida team leaving for the draft, a new coach at Kentucky, and well, no other teams playing basketball, so, let’s hope the decision pays off for the man.

Thanks Chris, and buy a tshirt that’s shorter than your polo.  Thanks.