The Official Tennessee vs. #3 Florida Game Thread, 7:00pm ET, ESPN

[bowlinggreenvol]

Absoulutely? Really lends credence to your statement that Pearl is a mediocre coach.

Pearl is one of the best motivators there is, hands down, but I believe his X and O's are suspect. Over 2 of his last 3 seasons he lost 28 games with superior talent in most cases. He seemed to struggle more as the roster improved (stars wise). He struggled to adapt to a half court set when the dynamics of his roster shifted from the run and gun press. And he couldn't recruit a consistent PG if his life depended on it.

 

[walkenvol]

Pearl is the second-fastest NCAA coach to reach 300 victories, and needed only 382 games to reach this mark.

Career record 462 - 145 76%+ winning percentage.

Made the NCAA tourney 8 of his 10 seasons.

You sir don't have a leg to stand on claiming CBP is mediocre!

Nit pick him all you want, but there are only a hand full of coaches with a similar resume. If you can't recognise that, then you are not worthy of discussion.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

There are a lot of clueless rednecks at your church that would take pearl back as well. Pray for them.

Not really. Mostly uppity Yankees who pull or the B1G or Vandy. Why are you bringing religion into the debate? You're bringing up $hit that's over a yr old, and is as far from pertinent to the topic at hand as one could be. If I didn't know any better I'd guess you're running out of substance and are turning to random, cryptic "insults" to camouflage your weak argument. Which at this point, I'm not even sure what your argument is.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

Pearl is the second-fastest NCAA coach to reach 300 victories, and needed only 382 games to reach this mark.

Career record 462 - 145 76%+ winning percentage.

Made the NCAA tourney 8 of his 10 seasons.

You sir don't have a leg to stand on claiming CBP is mediocre!

Nit pick him all you want, but there are only a hand full of coaches with a similar resume. If you can't recognise that, then you are not worthy of discussion.

How many of those who are similar saw the majority of their success take place at the D2 level?

 

[Spartacavolus]

Not really. Mostly uppity Yankees who pull or the B1G or Vandy. Why are you bringing religion into the debate? You're bringing up $hit that's over a yr old, and is as far from pertinent to the topic at hand as one could be. If I didn't know any better I'd guess you're running out of substance and are turning to random, cryptic "insults" to camouflage your weak argument. Which at this point, I'm not even sure what your argument is.

If you want to throw out "clueless rednecks", then don't whine about responses.

 

[walkenvol]

How many of those who are similar saw the majority of their success take place at the D2 level?

231-99 at D1 level 70% winning percentage.

Keep nit picking - you still have NO credability for your claim that CBP is mediocre.

List 10 other coaches in the last 20 years with at least 300 D1 wins with a winning percentage over 70%. There may have been 1,000 D1 coaches in the last 20 years. For CBP to be mediocre, 350 of them would need a better record.

Again, CBP being called mediocre is a foolish uninformed statement.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

231-99 at D1 level 70% winning percentage.

Keep nit picking - you still have NO credability for your claim that CBP is mediocre.

List 10 other coaches in the last 20 years with at least 300 D1 wins with a winning percentage over 70%. There may have been 1,000 D1 coaches in the last 20 years. For CBP to be mediocre, 350 of them would need a better record.

Again, CBP being called mediocre is a foolish uninformed statement.

I guess you're happy with 13-15 loss seasons and first round exits. I'm not anymore happy with that than Cuonzo's results.

 

[walkenvol]

I guess you're happy with 13-15 loss seasons and first round exits. I'm not anymore happy with that than Cuonzo's results.

This is like shooting fish in a barrel....only 3 of his 8 NCAA tourney appearances didn't make it past the first round. Only 3 of his 10 D1 seasons did he have 13, 13, and 15 losses. When you average winning 70% of the time, not going to be a bunch of L's.

Why don't you at least make a small effort to support your ignorant statement that CBP is mediocre?

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

If you want to throw out "clueless rednecks", then don't whine about responses.

Did I explicitly call you a redneck? I was referring to the clan that would scare Marshall off by constantly echoing the BBB mantra at games. I'm not happy with Cuonzo or the teams performance but I'd never vocally lob for a new coach while I'm sitting in the stands watching a current coach. That's tasteless and trashy and takes a special person. I'm not whining about your response, I'm pointing out your inability to debate intelligently.

I'm sorry I "called" you a redneck, Bruce. Get back to giving BTO (aka Cuonzo) hell. That's one thing we can agree is enjoyable.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

This is like shooting fish in a barrel....only 3 of his 8 NCAA tourney appearances didn't make it past the first round. Only 3 of his 10 D1 seasons did he have 13, 13, and 15 losses. When you average winning 70% of the time, not going to be a bunch of L's.

Why don't you at least make a small effort to support your ignorant statement that CBP is mediocre?

Then attempt to explain what happened towards the end of Pearl's tenure here? And FTR you can be a mediocre X&O guy and still be a decent coach due to other intangibles. Most would argue Cal is nothing spectacular when it comes to scheme. I wouldn't say he's a bad coach in totality because recruiting is part of his job and he's the best in the business. Not many coaches can hold a candle to Pearl's ability to motivate a team but there's plenty who are better schematically.

 

[calban]

I guess you're happy with 13-15 loss seasons and first round exits. I'm not anymore happy with that than Cuonzo's results.

I'd take me some dat mediocrity. Rat now.

 

[walkenvol]

Then attempt to explain what happened towards the end of Pearl's tenure here? And FTR you can be a mediocre X&O guy and still be a decent coach due to other intangibles. Most would argue Cal is nothing spectacular when it comes to scheme. I wouldn't say he's a bad coach in totality because recruiting is part of his job and he's the best in the business. Not many coaches can hold a candle to Pearl's ability to motivate a team but there's plenty who are better schematically.

Your the one who made the crazy claim that CBP was a mediocre coach. I've provided you hard statistics that prove the error of your statement. You've provided nothing to substantiate your statement yet you keep attempting to divert the discussion - bush league.

As far as what happened towards the end of Pearl's tenure at UT, his next to last season we went 28-9 with a trip to the elite eight. Yes, I'll take that every season and go home a happy camper. His last season with the SEC sanctions and obvious lack of support of the UT administration, he still made the NCAA tourney - all things considered, maybe his best work of all.

Time for you to man up and admit you were wrong. CBP freely admits his errors and you should too.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

Your the one who made the crazy claim that CBP was a mediocre coach. I've provided you hard statistics that prove the error of your statement. You've provided nothing to substantiate your statement yet you keep attempting to divert the discussion - bush league.

As far as what happened towards the end of Pearl's tenure at UT, his next to last season we went 28-9 with a trip to the elite eight. Yes, I'll take that every season and go home a happy camper. His last season with the SEC sanctions and obvious lack of support of the UT administration, he still made the NCAA tourney - all things considered, maybe his best work of all.

Time for you to man up and admit you were wrong. CBP freely admits his errors and you should too.

When Pearl ran out of shooters his wins started drying up. He inherited a roster that was built to run and gun and he struggled to adapt to a team not capable of that style of play. What more do you want me to say? The offense was brutal at times and I can guarantee the PPG fell off as well, without looking up the stats, as I apparently don't have the time that you do. Pearl was a Lofton shot away from losing to Winthrop, Texas, Carolina etc. His best yrs were when the majority of the roster was made up of someone else's players.

Lofton-Smith yrs: 77-24 (2nd Rd, SW16 2x)
Post Lofton-Smith: 68-37 (1st Rd 2x, E8)

I've never seen a place where people can't disagree on something without folks getting so defensive. Are you Bruce's protector?

 

[Lefteye]

When Pearl ran out of shooters his wins started drying up. He inherited a roster that was built to run and gun and he struggled to adapt to a team not capable of that style of play. What more do you want me to say? Pearl was a Lofton shot away from losing to Winthrop, Texas, Carolina etc.

Lofton-Smith yrs: 77-24 (2nd Rd, SW16 2x)
Post Lofton-Smith: 68-37 (1st Rd 2x, E8)

I've never seen a place where people can't disagree on something without folks getting so defensive. Are you Bruce's protector?

Didn't 8 of those losses come while BP was suspended?

To add my 2 cents, I don't see folks having a problem disagreeing with a rational statement/stance. But to call BP a mediocre coach after getting UT to the tourney every year he was here is kinda retarded. JMO

edit: forget kinda

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

Didn't 8 of those losses come while BP was suspended?

To add my 2 cents, I don't see folks having a problem disagreeing with a rational statement/stance. But to call BP a mediocre coach after getting UT to the tourney every year he was here is kinda retarded. JMO

edit: forget kinda

Only 3 of the losses were on Jones. Jones went 5-3 in the SEC and Pearl went 3-5 plus he lost the UConn game in the middle of the SEC schedule. Pearl missed 8 games they didn't lose them all. Therefore he's responsible for 12 of the 15 losses that season.

Pearl is a worlds better than what we have now doesn't mean I think he's an excellent X&O's guy. Which is what I've repeatedly said. I guess I didn't specify enough at first. I'd rather have him than CCM but he wouldn't definitely not be my first choice if a change is to be made.

 

[walkenvol]

When Pearl ran out of shooters his wins started drying up. He inherited a roster that was built to run and gun and he struggled to adapt to a team not capable of that style of play. What more do you want me to say? The offense was brutal at times and I can guarantee the PPG fell off as well, without looking up the stats, as I apparently don't have the time that you do. Pearl was a Lofton shot away from losing to Winthrop, Texas, Carolina etc. His best yrs were when the majority of the roster was made up of someone else's players.

Lofton-Smith yrs: 77-24 (2nd Rd, SW16 2x)
Post Lofton-Smith: 68-37 (1st Rd 2x, E8)

I've never seen a place where people can't disagree on something without folks getting so defensive. Are you Bruce's protector?

You simply can't admit you were wrong and CPB is absolutely in no way to any reasonable human who takes the time to look at the facts only a mideocre coach.

We can disagree all day on a topic of opinion "CBP should or should not be rehired" without anyone being defensive. But if you get on a UT Bball forum and make ludicris statements of fact that are 100% wrong and folks can prove your wrong with hard data, then you don't get away with a "agree to disagree".

As for being CPB's protector, he doesn't need one as his record speaks for itself.

Come on, admit your wrong - you'll feel better coming clean.

 

[calban]

When Pearl ran out of shooters his wins started drying up. He inherited a roster that was built to run and gun and he struggled to adapt to a team not capable of that style of play.

And still made the NCAA. Go figure.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

You simply can't admit you were wrong and CPB is absolutely in no way to any reasonable human who takes the time to look at the facts only a mideocre coach.

We can disagree all day on a topic of opinion "CBP should or should not be rehired" without anyone being defensive. But if you get on a UT Bball forum and make ludicris statements of fact that are 100% wrong and folks can prove your wrong with hard data, then you don't get away with a "agree to disagree".

As for being CPB's protector, he doesn't need one as his record speaks for itself.

Come on, admit your wrong - you'll feel better coming clean.

WTF do you consider hard data Bruce, Steven? I just showed you what he did when he had a team full of shooters and what he did when he didn't. Wins went down, losses went up, PPG went down, tournament success went down. I consider Bruce Pearl to be a mediocre X and O coach.

All you've shown is his record for your stats. Wins alone don't prove you're a great coach. Cal racks up wins, yet many wouldn't consider him a great coach. He wins because he has the best talent and he has the talent because he can recruit. Look at his NBA record; when he didn't have the pick of the litter he couldn't win.

Is Ray Harper a better coach than Bruce Pearl? He went 242-45 vs. Bruce's 231-46, played for 6 D2 NC (won 2) vs Bruce's 2 (won 1) and went 13-4 vs Bruce while coaching in the same conference. He has a career winning percentage of 83% vs. Bruce's 76% he's gotta be better right? I mean the stats speak for themselves. Now tell me who Ray Harper is.

Bruce has more wins and a better winning percentage than Billy Donovan, I guess he's a better coach by your stats too?

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

And still made the NCAA. Go figure.

With a team littered with 4-5* talent I'd hope to God he would.

 

[calban]

With a team littered with 4-5* talent I'd hope to God he would.

You're the one that said he was struggling with the players he was recruiting.
Where'd that mediocre coach get those 4 and 5 stars any way.
Me thinks you sound a bit concussed.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

You're the one that said he was struggling with the players he was recruiting.
Where'd that mediocre coach get those 4 and 5 stars any way.
Me thinks you sound a bit concussed.

Did I deny he made the tourney with that talent? A monkey could have and should have gotten those latter teams to the tournament. Are you willing to argue that his last three years with his own players were cumulatively better than his first three years with a lot of Buzz's players?

 

[walkenvol]

When Pearl ran out of shooters his wins started drying up. He inherited a roster that was built to run and gun and he struggled to adapt to a team not capable of that style of play. What more do you want me to say? The offense was brutal at times and I can guarantee the PPG fell off as well, without looking up the stats, as I apparently don't have the time that you do. Pearl was a Lofton shot away from losing to Winthrop, Texas, Carolina etc. His best yrs were when the majority of the roster was made up of someone else's players.

Lofton-Smith yrs: 77-24 (2nd Rd, SW16 2x)
Post Lofton-Smith: 68-37 (1st Rd 2x, E8)

I've never seen a place where people can't disagree on something without folks getting so defensive. Are you Bruce's protector?

First off let's refocus - the debate is concerning whether or not CBP is a mediocre coach. That is the bold statement you made that you are unable to substantiate. CBP's long college coaching record in both D2 and D1 proves beyond any shadow of doubt that he is considerably above mediocre.

As for the time it takes to back up statements, google is easy and quick.

As for CBP's record at UT, it was consistently good for the first 5 years. The 6th year was not up to his standard (although still an NCAA tourney trip) and its obvious the reasons why. CBP was suspended by the SEC for a portion of the season and the program was under the Craft BBQ-gate cloud. Throw out the final season and his success was consistent during his UT tenure, both pre and post Lofton.

Concerning his best yrs being with the majority of the roster of Buzz's recruits, that is also wrong like all your other CBP complaints. 2007-8 was the 31 win season when Lofton and Smith were seniors and they were the only 2 Buzz recruits still on the rostor who were in the 8/9 man rotation. 25% of the rostor is not a majority - wrong again. Even the 24 win 2006-7 season had the freshmen class of Chism, Crews, R. Smith, and Tabb who were all in the rotation that year. And while Bradshaw was a Buzz PG recruit, I seriously doubt (my opinion, not fact) anybody but CBP would have been able to foresee him as a productive power forward.

While I enjoy a good debate, you don't hold up your end of the game. I'm done here - peace out.

 

[bowlinggreenvol]

First off let's refocus - the debate is concerning whether or not CBP is a mediocre coach. That is the bold statement you made that you are unable to substantiate. CBP's long college coaching record in both D2 and D1 proves beyond any shadow of doubt that he is considerably above mediocre.

As for the time it takes to back up statements, google is easy and quick.

As for CBP's record at UT, it was consistently good for the first 5 years. The 6th year was not up to his standard (although still an NCAA tourney trip) and its obvious the reasons why. CBP was suspended by the SEC for a portion of the season and the program was under the Craft BBQ-gate cloud. Throw out the final season and his success was consistent during his UT tenure, both pre and post Lofton.

Concerning his best yrs being with the majority of the roster of Buzz's recruits, that is also wrong like all your other CBP complaints. 2007-8 was the 31 win season when Lofton and Smith were seniors and they were the only 2 Buzz recruits still on the rostor who were in the 8/9 man rotation. 25% of the rostor is not a majority - wrong again. Even the 24 win 2006-7 season had the freshmen class of Chism, Crews, R. Smith, and Tabb who were all in the rotation that year. And while Bradshaw was a Buzz PG recruit, I seriously doubt (my opinion, not fact) anybody but CBP would have been able to foresee him as a productive power forward.

While I enjoy a good debate, you don't hold up your end of the game. I'm done here - peace out.

You're wrong Steven, I'm man enough to admit I'm wrong. Your dad's record proves that my argument is ludicrous, therefore I won't question his coaching ability anymore. #BBB.

 

[BigSteve09]

This has turned into quite the thread.opcorn:

 

[BigSteve09]

Under Bruce Pearl:
-Got to our first Elite 8 ever

-He is responsible for half (3/6) of our Sweet 16 appearances ever: 07, 08, 10

-He is responsible for six of our total 19 (roughly a third) NCAA Tournament appearances. All six of these were during the longest streak of NCAAT appearances in UT history.

-First regular season SEC Championship in 8 years (2008)

-First #1 ranking ever for the program

None of this is mediocre. Combine all of those, and you've got a special coach. Bruce Pearl took the program to new heights, and to call him mediocre is pretty silly.