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HOOPS Bruce Pearl quick notes (Kent State game)

BrianStultz

All-American
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Jul 1, 2021
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We are set to speak with Bruce Pearl as No. 5 Auburn hosts Kent State on Wednesday night in Neville Arena.

Follow along and refresh for all updates.

*** Mentions Houston was just one game. A great win, historic based on the rankings of the teams. Gives them a barometer for where they stand right now. Proud of Johni Broome's leadership. Proud of the unselfishness by some guys who didn't score as much as they are used to, but were just as happy after the game.

*** Thought the guys came to practice yesterday hungry. Kent State is picked 3rd in the MAC. Their coach has been beaten Power 5 teams four times during his tenure. They are old, experienced and deep. They are very well coached.

*** For Auburn, it's about if the Tigers can play with the same energy.

*** On Denver's defense: "The art of not fouling and playing great defense is an art. Particularly for Denver, I think he is one of the best defensive guards in the country, and he came here as the leading scorer in C-USA. He's become a great defender, which is going to make him more attractive at the next level.

*** On Pegues: "He doesn't make mistakes. He knows he is on a team where defense is enforced."

*** On Pettiford and what's next after his first big game: "I can't tell you what I've told him to keep his head on straight. I'm happy for him. To be undersized, he's always had to look up at other guys in his class who were bigger and stronger and higher rated. That never bothered Pettiford. He knows he is one of the best freshmen in the country." Great teammate. Wants to be better.

*** Update on Ja'Heim or Jahki: "It was an unfortunate situation and we dealt with it head on. They were both in class and at practice on Monday."

*** On C-Mo: "He stayed right and ready. We had talked to C-Mo a few days earlier just about that, not that I would be the least bit worried about him staying right and ready."

*** On Pettiford again and his last 15 minutes at point guard: "Because he could make special plays and make special reads, and quite frankly with Miles and CBM and Denver at the wing, there aren't enough minutes for him at the wing. We are going to play three point guards. We will." Mentions Ira Bowman deserves credit because he helps with substitutions.

*** Gives strength coach credit. Think the guys are in great shape for November.

*** On CBM and responding in second half after rough first: "it's funny and I remind you guys that they are still young men. CBM is passionate. He was really locked in before the game and then he got those two early fouls. It's been a long hard season and he's ready to get back into it. It took the team and him to get back into it."

That's it for Pearl. Have a great Tuesday!
 
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