BY WILL POLADIAN, MANAGING EDITOR
The Legends Classic Championship game pitted two of the most successful coaches in college basketball for their respective programs in Bruce Pearl and Mark Schmidt.
What many people might not know is that they have a history together.
Growing up in the Boston, Massachusetts area, Schmidt and Pearl became close friends.
Schmidt grew up in North Attleboro, 25 miles south of where Pearl grew up in Sharon.
“[He] grew up three towns over from where I grew up,” said Schmidt. “So I’ve known Bruce for a very long time.”
The two would then attend the same college together at Boston College.
Schmidt began his playing career there in 1981 while Pearl was a student manager on the team.
“Bruce was the senior manager,” said Schmidt. “And I was a freshman at Boston College, so I’ve known Bruce.”
Pearl then would graduate in 1982 while Schmidt graduated in 1985.
The two never crossed paths again on the court until tonight where Pearl got the best of Schmidt and the Bonnies in their first ever meeting.
“I’m sure Mark will tell you that in a short prep that I think we did a good job taking away their strengths,” said Pearl
Schmidt acknowledged Pearl on his team and the way they played
“Give Auburn all the credit,” said Schmidt. “They’re a terrific team, really well balanced and very deep.”
Pearl and Schmidt do talk to and see each other off the court.
“[I see Bruce when I am] just on the road and recruiting,” said Schmidt.
Schmidt believes that both his team and Pearl’s will look to improve.
“You talk to coach Pearl or anybody, nobody’s happy where they’re at,” said Schmidt. “They’re going to continue to improve. I always tell people all the time there is no team or player that stays the same. You either get better or you get worse.”
St. Bonaventure returns home to play Bucknell on Wednesday in the Reilly Center. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+.
“Everybody knows what a great coach Mark Schmidt is and the job that he does,” said Pearl. “[It is tough] going up against a friend, somebody that you’re really proud of and Mark I really, really respect him.”
poladiwj20@bonaventure.edu
