Coach Bruce Pearl made a brief but meaningful visit to Israel to see, listen, and show solidarity after publicly expressing pro-Israel positions during the NCAA Tournament – the biggest stage of his basketball career. In an exclusive conversation with Israel Hayom, he shared his thoughts on politics, basketball, and everything in between.
Q: What brings you to Israel?
"I serve as Chairman of the Board of the US-Israel Education Association (USIEA) and also came as part of an initiative by the Yes! Israel Project. Our mission is to bring US congressional leaders to Israel to build stronger and more positive relationships between our two nations. Through our distinctive approach and established diplomatic channels, we're able to provide these leaders with comprehensive experiences, including visits to Judea and Samaria. The organization has been active since 2011, ensuring that Congress continues to fund the Iron Dome and provide Israel with everything it needs for its security and prosperity."
Q: What is your message to American and Israeli decision-makers regarding the war?
"I'm a strong advocate for sovereignty. When I read in Genesis about Jacob, I see no reason to diminish our place in this land. For me, Jerusalem is a place where all religions can unite, and everyone can freely practice their faith. Thank God, Jerusalem is in Israeli hands, allowing all people to worship as they wish."
Q: Where did you visit during your time in Israel?
"I spoke at the JNS Policy Summit, visited Jerusalem and the Judean Hills, and had the honor of meeting President Isaac Herzog. During the NCAA tournament, I took the opportunity to call for the release of all the hostages, and I specifically mentioned Idan Alexander, the only American believed to still be alive and held captive. President Herzog reached out to thank me.
"That meeting with President Herzog was very special. As a Jewish American, I sometimes feel helpless and want to do more to support my ancestral homeland and its fight for survival. That's why I don't want to be thanked – because I'm not doing anything. Thank the soldiers, the brave men and women of this country, who are fighting for Israel's right to exist. My message is clear: the US supports the State of Israel, and the majority of the public stands behind it. Don't pay attention to the loud minority in our country – those who believe the lies or have lost their minds. Most Americans stand with Israel.
Q: You led Auburn to the Final Four in a historic run. Where do you see the team going next year?
"We have a very experienced team, we won the regular season championship, and were ranked 6th overall in the nation – it was truly a historic year. I genuinely believe our success [five championships in eight years] is thanks to God – He has blessed us far beyond what we deserve, and honestly, He blessed me personally so I could be in a position to have this platform."
Q: During that Final Four run, you spoke openly about the situation in Israel. What led you to use that platform, and how was the message received in the US?
"My grandfather named me Mordechai, and the tournament happened around Purim. He taught me the responsibility of speaking up. He raised me to stand by my principles. Martin Luther King said, "Silence is complicity" – and he himself was a great supporter of the State of Israel. I acted according to how I was raised, and I'm proud of that."
Q: Have you encountered antisemitism on campus?
"Not at all. I live in the wonderful Evangelical South. My Christian brothers and sisters would never allow antisemitism or any protests against Israel in Alabama, because of their love for Jesus. Evangelical Christians have a deep love for Israel."
Q: Did you face hostility during March Madness because of your positions?
"Not at all. Do I get a lot of flak on social media or hate mail? Sure, but it's a very small price to pay."
Q: What do you think of Deni Avdija's breakout season in Portland?
"Deni is a great player, and we had the honor of playing against him when I brought Auburn to Israel – we faced him and the national team in Tel Aviv. We played pretty well, even led at halftime, and Deni hadn't scored yet. But in the second half, he scored 24 points, and they beat us soundly. I'm a big fan of Deni. I have four former Auburn players currently in Israel – Jared Harper, who led us to the Final Four and is one of the best players I've ever coached; Austin Wiley, who I think is the best center in Israel. Before they came here, I had already visited Israel many times, and I encouraged them to come play here. Their families were worried about security, but they're loving it and have already signed on for next season. There's also Lior Berman, who plays for Elitzur Ashkelon in the National League, and Bryce Brown [second-highest scorer in the league this season], who hit the second-most three-pointers in SEC history. They're all building great careers here – maybe partly because we brought our team to Israel and showed them what a beautiful country it is, how great the people are, and how good the food is."
Q: I know you follow Israeli basketball. Do you recognize any major stars here?
"I believe there's a bright future for young Israeli basketball players. They can benefit a lot from playing college ball in the US, especially now with the NIL program that allows them to be financially rewarded while getting an education. They can play at a very high level, get real exposure, and make their way to the NBA."
Q: What do you think of the current state of Israeli basketball in general?
"I think Israeli basketball is played at a very high level – especially on the offense end and in the use of pick-and-roll. The off-ball movement of the other three players is top-tier. They create spacing and maintain a strong pace – very advanced and very effective.
Q: Where do you see Dani Wolf being drafted in the upcoming NBA Draft?
"Dani is a first-round pick in the NBA Draft. His game translates to the next level. He has excellent skills. He's very Larry Bird-like."
Q: Larry Bird? Did I hear you right?
"Yes, absolutely. He's a skilled big man who can pass, put the ball on the floor, has great court vision, he's athletic and quick.
Q: Where do you see him fitting best?
"With the Boston Celtics. Red Auerbach would be so proud."
Q: Who's your favorite to win the NBA Finals?
"I have two players on the Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaac Okoro and Chuma Okeke – so they're my favorite team right now.
Q: What do you wish Israel for its 77th Independence Day?
"Peace and prosperity. Keep moving forward and growing – and don't apologize. Israel has nothing to apologize for. It's the second greatest country in the world."
