The waiting game is over and Bruce Pearl is out as head coach at Tennessee. Bruce Pearl was burned by his own Bar-b-que in his own backyard. Pearl hosted a backyard cookout at his home two years ago and invited some talented Junior High School players. One of which was previous Tennessee commit, Aaron Craft, who changed his commitment to Ohio State following the release of some of the pictures that showed his mug in attendance at Pearl's home. There were also additional allegations against Pearl who lied to the NCAA investigation committee. Following a very up and down season, one which had Pearl suspended for 8 games, and a miserable 30 point blowout to Michigan in the NCAA tournament, everyone knew it was just a matter of time. Make no mistake about the fact that people in Tennessee love Pearl and Pearl loves Tennessee but the administration could not afford anymore bad publicity centered around this charasmatic but questionable coach. I for one feel that we are not done hearing about allegations or infractions. Speaking of, why is it that Pearl gets penalized and punished but one of the players who broke the rules gets to play on and play at another school of his choice. The very talented Craft should also be held accountable. I know these are young kids but when you are that talented and playing AAU basketball all across the country, chances are you are going to get a D-1 scholarship and need to be tuned into the recruiting do's and don'ts. I for one feel that the players as well as the coaches should be penalized. I guess because it is all allegations at this point as to who was there, they get a pass but why not an investigation into "who". After all, Pearl could not be penalized unless we established who these kids were and what age they were and the purpose of being there. Well we will see no more flashy Mountain top Orange sportscoats for awhile while they look for a replacement. Look for VCU Shaka Smart to be one of the lead candidates. With his hot run with VCU and ACC backgorunds as roles with CLemson and Florida he knows the league and is familar to the bball players of the south.
Someone else I would like to see considered is Butler Brad Stevens
Rants and Raves:
Is anyone sick of Charles Barkley commentating.....eerrrr......I should say......spewing garbage from his mouth. Now I love Charles for the entertainment value he brings but in his own words......he is "turible, turible, turible". His ignorance for the college game and players really showed mightily when Kenny Smith felt so bad that he had to try and speak on behalf of Charles to articulate his points. Charles still tried to argue with Smith when Smith said, I am making your point Charles. DUH. He makes brash statements but has no substance behind what he speaks. He mentioned that the Big East is the Little East or Big Least, as they only have 2 teams remaining in the Sweet 16. Even though this is true, it does not diminish the fact that these teams deserved to be there based on strength of schedule, which includes non-conference games, RPI rating, wins and wins over ranked teams. Just because the Big East teams did not all fair well (don't forget two times they had to play each other in the tournament so they are virtually canabolizing themselves) in the tournament it does not take away from the entire body of work for the season. At one time, 8 big east teams were ranked in the top 20. The Big East has supreme talent that simply did not get it done in the tournament. Period. Nothing more to comment on or points to make.
Is is just me or does Greg Anthony have it out for the refs? Boy he was being very methodical and pointed with his questions and commments on the refs calls or intrepatations of the rules. I for one, feel these guys have an unbelievable tough job to do but it seems now, with instant reply, monitors, high technology, they have to get everything right or they get dinged. No one is perfect but I would say that these guys have done a pretty exceptional job. If you don't agree, try putting on the stripes and give it a try yourself. It may change your perspective.
Dwaun Anderson is Mr. Basketball in Michigan. I guess I am confused on what it represents or what you have to achieve to receive it. From my perspective, Anderson and his team did not live up to expectations. Anderson is talented, their is no question about that, in fact he is a human dunking highlight reel but lets not forget that his team finished 17-5 in a very average league that is dominated by Class C teams. They also lost in the beginning of the state tournament. Heck one of the leading scorers in the state, also from Class C - had a better individual and team season......George Goodman of Saginaw Buena Vista who play in the Class C quarterfinals tomorrow against #1 seed Detroit Consortium. Anderson is a talented 6'4 slasher guard that is an average ball handler and an average outside shooter. He can get to the basket like no ones business and score when he takes it there but he is mostly a transition player. I am beginning to believe that if you get a scholarship to Michigan St (Anderson did) then that gives you a leg up on the competition. If the award is for best performance, then I give it to LaDontae Henton of East Lansing, who finished second. He clearly had a better statistical year, exemplifies team player, hard work, determination and never say die attitude, who averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding against tough competition all year, he gets my vote. Amir Williams is another one that you could argue for. On one of the top teams in the state all year, the anchor to their offense and defense, with tremendous talent and upside and due to his size and progress, will be in the NBA. If you give the award based on most potential to have impact on a college team or ability to make it to the pro level, Williams is your man. Sorry Dwaun but the voters missed badly on this one this year. In case you are wondering and want to prove me wrong....then step in next year and help resurrect that sputtering Spartans. I would love to see him do this and prove me wrong.
Romulus - ranked #20 in the Country. Talented deep team that must get by the Jungaleers of Detroit Southeastern tomorrow night.
Unfortunately have to head out of town and will miss some great Quarterfinal matchups but will be back just in time to catch tip off at the first game on Thursday at 1 PM
Best Quarterfinal mathchups:
Romulus vs. Detroit Southeastern at Detroit Mercy Callahan Hall 7:30 Pm
Southfield vs East Detroit at Detroit Mercy Callahan Hall at 5:30 PM
Detroit Country Day vs. Flint Powers Catholic at Ferndale at 7 PM
Detroit Consortium vs Saginaw Buena Vista at West Bloomfield at 7 PM
Got to hit the hay, have to be up at 3:30 AM for a 5:45 AM flight.
Good night from your Basketball SNOB
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