Having trouble getting registered or subscribing? Email us at info@kysportsreport.com or Private Message CitizenBBN and we'll get you set up!

  • VAUGHT: Pearl enjoys homecoming at Marshall County Hoopfest

    By LARRY VAUGHT

    It was almost like a homecoming at the Marshall County Hoopfest when Auburn coach Bruce Pearl came to watch several recruiting targets including Mississippi point guard Daeshun Ruffin and California perimeter player Jalen Green, a top five player nationally.

    No matter how many people — and they were all ages both male and female — wanting an autograph or picture, they all seem to have a favorite Bruce Pearl story to share with him.

    He said to remember he coached at the University of Southern Indiana just outside Evansville where he coached against Kentucky Wesleyan in Owensboro. He’s been head coach at Tennessee and now Auburn, both Southeastern Conference schools that that play Kentucky.

    “Tennessee was a huge rival and this place (Marshall County) is close to Tennessee and now obviously they know me from Auburn,” Pearl said. “So everybody has an old Bruce Pearl story and I enjoy listening to them and spending time with fans.

    “When they stop wanting your picture or asking for an autograph, you have to worry about it.”

    Pearl has been to Marshall County Hoopfest so often that he has a favorite nearby restaurant, Patti’s, that is known for its huge pork chops, flower pot bread, strawberry butter and meringue pies. Between games last Saturday Pearl said he “grabbed a pork chop” at Patti’s.


    “The hospitality at this event is always great, which is part of the reason you get great programs and great players here year after year,” Pearl said. “I think people do look forward to seeing Cal (Kentucky coach John Calipari) come in like he did Thursday night and (Louisville) coach Mack. They like seeing the coaches.”

    Western Kentucky, Evansville, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Ohio State were some of the other schools that sent coaches to scout talent.

    Pearl knew the players he wanted to watch, but also closely paid attention to all six games he watched because he says it’s not unusual to spot a player he knew nothing about before he got to a showcase like Marshall County Hoopfest.

    “That happens to me a lot in recruiting.There are certainly a couple of key guys you come to watch but you have to keep your eye out for that kid you might not know about but end up being really glad you found out about him. There are always so many great players here that you just have to keep your eyes open to find guys that might be the right fits for your team,” Pearl said.
    Comments 1 Comment
    1. westtncat's Avatar
      westtncat -
      Nice to see Pearl has met “The Crazy Ladies”
  • KSR Twitter Feed

  • Recent Forum Posts

    Harlow

    Re: Oakland v UK hall of fame

    See ya next guys with a new coach

    Harlow 03-22-2024, 08:36 AM Go to last post
    Darrell KSR

    Re: Oakland v UK hall of fame

    I'll grade the first point. I wonder who had Oakland winning?

    I kid, kid. Since I made the post, I guess the least I can do is go ahead and

    Darrell KSR 03-21-2024, 09:18 PM Go to last post
    DanISSELisdaman

    Re: Oakland v UK hall of fame

    UK by 19
    Reeves 26
    320
    21
    41%

    DanISSELisdaman 03-21-2024, 06:25 PM Go to last post
    Harlow

    Re: Oakland v UK hall of fame

    No problem buddy

    Harlow 03-21-2024, 05:08 PM Go to last post
    Darrell KSR

    Re: Oakland v UK hall of fame

    Thanks, Harlow--I corrected it to 22. No idea, of course, and watch 18 be the right answer lol. Anyway, I appreciate the heads up.

    Darrell KSR 03-21-2024, 04:30 PM Go to last post