The slow days of the offseason have arrived and with that list season is in full swing
Hard to believe it’s been over a month since the Final Four. A historic season from the Tigers capped off with a tough loss to the eventual champion Gators in San Antonio. This past season was the most entertaining one I’ve covered in my short time. Teams will fluctuate plenty with draft decisions and the coaches are always an interesting conversation. The list is based off historical success and accomplishments while keeping in mind their last few seasons.
Honorable Mentions
- Rick Barnes Tennessee
- Greg Gard Wisconsin
- TJ Otzelberger Iowa State
- Todd Golden Florida
- Nate Oats Alabama
All of these coaches are phenomenal. However their resumes are quite thin compared to the best in the game.
#10 Mark Few
Hated to see Few go down to Baylor, a few years back. Gonzaga is the coolest program in the sport based purely off the fact they shouldn’t be successful. A tiny school in Spokane with immense tournament success, landing NBA lottery picks, all thanks to the dedication of Mark Few.
#9 Matt Painter
Similarly to Bruce Pearl, Painter can win without the blue chip talent. One of the best in game coaches in the sport with an ability to develop anyone. His prolonged success at Purdue is set to continue next season with a veteran roster headlined by Braden Smith once again.
#8 John Calipari
BBN was just in their push to fire Calipari. Does not take away his ability to coach talent beyond their potential. A sweet 16 run from this Arkansas roster with the injuries is beyond impressive and much more success is coming down the pipe in Fayetteville.
#7 Tom Izzo
Mr. March himself, the Elite Eight run was remarkable considering that team had no offense. Michigan State came out of nowhere and Izzo deserves the credit for blending this roster so well. Curious to see how much he has left in the tank.
#6 Scott Drew
Baylor was a young team that struggled to get going early. VJ Edgecombe was a treat to watch and the Bears figured it out late to get into the tournament through their peaks and dips. Even in a down year, it is impossible to forget the job Drew has done saving Baylor from the depths of college basketball and turning them into national champions just a few short seasons ago.
#5 Bill Self
Accolades, success, dominance, none of it meant a thing this season. Kansas was dysfunctional and had no chemistry. Hunter Dickinson regressed, Storr was a bust along with Rylan Griffen. Mayo wasn’t impressive, Bidunga didn’t play enough. The worst coached Bill Self team since his first KU team back in 2003.
#4 Dan Hurley
You’re not the best *expletive* coach in the sport Dan. Great run with dominant big man play and NBA guards, without that UConn was not very impressive this season. Rick Pitino snatched his crown with a roster that was Pennies on the dollar compared to what Hurley had in the past. Great coach but Hurley never deserved the title of being the best in the sport.
#3 Bruce Pearl
He won more than most with much less than many. If BP retired today that’s the best quote to describe him with. Took a team full of under recruited players from Division Two to Junior College and went to the final four. Not only is it the second time he’s done that but this past team was phenomenal all season long. Deserved the coach of the year award on his own.
#2 Kelvin Sampson
If the ending to the national championship didn’t hurt you, were you even watching? Sampson has taken a small mid major school in Houston and turned them into the kings of the B12 and the best program over the last 5 years that has not won a title. He’s been a great coach for years and his team this upcoming season has the ability to win him his first championship.
#1 Rick Pitino
The Godfather himself, Pitino has brought St. John’s back to forefront of college basketball. The early exit in the second round to Cal and Arkansas is bad ending to a great story he had this season. He did not deserve co-National coach of the year, but he deserved the number one spot from his longstanding dominance and current ability.
You can listen to this conversation and more on the The War Rapport’s YouTube channel.