Well then all-knowing, will you pick my brackets for me?
1. Tyndall's team, while not having a true post player, actually knew how to play offense against a zone defense. You did see passes to the high post, and you actually saw some screen actions against the top of the zone. Martin's first team was atrocious at recognizing and playing against a zone, and I specifically recall the College of Charleston game. I was screaming for them to get the ball to the middle. That is the weakness! The problem is that Tyndall did not have a good player to put at the high post either. Moore is short and has no outside shot. Reese is ok but has an inconsistent shot and his decision making leaves a lot to be desired. He did hit a few. Luke Kornett is a perfect player to put there because he is a 7 footer who can hit the 15 foot shot.
Martin also had a true post player in Maymon his first year. Maymon was strong enough to play his back to the basket. Late in close games, good teams have to have someone that can get them a bucket down low instead of having to rely on a jump shot or trying to free up a lane to get to the basket. If Tyndall had Maymon this year, we have a few more wins.
2. For the most part, Tyndall managed the games effectively with time outs and play calls. There are always going to be things to question because you have to make decisions on the run in sports, and everyone makes mistakes. I was never one to scream at Martin for his timeouts after made baskets, but that caused him not to take as many timeouts on offense and set up plays. You just don't have to do it with the game on the line. Tyndall used them at efficient times.
3. Play calls- without a doubt and I don't see how this can be argued. Tyndall set up some plays late in games that were well-designed. The Hubbs three at Arkansas was one, the JRich play at the wing against OM was one, and I believe Richardson even had a look at UGA. He got Hubbs open, and even though JRich missed a good shot at OM, Punter was open for the win. I didn't see all of the early games, so I can't comment as much on those. But the team played much better in the second half almost the entire year, even with 9 players. That is coaching and adjustments. Just because a play is not executed does not mean it wasn't a good call.
4. The defense was frustrating at times. Sure, we could have rotated and closed out better. I would hope it had something to do with personnel. I do think they overextended some games. If you play a zone, then why play the man 30 feet from the basket? However, the fact that he had no true post player forced Tyndall to pack it in for most games. The first Vandy game was a great example- Damian Jones sealed his man on numerous occasions and did whatever he want. With a limited roster, you play the percentages. MSU was the worst 3 point shooting team in the league, and they have slashers. They shot well in the second game, and you just have to credit them. LSU has the best inside tandem in the league, and they shot well in the first game. You have to give up something when you are playing a 6'5" guy at PF and a 6'8" wing at C.
Look, I am not saying that Tyndall is a genius and that his offense was very exciting. I do believe that personnel has a lot to do with it. With even a healthy Jabari McGhee and maybe Ian Chiles, they probably win a few more games. But, I saw enough on the court to know that Tyndall understands the fundamentals and the angles of the game. I have maintained the stance that he will have to recruit better, and we will see what happens with the NCAA.
I defended Martin for 2.5 years- week after week on this board. I lost confidence after the second Texas A&M game last year- just inexcusable because we had twice the talent as them. And it wasn't the first time. I always maintained that we just needed to take advantage of our team and see how the season played out. I wasn't sure if Martin was the long term answer, but I knew the team could make a run. I thoroughly enjoyed the run to the Sweet 16 and one call away from an Elite Eight. His teams played great defense at times, but just like Tyndall and the zone, Martin didn't want to change his defense up until he was forced to do it in year 3. The first Xavier game last year was a perfect game to play zone because they had no outside shooters, yet we let Christon drive all night and Stainbrook win inside. You just have to play toward your strengths and your opponents' weaknesses.
I appreciate what Martin did for UT, but the difference in coaching is just clear to me. Maybe Tyndall doesn't make it at UT. Maybe he can't recruit consistently enough. Maybe he gets worse. But from the sample size I have seen with a roster that wasn't very good, the man can coach. Dare I say that he outcoached Bruce Pearl this year with comparable talent, and I love Bruce. It is just as simple as that, and you have to use your eyes. Just because one coach won 19 games his first year and another won 16 doesn't mean the one with 19 is better. I think I can argue that the league is better this year, and the NCAA bids will show that. A whole bunch of variables.
I just don't understand how people say Tyndall isn't a good coach. I know some won't read this because it was long. But you wanted specifics and not conclusory statements, and you got it.