Brian Williams (photo. University of Tennessee)

Dime: Can you talk about the influence Bruce Pearl had on you during your career?
BW: In my opinion he is the greatest motivator I’ve ever played for. Hopefully he can get a job in broadcasting or something because he’s a great character. I learned a lot from him. I learned how to adapt from mistakes quicker than usual and he’s a great coach, and I appreciate everything he has done for me.

Dime: How hard was it for you and the other guys to see him go through everything that happened this year?
BW: It was tough, especially for me. When the situation I had last year presented itself Coach Pearl was right there with me. So this year when he had a rough time we had to be there for him, and I think he handled it as well as possible. Nobody likes the outcome of what happened but it’s one of those things you have to learn from. I know coach is learning from it.

Dime: Rebounding, defense, and toughness were words frequently used to describe you at UT, are those the skills you want to show these teams?
BW: Definitely. I take pride in my defense, I don’t know a lot of people that do cause they like to hit shots. I think I was one of the underrated defenders in the SEC and I think a lot of guys I went against, a lot of talented guys, didn’t have their best game when they played me. I also think I’m one of the best passing big men in the country and that is something I’m going to have to bring to the NBA game if I make it.

Dime: Growing up in the Bronx, Nets or Knicks fan?
BW: Neither. I’m just a fan of basketball.

Dime: What would it be like to play for the Nets? Especially once they move to Brooklyn.
BW: I mean I’d get to see Kim Kardashian every night (laughs). Nah, I mean my family would get to see me play in person. They got to see me play a lot on TV but not actually in Knoxville. When we played at the Garden in November I had 20 or 30 family and friends there watching, and there is no better feeling than winning the game and being greeted by your family. They can just drive right over the bridge and come watch me, so if I heard my name called by them it would be something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

Dime: Over your career, give an estimate on the number of times you’ve heard Rocky Top played.
BW: (Shaking his head) I don’t know. I think it’s a good thing when they play it at the games though cause it means we are doing something right. Probably a hundred billion if that’s a number, a trillion maybe. I know the song like the back of my hand, I won’t sing it, but it’s my favorite song, just got to put a beat on it now.

What do you think?

Follow Daniel on Twitter at @dgm591.

Follow Dime on Twitter at @DimeMag.

Become a fan of Dime Magazine on Facebook HERE.