March 28, 2011

UT Names Cuonzo Martin as Pearl's Replacement

By - Brian Harrington

The University of Tennessee announced Sunday that Missouri State University head coach Cuonzo Martin will be their new men's basketball coach, replacing the recently fired Bruce Pearl.

I'm sure you're asking yourself the same question I did. Who???

Photo from: govolsxtra.com
Not exactly a big name hire. Martin posted a 61-41 (.598) record in 3 seasons at Missouri State, and is also a finalist for 2 awards this season: the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award, presented annually to the top mid-major coach in Division I college basketball, and the Ben Jobe Award, presented annually to the top minority head coach in Division I. University of Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton was quoted as saying, "Cuonzo is among the most promising young coaches in the game, and we are excited about the coaching ability, toughness and energy that he brings to our program."

You have to wonder though, why did UT not go after a bigger name? Why not at least attempt to go after a Shaka Smart, Brad Stevens or Chris Mooney? It's a interesting hire to say the least.

When I first heard this I thought they said GONZO and I got excited, at least he's a household name...

Photo from: muppetcentral.com

1 comment:

  1. I have NO IDEA who this guy is. Apparently TN only goes for sub-par coaches for all their sports teams now.

    ReplyDelete