When Steven Pearl was officially introduced as the next head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball program, succeeding the 11-year legacy his father, Bruce, had with the program.
Pearl emphasized one aspect of the transition that will be smooth, not having to bring in a new coaching staff.
Pearl understands the impact the staff has had in helping the program achieve everything it has, and he knew he had to keep it together.
"The Auburn Family today should be celebrating the retention of this staff right here," Pearl said. "This staff has been with BP for a very long time. And this staff is a big reason why this program has reached unprecedented heights."
Ira Bowman will serve as Pearl's associate head coach, although Pearl is confident he could succeed as a head coach as well.
"Ira Bowman is the total package," Pearl said. "He is one of the best assistant coaches in all of college basketball, and he is ready to be a head coach. He’s one of the best player development guys in all of the game, he’s a mentor, he’s a father, an unbelievable evaluator of talent, he understands the game, he’s played at the highest level, and he’s one of the most valuable tools any coach can have on their coaching staff."
Mike Burgomaster has played a significant role in the Tigers' performance on the offensive end of the floor, a trend Pearl is excited to see continue.
"Mike Burgomaster, one of the best offensive minds in college basketball, has run our offense for the last couple of years," Pearl said. "A young and growing talent. Another guy who’s paid his dues. I think he’s had six different titles over the years. Assistant to the head coach, and now an assistant coach. He’s going to be someone I’m really going to lean on on the offensive end, and a future star in this business."
Pearl mentioned other coaches and what they bring to the table, including Corey Williams, Ian Borders, Matt Gatens, Marquis Daniels, Damon Davis, Clark Pearson, Maddux Jeffries and more.
Keeping this staff together was Pearl's first victory at the helm of the program, as it will make a significant difference in helping him maintain the standard his father put in place.
"I recognize following the greatest coach in Auburn basketball history, a coach who’s dominated this league for the last eight years, is a daunting task," Pearl said. "But what gives me tremendous confidence is those men right over there. This staff is one that BP has empowered. It’s one that he’s entrusted, and it’s one that has their fingerprints all over the success of this program. BP has said for a long time that we have the best staff in college basketball, and he’s 100 percent right."