Bruce Pearl spoke to the media this morning to preview the SEC opener against Arkansas. Here's a summary...
** Probably not a tougher place to open than at Arkansas because of intensity and noise. Got court-stormed last time Auburn was there. They are a good team. Beat Duke at home, only losses to UNC and Oklahoma.
** Arkansas is better this year because they shoot 3's better. Backcourt is better, faster. Need to hold them to 70's in points to have a chance.
** Didn't handle the last true road game very well at App State. If our play gets affected by adversity at Arkansas, we;ll get run out of gym.
** Pearl believes in preparing and coaching the same way whether it's non-conference or conference games.
** KD Johnson is making a bigger impact with less minutes this season. He's bought into team concept. Brings a lot of energy to that second unit.
** Pearl will not be shortening bench for SEC play. Going to keep rotating 11. The backups have earned it.
** Mentioned that nine SEC teams are projected to be in the NCAA Tournament. Going to be a pick'em just about every night. We're going to lose games, have to respond to adversity. Can't get too high or too low. Matchups will be important.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
** Probably not a tougher place to open than at Arkansas because of intensity and noise. Got court-stormed last time Auburn was there. They are a good team. Beat Duke at home, only losses to UNC and Oklahoma.
** Arkansas is better this year because they shoot 3's better. Backcourt is better, faster. Need to hold them to 70's in points to have a chance.
** Didn't handle the last true road game very well at App State. If our play gets affected by adversity at Arkansas, we;ll get run out of gym.
** Pearl believes in preparing and coaching the same way whether it's non-conference or conference games.
** KD Johnson is making a bigger impact with less minutes this season. He's bought into team concept. Brings a lot of energy to that second unit.
** Pearl will not be shortening bench for SEC play. Going to keep rotating 11. The backups have earned it.
** Mentioned that nine SEC teams are projected to be in the NCAA Tournament. Going to be a pick'em just about every night. We're going to lose games, have to respond to adversity. Can't get too high or too low. Matchups will be important.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
