🏀 Barn Hires Bruce Pearl

[TUSKtimes]

I've been thinking about this the last few weeks.

I'm curious as to how you guys feel about Pearl today?

None of us knew how it would work when Auburn hired him. As seen in this thread, I wasn't convinced his tenure at UT meant much. Now, we're looking at a coach who has the worst record of any coach in the SEC over the past three years.

What's everyone's opinion on Pearl now, versus what you thought a few years ago?

He's recruiting and that's the lifeblood of your program. I'm surprised he is struggling in the SEC after the OOC success. When you are bringing in the talent you can afford to be patient.

 

[TerryP]

When you are bringing in the talent you can afford to be patient.

I get that.

We have to take into account their players have been his players since his first class. Three years of his players and it is still a situation where patience is the key?

I wouldn't be surprised, in the least, if we see him at another school for the '17-'18 season.

 

[planomateo]

He hasn't lived up to the expectations.

 

[alagator]

William_In_Texas
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I had the joy of sitting behind the bench yesterday and got to talk with several of the coaches and admin guys afterwards. Not that any of this is crazy enlightening, but figured I'd pass on what I gleaned.

- The team's body language was the worst I've seen all year, and it stated before tipoff. No energy, no camaraderie, no joy in playing the game. Harper and Purifoy were constantly sulking in regards to their playing time. Dunnans looked like he'd rather be anywhere but on the court. This team misses Spencer who provides a carefree joy and energy.

- Bryce Brown had to be reprimanded twice by Pearl Jr. for staring at the on-court timeout entertainment instead of at Pearl and his clipboard. Zero focus from the players with the exception of Heron and McLemore.

- Wiley was understandably pissed and visibly frustrated about not being let back in the game. Though I understand Pearls hesitation I thought it was curious given he was cleared by the trainer. We essentially threw in the towel mid second-half and the players responded accordingly.

- There is a visible and palpable disconnect between Pearl and his players right now. We never seem to know when to press, when not to press, what to run on offense, etc. That's hard to understand this late in a season. As @Jay G. Tate mentioned in his piece, its concerning how often our PGs play doesn't align with Pearls expectations.

- Found it curious how often TJ Dunnans got a pass when it comes to his play, Pearl almost lets him play on his own. He essentially runs around the court like a roving LB with no regard to the defense we're playing, carelessly whiffing and reaching instead of moving his feet. He kills our offense with his shot selection. Meanwhile Harper and Johnson got chewed out all night long over the smallest things.

- Crazy to watch how badly abused Purifoy was in the paint given his size, though #44 is NBA ready. He's the real deal. I don't know how you keep starting him at the 4. Coaches seem to badly want a stretch 4 at that position which scares them from starting McLemore.

- Hard to take away anything positive, Heron had the best attitude last night and just has a maturity and calmness that this team needs more of. He should be in the running for SEC POY next year. Everyone we talked to hammered home the youth point, and I get it, but this team seems dangerously close to spiraling down into an offseason of transfers and into another year of new faces.

 

[pignjig17]

He seems to have our number down pat though

 

[planomateo]

He seems to have our number down pat though

Not really. Last year was the first year of Pearl vs Johnson, we finished 1-1 (home teams won). This year, we finished 0-2 (should have won the home game this year, but I won't open that can of worms). Not to mention, Pearl's been at Auburn for 3 years now...and still hasn't put anything together.