Selby and Harris News.

#51
#51
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)
Tennessee played in the SEC Tournament finals in 1991.
 
#52
#52
The amazing thing isn't the relative success of the last few years, it's the previous several years of less than mediocrity.
A fact our fanbase seems totally unable to grasp. They act as if Pearl is the second coming of Henry Iba because he can beat standards set by the Wade Houstons and Buzz Petersons of the world.
 
#53
#53
I am amazed at the number of people who actually think a team with no SEC quality point guard and a complete derth of shooters is going to approach 30 wins. That's not even taking into account the utter incompetence in the halfcourt on both ends.

Are you saying Jordan Howell or Ramar Smith were SEC level point guards and that is why we won over 30 games 2 years ago?
 
#54
#54
Are you saying Jordan Howell or Ramar Smith were SEC level point guards and that is why we won over 30 games 2 years ago?
Ramar Smith is so much better than the two scrubs that will be logging minutes at the point for UT this year that it's not funny. Hell, I'll take Jordan Howell over Melvin Goins every time. I saw Ramar the last time he was in court. He's about 20 pounds overweight. He'd still annihilate either of the washouts on our roster right now.
 
#55
#55
Are you saying Jordan Howell or Ramar Smith were SEC level point guards and that is why we won over 30 games 2 years ago?

No. The guard play was supported by very strong off guards and Ramar was passable as a defender and threat to the d.
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#56
#56
Ramar Smith is so much better than the two scrubs that will be logging minutes at the point for UT this year that it's not funny. Hell, I'll take Jordan Howell over Melvin Goins every time. I saw Ramar the last time he was in court. He's about 20 pounds overweight. He'd still annihilate either of the washouts on our roster right now.

I doubt we can attribute that season's success on the guard play of Howell and Smith. We were exceptional from behind the arc and turned opposing teams over with 20+ turnovers a game leading to tons of easy baskets going the other way. Put Ramar at the point on this year's team and see what happens.
 
#58
#58
I doubt we can attribute that season's success on the guard play of Howell and Smith. We were exceptional from behind the arc and turned opposing teams over with 20+ turnovers a game leading to tons of easy baskets going the other way. Put Ramar at the point on this year's team and see what happens.

We could break down d from the top and wouldn't get used on our defensive end because we wouldn't keep any PGs in front of us.
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#59
#59
The players Pearl is recruiting now does not fit the style of play that made our past teams successful. He is getting taller, more athletic players but he is not smart enough to coach a competent 1/2 court offense to make them effective, bottom line. He would be better suited recruiting more versatile type guards with good shooting range that play scrappy defense. Pearl is more successful when we have 3 guards on the floor that can shoot and put pressure on the ball after a score.
 
#60
#60
The players Pearl is recruiting now does not fit the style of play that made our past teams successful. He is getting taller, more athletic players but he is not smart enough to coach a competent 1/2 court offense to make them effective, bottom line. He would be better suited recruiting more versatile type guards with good shooting range that play scrappy defense. Pearl is more successful when we have 3 guards on the floor that can shoot and put pressure on the ball after a score.
Yet you think they'll win 25-28 games in an improved SEC?
 
#61
#61
I like trophies. I like banners. I like championship rings.

Whatever that takes.
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#63
#63
Yet you think they'll win 25-28 games in an improved SEC?

I think we are returning more experience with Hopson, Tatum and Negedu contributing more than last year. A healthy JP Prince from start to finish would be nice, say what you want about him but he can be a spark plug but I also know he can be a liability at times. I am writing Woolridge off atleast until next year. I expect about the same from Maze as last year. Goins will be here just to give Maze a rest. If Tyler will play within the game and rely on his teamates to help carry the load, assuming they will, then I dont see why that many wins is unachievable.
 
#64
#64
I think we are returning more experience with Hopson, Tatum and Negedu contributing more than last year. A healthy JP Prince from start to finish would be nice, say what you want about him but he can be a spark plug but I also know he can be a liability at times. I am writing Woolridge off atleast until next year. I expect about the same from Maze as last year. Goins will be here just to give Maze a rest. If Tyler will play within the game and rely on his teamates to help carry the load, assuming they will, then I dont see why that many wins is unachievable.

We should be able to compete with almost anyone from the 2-5 spots. Our tourney limitations will be based upon the spread between our PGs and those of the teams really vying to go deep.
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#66
#66
We should be able to compete with almost anyone from the 2-5 spots. Our tourney limitations will be based upon the spread between our PGs and those of the teams really vying to go deep.
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Scotty Hopson is the new Vincent Yarbrough. Every year, we're going to hear how "this is the year." Not to ruin the end of the movie, but "the year" never comes.
 
#67
#67
The difference this year should be we will not lose to anyone we have no business losing to such as Temple, Alabama at home, etc. I do predict that after this year Pearl, if he is still around, will have his first season at UT under 20 wins. I am not looking forward to the 2010 season with what we are losing versus what will be coming in.
 
#68
#68
Scotty Hopson is the new Vincent Yarbrough. Every year, we're going to hear how "this is the year." Not to ruin the end of the movie, but "the year" never comes.

I'm holding out hope. He's loaded if he wants to make the effort.
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#69
#69
The difference this year should be we will not lose to anyone we have no business losing to such as Temple, Alabama at home, etc.
I didn't realize awful point guard play, erratic perimeter shooting, and matador style halfcourt defense was the recipe for consistency.
 
#70
#70
I didn't realize awful point guard play, erratic perimeter shooting, and matador style halfcourt defense was the recipe for consistency.

I see your point, but I believe Hopson and Cam will be much improved from outside. Negedu should get more minutes with Williams getting less. Negedu could be a nightmare defensively if he is coached up correctly. Tyler and Wayne will do their thing. Point guard play will be no better but if we can play any defense at all I do see us contending for the SEC title again with 25+ wins.
 
#71
#71
I see your point, but I believe Hopson and Cam will be much improved from outside. Negedu should get more minutes with Williams getting less. Negedu could be a nightmare defensively if he is coached up correctly. Tyler and Wayne will do their thing. Point guard play will be no better but if we can play any defense at all I do see us contending for the SEC title again with 25+ wins.

This is littered with big time iffy assumptions.
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#74
#74
Scotty Hopson is the new Vincent Yarbrough. Every year, we're going to hear how "this is the year." Not to ruin the end of the movie, but "the year" never comes.

I heard rumors that yarbrough and some of the player from that era had a major nose candy problems. Not sure if it's true if course, hopefully it wasn't.
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