The 2026 edition of The Men’s Event at The Factory on Wednesday, June 3, may attract plenty of basketball fans. But Bruce Pearl says the focus of his appearance in St. Louis will go far beyond the game itself.
The longtime college basketball coach and current Turner Sports and CBS Sports analyst said he plans to speak about Israel, Judaism, faith and living a meaningful Jewish life when he headlines the annual event.
“I definitely will be talking about Israel and Judaism — faith and basketball,” Pearl told the Jewish Light. “I do more teaching and preaching and speaking from the heart and encouraging everyone to live a Jewish life of meaning.”
Pearl’s appearance is expected to be one of the signature draws for this year’s Men’s Event, which combines sports, food, drinks and community gathering for the St. Louis Jewish community.
During his 30-year coaching career, Pearl led Tennessee to a No. 1 national ranking in 2008 and guided Auburn to top rankings in both 2022 and 2025 before transitioning into broadcasting last year.
Coaching Through Faith
Pearl said faith and family shaped much of his coaching philosophy throughout his career.
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“We got up every single day and basically asked the question, ‘What would G-d have me do today? What would G-d have you do?’” Pearl said. “That was a huge part of what made us successful.”
He said his teams tried to focus less on outside noise and more on personal responsibility and effort.
“You worry about what you can control,” Pearl said. “I’d also love to say that our teams try to play relentlessly.”
That philosophy, he said, extended beyond wins and losses.
Pearl described his role as helping young athletes grow not only as players but as people.
“That means being great examples for our kids about how we can take advantage of the blessings and how we’re supposed to serve in the community and treat people,” he said.
A Changing College Game
Pearl also addressed the rapidly changing world of college athletics, particularly the growing influence of NIL money and athlete compensation.
“It’s changed the game a lot and certainly changed recruiting and a lot of the decision making that goes into why a player is going to play,” Pearl said.
He questioned whether financial incentives are beginning to outweigh player development and education.
“Is he going to come play for you because he wants to develop, he wants to get his degree, he wants to become a man?” Pearl said. “Or is he playing for you simply because you’re going to pay him more than the other guy?”
Pearl said the transition from coaching to broadcasting has felt natural in part because networks wanted his honest perspective and analysis.
“I’ve always really respected our fans,” he said. “I respect their knowledge and I respect their understanding of the game.”
Jewish Pride In Sports
Pearl also reflected on why successful Jewish athletes and coaches often resonate so strongly within the Jewish community.
“I think it’s because the Jewish people have always had to fight for their survival and compete to stay alive, let alone win championships,” Pearl said.
“The Jewish people have often punched above our weight,” he added. “We embrace in something that we’re proud of. We admire and we honor winning and success, but we’re also built that way.”
