Indiana needs a new head coach, and the Hoosiers have their eye on Bruce Pearl, David Climer of the Tennessean writes.
I know— it’s only a rumor. But for Vandy fans and Vol haters alike, this is exciting stuff. Before Pearl took the U-Tay job in March of 2005, the program was in shambles. Jerry Green resigned in 2001 before Buzz Peterson put the freefall into high gear.
The Vols posted records of 14-16, 17-12, 15-14, 14-17 in the four seasons under Peterson. That’s 1 NIT appearance and a winning percentage barely over 50%. Ouch.
Since Pearl, the Vols have posted records of 22-8, 24-11, and (currently) 31-4. He’s seen three straight trips to the Big Dance, a 77% winning percentage, and two Sweet Sixteen appearances (provided Louisville takes care of business tomorrow. Knock on wood.)
If there's any drawback of seeing Vandy’s basketball program grow, it's watching Tennessee do it with us. If Pearl left the SEC, I certainly wouldn't miss him.
Let’s hope Bruce turn in his orange blazer for something red.
On a different note, I'm going to respectfully disagree with the previous "World's Greatest Dunker" video. Kadour Ziani from France wins, hands down. The guy is 5'10 and has a 56-inch vert. And if ya don't know, now ya know. . .
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
4 comments:
Fair enough, but I think there's plenty of room for Bruce Pearl in the SEC. I think it might ultimately be to Vandy's benefit to have a strong cross-state rival. Plus, Pearl has in some ways kept the SEC in the hearts and minds of college basketball fans as Kentucky has struggled.
But from a Vandy fan's point of view, you'd want him out as soon as possible. He elevates the program on an annual basis and, judging by this season's success and the incoming recruiting class, he doesn't seem to be slowing down.
From the perspective of an SEC official, of course I'd want Bruce Pearl in my league. Tennessee will always be a cross-state rival, which is great, but I like it better when we beat them. Pearl is 4-2 against us.
If I'm Vandy I want to recruit Memphis for more guys like Elliot Williams. So the less competition, the better. Right?
Yeah, but I think there's something to be said for the idea that a more competitive league draws more competitive players.
Post a Comment