So I'm not worth your time to discuss Pearl just because you know I support him? Lol that's mature.
It's nothing personal against you, but one thing I've learned from message boards is: if someone is hellbent on a side or opinion (i.e. avatars, usernames, etc. reference their opinion), try not to argue with them. It just gets extremely frustrating and neither person's opinion will change as a result of the conversation.
Bottom line: Pearl > CCM. It's that simple. Pearl brought this basketball program back into relevancy after decades of mediocrity. CCM is a fine coach, but he will never get us back to where Pearl had us, as a consistent top 25 team year in and out, and a dangerous March Madness team.
First, it's not that simple. Yes, Pearl seems to be the superior coach (at this point), but there are other things must be considered. The NCAA sanctions, effect on the program, impact on recruiting, whether he will re-offend and what those penalties might include. All those things have to be considered. Thus, when you consider those factors, the difference between Pearl's coaching ability to CCM is significantly reduced, and IMO completely eliminated. Any benefits are greatly outweighed.
To the actual substance of your assertions, I disagree that CCM can never get us there. We don't know at this point. CCM was given a tough job. The cubbard was greatly bare when he took over. The short turnaround after he was hired and uncertainty regarding NCAA sanctions made it tough to recruit that first year. While CCM has failed to make the tournament both seasons, I don't know how much better Pearl would've faired. I don't think Pearl would've made the tourney with the team CCM was given his first year. I do think Pearl probably would've had the most recent team in the tournament--only because his experience as a coach would've better enabled him to cope with the Maymon loss. CCM finally adjusted to the loss, but his experience didn't allow him to do it as quickly.
The only two arguments I see are: He violated rules, and it's very unlikely. First of all, Tennessee is getting desperate. We're sucking it up, and if we don't make some noise next year, we should be in panic mode.
I don't think, at all, that the university is getting desperate. Basketball attendance rose the previous year. So, that won't really factor into the decision. Dave Hart is a former basketball player, and I think he understands the situation and will be a lot more patient than most fans, which is good. He knows and understands the hand that CCM was dealt. Now, that is not an excuse to revel in mediocrity, but at this point, it's just not fair to judge CCM's legacy. I truly think this season will be the one to judge. After he has a roster full of SEC level talent to compete against any team in the league.
and at UT sporting events of all types.. he seemed like the happiest man alive. He is a true VFL.
And yes, Pearl seems true VFL, but he did lots of things to hurt this program. So his love for the university can't be used to gloss over those things. A guy can seem in love when you see him with his wife and family, but that doesn't let him off the hook if he cheats on his wife.
