Just a few of observations after watching some of Auburn v Mizzou last night. - No, I do not want Auburn's Coach or players. I know Pearl takes a lot of crap - and I'm personally not a fan - but he is once again getting results.
1. Dude knows basketball and can coach.
2. Dude recruits athletes and they play physical and fast. Reminds me of the Denny Crumb philosophy to a degree which was "give me great athletes and I can make them good enough players".
3. Defense is very "active" and Pitino-like. If fouls are called they are not going far. If fouls are not called - the sky is the limit. They foul... a lot - which is a typical Pearl trait.
4. Players looked to be bought in and committed. They are great in the open floor. Lots of energy.
5. Enough skilled players to be dangerous.
6. And last... His coaching style always seems to instill confidence in his players. They play like they are planning to win and believe they are better. No timidity. Are they arrogant on the floor? - Yes. But there is something to be said for the level of confidence they display. No fear (seemingly) of the doghouse or being yanked every mistake. I think Cal eventually gets players there - but seems like the "tear you down to build you back up" at times. I'm sure some of that has to do with how the players handle his style.
Adidas/FBI issues probably still gonna get Pearl again, but it was an interesting watch last night. Anytime Mizzou punched - Auburn punched back harder and ended up blowing them out.
1. Dude knows basketball and can coach.
2. Dude recruits athletes and they play physical and fast. Reminds me of the Denny Crumb philosophy to a degree which was "give me great athletes and I can make them good enough players".
3. Defense is very "active" and Pitino-like. If fouls are called they are not going far. If fouls are not called - the sky is the limit. They foul... a lot - which is a typical Pearl trait.
4. Players looked to be bought in and committed. They are great in the open floor. Lots of energy.
5. Enough skilled players to be dangerous.
6. And last... His coaching style always seems to instill confidence in his players. They play like they are planning to win and believe they are better. No timidity. Are they arrogant on the floor? - Yes. But there is something to be said for the level of confidence they display. No fear (seemingly) of the doghouse or being yanked every mistake. I think Cal eventually gets players there - but seems like the "tear you down to build you back up" at times. I'm sure some of that has to do with how the players handle his style.
Adidas/FBI issues probably still gonna get Pearl again, but it was an interesting watch last night. Anytime Mizzou punched - Auburn punched back harder and ended up blowing them out.
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