Here's a look at the coaches who have done more with less this year. Not all of these coaches will win their conference or even come close, but they all deserve credit for doing a great job, many under significant adversity. Of course, the media and coaches will probably vote for others than those listed here, but that's their mistake.
ACC
Seth Greenberg (VT) - The Hokies are one win away from the #3 seed in the ACC tournament. I don't think anyone expected that, especially with freshmen starting at point guard and center. The Hokies only have two upper-classmen who play.
Honorable Mention: Frank Haith (Miami), Oliver Purnell (Clemson)
Big 12
Scott Drew (Baylor) - You had the Bears with 20 wins this year? Yeah, right. Only two years removed from not having a non-conference schedule, Drew has led a young team to a season well beyond expectations. Taking a program from the worst of incidents (one player killing another) to the NCAA tournament, with sanctions along the way, in only 5 years certainly gets my vote.
Drew's first practice, hired after the murder (Image: ESPN)Honorable Mention: Jeff Capel (Oklahoma)
Big East
Jim Calhoun (UConn) - With guards suspended mid-season and a team that didn't make the tournament last year, Calhoun rallied the team to a win at Indiana and things have been good ever since. 12-4 in conference and in line for a bye in the Big East tourney is pretty good with some adversity along the way.
Honorable Mention: Rick Pitino (Louisville), Bob Huggins (West Virginia)
Big Ten
Matt Painter (Purdue) - With the Boilermakers at 14-3 in conference out of absolutely nowhere, with freshmen leading the way and a deep bench, this is a no-brainer in my opinion.
Honorable Mention: Bo Ryan (Wisconsin), Tubby Smith (Minnesota)
Pac-10
Trent Johnson (Stanford) - From 18-13 to 24-4, the Cardinal have developed behind the strength and development of the Lopez twin towers. Stanford plays at UCLA tomorrow for a share of the Pac-10 lead with one game to play.
Honorable Mention: Herb Sendek (Arizona State), Kevin O'Neill (Arizona)
I've got spirit! How about you?SEC
Bruce Pearl (Tennessee) - When was the last time Tennessee was ranked #1 before this year? Who's #1 in RPI and #2 in SOS?
Honorable Mention: Billy Gillespie (Kentucky), Rick Stansbury (Miss St)
2 Responses:
I certainly agree that Trent Johnson has done an outstanding job at Stanford, but as a devout Pac-10 follower, I must disagree. Johnson has the luxury of two seven footers (one who will be in the top-5 of the NBA draft this June) and a senior point guard, on a team that was on-the-bubble last season. He made great improvements, but someone has made better improvements.
I must give the nod to long-time your former ACC coach, Herb Sendek at Arizona State. Russell rightfully put him up for an Honorable Mention, but I would give him the award. Last year, ASU was 8-22 (and 2-16 in the conference). In just one year, with his best player being an unheralded Freshman, he has turned them around completely. Coming from the basement last year, this year ASU is 18-10 (8-8), and (barring a total meltdown this weekend and in the Pac-10 tourney) will be headed back to the big dance for the first time in 5 years. Thanks to Herbie, the basketball future is looking bright in Tempe.
Answer: Tennessee had never been ranked #1 before their week in the sun this year.
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