Using your definition, here's how I think Pearl has rebuilt the program:
Several players had huge turnarounds under Pearl: (Bradshaw, Asumnu, etc.)
Has also brought in & retained several high profile recruits (Chism, Prince, Woolridge, Hopson, Negedu)
Brought in Brian Williams, who was an unknown, and is a completely different player now
Helped get C.J. Watson into the NBA
Etc.:
Avg. 24.5 wins/season (UT averaged 15.25 during the previous 4 seasons)
In first season, lost top 2 scorers from a 14-17 team and won the SEC East (pre-season SEC East #5) and received a #2 seed in NCAA tourney (2005-06)
Reached Sweet 16 for 1st time since 1999-00 (2005-06, 2006-07)
1st ever #1 ranking (2007-08)
Won SEC outright for 1st time in 41 years (2007-08)
Made it to the SEC Championship game for the 1st time since 1981 (2008-09)