KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Vols men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl has made a lot of friends during his tenure on Rocky Top, but one of his biggest fans has been with him the entire way, since his days growing up in Massachusetts.

We're talking about Coach Pearl's father, Bernie.

He's been at recent practices.

"I'm pop to the players," Bernie says.

And now he's in Providence with the team, but don't expect to catch Bernie Pearl in his seat

"I walk a lot," he says. "I just walk a lot...I pace. I figure if I walk a lot they will win. I can't sit still for very long."

Now we know where Coach Pearl gets his tendency to pace the sidelines.

"Bruce lets it get out. A lot of guys keep it inside. Letting it get out is more important," Bernie says. "No, he does not have a blood pressure problem."

Bernie says what you see is what you get with Bruce, for the most part.

"He's very genuine. He's not as volatile, on the court he is different."

Bernie Pearl says, of course, he is proud of his son's accomplishments at the UT. He's even more proud of the man he has become off the court.

"We're more proud of him as a father, truly. He has had some difficulty, surely you know," He says. "He is a wonderful son. He's very good to his parents. Very generous guy."

Coach Pearl spend much of the rare extra time he has on charitable work.

This weekend will be a reunion of sorts for the Pearls.

"It's a great chance to see some family and friends."

That's because they lived in Sharon, Mass., less than an hour from the arena in Rhode Island where the NCAA Championship is being held.

"...and hopefully we don't leave until Sunday," Bernie says.

That would mean a win for the Vols Thursday, followed by game two in round two over the weekend.

Bernie says the entire Pearl clan will be at the game on Thursday except for his grandson Michael who's playing in a baseball tournament

Bruce's parents live in Florida, but they come to Knoxville often for family gatherings and special events.