The first stab at something can be tough.
The first time you rides a bike, you'll probably fall off.
You probably burned the first batch of cookies you tried to make.
Bruce Pearl's first year at Auburn has told a story similar to the one of the first-time biker or baker.
Granted, it's not Pearl's first go at coaching, not even his first in the SEC. But it is his first time at Auburn, a place where basketball has been taking a back seat for a long time.
But programs with Pearl driving don't stay in the back seat for long once he takes the wheel.
"I have never had a losing season, but I have had more difficult teams in winning seasons than this team," Pearl said. "I am not having fun losing, and I am not going to have fun losing. This is a good team. This has been a good team to coach and they still are. We have to keep competing."
One thing that Pearl's arrival did immediately turn around was fan support. The crowd at Auburn Arena, namely the student section, has gone through a complete transformation through the course of the season, and Pearl said that he hopes the team can catch up.
"We have to keep doing something to deserve the support we are receiving," Pearl said. "The support we are receiving is way more than we deserve based on the outcomes."
That reason for support may eventually come, but it will be no easy task. Still looming on the schedule is a matchup undefeated No.1 Kentucky Wildcats at the famed Rupp Arena. Pearl isn't sure his team has what it takes to de-claw the Cats.
"With the exception of Kentucky, I have said there isn't a team on our schedule we can't beat," Pearl said. "I don't know if we can beat Kentucky at Kentucky. Can we (go on a run)? Yeah. Some of our extended run, we weren't playing the teams we are playing right now. I think in this league, because you don't get one doesn't mean you won't get the next one. It is about matchups and preparation."
Even with the no losing seasons qualification in danger, Pearl said he isn't concerned with personal achievements.
"Given that as a coach and as a teacher, I have won more, but I have had much more difficult times with other teams than I have here," Pearl said. "I am not worried about my record. I am worried about Auburn's record, and I am worried about trying to get the most out of them. As I said, at one point early on in the conference season, we won't be favored for another game."
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