Like others have said, Martin runs a motion offense. The term "motion" offense is thrown around loosely in the basketball world. I have coached/played against many teams that call "motion," but what they're actually running is a structured continuity offense with the same cutting and screening action that you could run from now until the end of time. A true motion offense, whether it's 5 out, 4 around 1, or 3 around 2, is not patterned or structured. Most motion coaches have a few rules within the offense, for example, one rule might be on every post-entry the ballside wing will Laker cut off the post to prevent a quick dig or help from the closest defender. Also, motion coaches often use set plays that flow into motion if they're looking to get a specific action, or they'll run a set in late-clock situations. However, true motion offense is predicated on a number of different cutting and screening options the players are given, and those are determined by how many layers or rules a coach uses to build his offense, as well as, how much the players can retain. If taught and ran effectively a motion offense is extremely hard to guard because it teaches kids how to play instead of what the play is, and it's virtually impossible to scout as opposed to set plays or a base continuity offense. Yet, when I have a chance to watch Tennessee play their struggles are much the same as other motion teams, or any team that struggles offensively for that matter. They screen space, they come off screens lethargically, they don't set-up cuts or cut hard, they ball watch and spectate, and as a result they become stagnant. It doesn't matter what you run, if you don't have great attention to detail regarding the little things within an offense and play with a sense of urgency you won't be effective. That's where Pearl made a difference. I realize coaches are evaluated by their win-loss record, and Pearl certainly got it done in that regard. However, from a basketball standpoint, he was far from a schematic genius. He was a fantastic motivator/salesman. His teams played with relentless effort, great energy, and a sense of urgency, which is why they won. One of the greatest basketball minds I've ever known once told me,"there's a lot of different ways to get to town," and Pearl certainly had his, but it wasn't due to his extensive knowledge of the game. With that said, Pearl was a perfect fit for Tennessee basketball. Especially in his early years when they played in a chaotic scramble, and generated most of their offense off turnovers and in transition. He captivated the fanbase with his energy, and his team's energy. The times I saw him speak it was easy to see why people loved him. Ultimately, I'm not clamoring for one over another, but a coach's job is much easier when he doesn't have to constantly coach effort. That's what Martin is up against now. Pearl was a master at it, and that's why he's beloved.
