It Might Be Time to Name the Best Coach In College Basketball Right Now

[Will Lavender]

Ben Howland.






Thoughts?

[matt colvin]

He's been AWFULLY impressive these last 3 years, and the recruiting points to continued excellence.

He's certainly an elite coach right now. Let me think some on this one :icon_mrgreen:

[oldkentucky]

It is a little early to say anything, but BCG might soon prove to be the best.

[BCG Fan]

Kelvin Sampson? No, wait, that can't be right

[Stucat]

I think it has to be somebody who can recruit and then coach his recruits to the final four on a regular basis. I have to say Mike Krzyzewski although I know on this board at least it will be as popular as a lead balloon. I am going with my head not my heart on this one.

[KYISSUPREME]

There isn't a "best coach", IMHO. Too many factors to weigh.

[NOWIS]

He's been AWFULLY impressive these last 3 years, and the recruiting points to continued excellence.

He's certainly an elite coach right now. Let me think some on this one :icon_mrgreen:

Billy Donovan has had a better 3 yrs and I'm not ready to call him the best.

[matt colvin]

Billy Donovan has had a better 3 yrs and I'm not ready to call him the best.

Mmmm, don't know on that one.

Billy won it twice with the same team. Not taking away from that.

But Howland took two different teams to at least the final four three years straight. Donovan's team went to the NIT.

In my eyes, Howland at least had to do more coaching to do what he did than Donovan what did.

[Will Lavender]

The difference in Howland and Donovan is the bad years.

What Donovan did with the two Noah/Horford teams was more impressive than anything Howland has done, obviously, but Howland hasn't had some of the monumental problems Donovan has had with certain teams.

It's almost like when Donovan loses a team, he really, really loses it. A friend of mine said he saw Florida warming up one year at an NCAA Tournament first-round game and they looked like they would rather be anywhere else in the world. The entire team.

Outside of exactly three teams, Donovan hasn't had great success at Florida.

But those three teams were very, very good.

[4theluvofbilly]

In defense of Billy D, Howland has never loost as much in one year as Billy did after the back-to-back championships. How could anyone have expected Florida to win very much last year.

[Will Lavender]

In defense of Billy D, Howland has never loost as much in one year as Billy did after the back-to-back championships. How could anyone have expected Florida to win very much last year.

Everybody expected them to be better than they were.

They returned two guys who played big roles on the championship team and brought in the #1 recruiting class in the country.

Result? NIT.

That's a bad year. I don't care what anyone says.

[jdeasy]

The best college basketball coach, hands down, is BCG.

[matt colvin]

The best college basketball coach, hands down, is BCG.

In 3 or 4 years, we just might be able to make that statement.

4theluvofbilly, I agree. Howland didn't lose anywhere near as much in one year, but he did have an almost totally different team by year 3. As Will indicated, Florida should have at least made the tourney with Calathes, Lucas, Speights, Parsons, and the leadership Hodge should have brought. I factor their breakdown into the equation a lot.

I'm certainly not trying to say back to back isn't impressive, but it PALES in comparison to our 3 year span, for comparison sake. Particularly with the injuries we had in '97. Why? We basically did it with three different teams and two different coaches. That's unbelievable, looking back at it.

I'm very impressed with Howland, and, unfortunately, expect him to make catching them so very difficult.

[jdeasy]

In 3 or 4 years, we just might be able to make that statement.

4theluvofbilly, I agree. Howland didn't lose anywhere near as much in one year, but he did have an almost totally different team by year 3. As Will indicated, Florida should have at least made the tourney with Calathes, Lucas, Speights, Parsons, and the leadership Hodge should have brought. I factor their breakdown into the equation a lot.

I'm certainly not trying to say back to back isn't impressive, but it PALES in comparison to our 3 year span, for comparison sake. Particularly with the injuries we had in '97. Why? We basically did it with three different teams and two different coaches. That's unbelievable, looking back at it.

I'm very impressed with Howland, and, unfortunately, expect him to make catching them so very difficult.



He won't be any better or worse of a coach in 3 or 4 years than he is right now. The results will be different as he rebuilds the UK program, but, the OP was saying the best coach "right now", not who has the best resume or results to date.

[NOWIS]

There isn't a "best coach", IMHO. Too many factors to weigh.

I would have to agree, just what makes someone the best coach. I think there are too many factors also. I've seen the great recruiters have teams that are close to the top every year but are actually underachieving because of all of the talent. I've seen the X's and O's guys be up at the top but fail because recruiting has left their team fatally flawed. It can go on and on. The coach who can force his personality on the team but the talent is just not there. At this time I don't see anyone who has it all and stands out from the crowd.

Personally, I think Howland was outcoached in the last couple of NCAA's. Only my opinion, someone else may see it differently.

I'm hoping BCG can put it all together. He works hard at recruiting, seems to know his X's and O's and it looks like he will take control of his teams. He may be the one, some day.

[matt colvin]

He won't be any better or worse of a coach in 3 or 4 years than he is right now. The results will be different as he rebuilds the UK program, but, the OP was saying the best coach "right now", not who has the best resume or results to date.

Results speak worlds when terming the best of anything. Much to that.

He's rebuilt two programs in grand fashion, but now he has to show results on the grandest stage. I love what he's doing etc al, but that means zilch until we hang banners and stop the progression of UNC catching up in all time categories.

[matt colvin]

I would have to agree, just what makes someone the best coach. I think there are too many factors also. I've seen the great recruiters have teams that are close to the top every year but are actually underachieving because of all of the talent. I've seen the X's and O's guys be up at the top but fail because recruiting has left their team fatally flawed. It can go on and on. The coach who can force his personality on the team but the talent is just not there. At this time I don't see anyone who has it all and stands out from the crowd.

Personally, I think Howland was outcoached in the last couple of NCAA's. Only my opinion, someone else may see it differently.

I'm hoping BCG can put it all together. He works hard at recruiting, seems to know his X's and O's and it looks like he will take control of his teams. He may be the one, some day.

True, they are a jack of all trades in but one position. Or as Billy said, they must wear many hats.

Overall, Howland has a great argument right now.

[ScottDub]

Personally, I think Howland was outcoached in the last couple of NCAA's. Only my opinion, someone else may see it differently.

I like Howland, but I have to agree here. Just look at the NCAA tournament. How many games did they pull out that shouldn't have been close?

For example, how did his team let Western Kentucky come back from over 20 down to pull within 4? Had Shipps missed that ridiculous 3 pointer, Western may have pulled off a miracle.

Howland > Donovan, imo, but I don't think there is a clear-cut favorite in the nation right now.

[DCWildcat]

I think Gillispie is the best and it will show in a few years. I think Howland is right up there as well. Florida's consecutive championships may be more impressive than three straight final fours as far as prestige goes. However, I am far more impressed from a coaching standpoint with Howland's job. 2006 UCLA was lead by Afflalo, Farmar, and Mbah a Moute (who strangely got worse over time). 2008 edition was lead by Collison, Shipp, Love, and Westbrook. Completely different team, same amazing result.

[SevenTimeChamps]

Kelvin Sampson? No, wait, that can't be right

Can you hear me now?


Goooooood:icon_lol:

[4theluvofbilly]

In 3 or 4 years, we just might be able to make that statement.

4theluvofbilly, I agree. Howland didn't lose anywhere near as much in one year, but he did have an almost totally different team by year 3. As Will indicated, Florida should have at least made the tourney with Calathes, Lucas, Speights, Parsons, and the leadership Hodge should have brought. I factor their breakdown into the equation a lot.

I'm certainly not trying to say back to back isn't impressive, but it PALES in comparison to our 3 year span, for comparison sake. Particularly with the injuries we had in '97. Why? We basically did it with three different teams and two different coaches. That's unbelievable, looking back at it.

I'm very impressed with Howland, and, unfortunately, expect him to make catching them so very difficult.


Well, if you lose as much as Billy D did, a group of freshman aren't going to lead you to a very successful season. Walter Hodge?!?! He was a good role player for the championship teams, but he wasn't a good leader. That proved true last year. I think that they had a pretty good year considering their circumstances. UCLA on the other hand may have lost the same amount of talent, but it was over a span of 2 to 3 years. That has a MUCH different effect on a team that losing it all in 1 year. You carry over experience, attitude, skill, and it's easier to keep your system in place when you have people coming back. When Billy D lost Noah and company, he lost sooo much more than statistics. He lost leadership, talent, LOADS of experience, guts, hustle, EVERYTHING! I understand you guys' argument, but I think that it is much harder to lose that much in a year than over a few years.

[matt colvin]

I guess I just expected them to make the tourney this year. Hodge, despite his abilities on the court, should have been an experienced leader for them. As you said, that apparently didn't happen as much as needed.

They'll be back shortly though, I imagine.

[billoliver40]

As much as it is painful to say, I'd have to rate the current coaches as
of today as:

Roy Williams
Howland
Donovan

Self is up there. Izzo is right there.

I think in the next few years, you could well see Gillispie in the top 5 mix.

[Will Lavender]

Well, if you lose as much as Billy D did, a group of freshman aren't going to lead you to a very successful season. Walter Hodge?!?! He was a good role player for the championship teams, but he wasn't a good leader. That proved true last year. I think that they had a pretty good year considering their circumstances. UCLA on the other hand may have lost the same amount of talent, but it was over a span of 2 to 3 years. That has a MUCH different effect on a team that losing it all in 1 year. You carry over experience, attitude, skill, and it's easier to keep your system in place when you have people coming back. When Billy D lost Noah and company, he lost sooo much more than statistics. He lost leadership, talent, LOADS of experience, guts, hustle, EVERYTHING! I understand you guys' argument, but I think that it is much harder to lose that much in a year than over a few years.

The thing about Donovan is that he loves to recruit soft kids who have big offensive upside.

Notice what happened when he had some tough guys. Three Final Fours, two championships.

But for the most part, he's recruited kids from the suburbs who can shoot the ball but who really wilt when they get pushed around. They've never had much meanness or tenacity outside of those good teams, and this is why his teams tend to go stir crazy when it hits the ides of February. They hit their physical limit, they get punched in the mouth in late-season games -- they totally quit. We saw it from 2002 to 2007, and again this past year.

So it may not be a "coaching" thing at all. It's just the kinds of players he likes are really risky.

[UK Lola]

THere is no dispute that Howland has had an excellent three-year run.

In the same three years, Donovan reached a historic coaching achievement.

Calipari has had a better record than Howland in each of the last three years- albeit in a weaker conference and without as deep runs in the Tournament, and Cal's Tigers spanked Howland's Bruins pretty well in the FF last year.

Self has had a better record than Howland in each of the last two years, and has the National Championship from last year.

Ol' Roy also has had a better record than Howland in each of the last two years, and UNC looks to be loaded for bear this coming season.

Imho,there are several coaches- and not just these- that are really good right now.

[cumberlandredskin]

IMO,it's Roy Williams. One the biggest parts of college coaching is recruiting and then doing something with it after you have it. I think in the last few seasons he has done the best of anyone. Howland and Calipari have recruited well and have won. But they still haven't won the big one yet. That's the reason I give a slim margin to Williams. Donovan has to right there too. But I still really wonder how good his teams would have been if Larry Shyatt hadn't have come along. Their toughness was markedly better after he was hired as an assistant.

[CaliUKFan]

I would say Howland but what gets me is his ability to attract quality players to UCLA despite using a defensive approach

[RCS]

Considering all the crap UK fans take, it was funny to be in LA the day after UCLA lost. The headlines were about UCLA coming up short again and people were wondering out loud if Howland could ever get it done or if he was destined to 'flame out' in the Final 4. It was pretty funny. He was taking quite a bit of heat. Fans everyone are crazy, not just at UK.

[Wildcat97]

I think it has to be somebody who can recruit and then coach his recruits to the final four on a regular basis. I have to say Mike Krzyzewski although I know on this board at least it will be as popular as a lead balloon. I am going with my head not my heart on this one.

Coach K is the single most overrated coach due to the incredible level of talent he brings in year in year out...then continuously tends to underperform for years now. Not that he is a bad coach...but the luster is off and the fouls are being called both ways more consistantly now. His whining is being noted and noticed by many now.

Also, how can you have 5 All Americans and go out in the 2nd round. Sorry, but if not for ESPN & their contract with the ACC and the additional hard-on Dicky V has for Duke...they are not at the top year in, year out. And another post/thread tells it all...3 losses in a row, falling out of the top 20, then win ONE and back to 7th?!?!? Seriously...too much media involvement in the love fest for Duke and Coack K.

[Stucat]

Coach K is the single most overrated coach due to the incredible level of talent he brings in year in year out...then continuously tends to underperform for years now. Not that he is a bad coach...but the luster is off and the fouls are being called both ways more consistantly now. His whining is being noted and noticed by many now.

Also, how can you have 5 All Americans and go out in the 2nd round. Sorry, but if not for ESPN & their contract with the ACC and the additional hard-on Dicky V has for Duke...they are not at the top year in, year out. And another post/thread tells it all...3 losses in a row, falling out of the top 20, then win ONE and back to 7th?!?!? Seriously...too much media involvement in the love fest for Duke and Coack K.

Coach K.'s record speaks for itself. He has won the NCAA Championship three times in the last seventeen years. The last time was in 2001. He always has a great recruiting class and he is responsible for the recruiting of Duke. Dicky V.'s mouth on ESPN is a reason that so many people don't like Duke and as a UK fan I don't like Duke either. Still I can't in good conscience say that Krzyzewski is not a top 5 coach because he is. If he is so bad how can he keep Duke in the Top 10 year after year after year? There is no answer for that except that Coach K. is a good coach in fact a Top 5 coach.

[Will Lavender]

I agree with the poster who said it's difficult to tell who's the "best." It's a word that's good for message board discussion and not much else.

Still, here's my top 5 plus 5.

1. Roy Williams
1a. Ben Howland
3. Mike Krereiruajgaewrisky
4. Tom Izzo
5. Jim Calhoun
6. Billy Donovan
7. Bill Self
8. John Calipari
9. Rick Barnes
10. Billy Gillispie

[Wildcat97]

Coach K.'s record speaks for itself. He has won the NCAA Championship three times in the last seventeen years. The last time was in 2001. He always has a great recruiting class and he is responsible for the recruiting of Duke. Dicky V.'s mouth on ESPN is a reason that so many people don't like Duke and as a UK fan I don't like Duke either. Still I can't in good conscience say that Krzyzewski is not a top 5 coach because he is. If he is so bad how can he keep Duke in the Top 10 year after year after year? There is no answer for that except that Coach K. is a good coach in fact a Top 5 coach.

I am not saying he is a BAD coach...just that he is overrated (IMO) and seems to get a great deal of positive pub for things he really hasn't done all that well. He recruits well, but underperforms quite often. (Would you agree?) For as many #1 seeds & AAs on his roster, has he and his teams achieved at the level ...(for arguments sake)...UK fans would expect/demand? IMO, no, and we gave Tubby hell for it, yet OTS did as well in my opinion with less talent over the last 5 years.
I can pick out a great time for ANY coach just about...but I am talking overall. Mix that with the innundation of the all mighty D-U-K-E on ESPN and Rivalry week, the national love fest for Coach K(regardless how many times he drops an F-bomb on camera), and the lack of ANY NCAA oversight for multiple issues regarding recruits & their families with interesting financial/ personal benefits (NOT a hatred issue...a little research in LA Times Picayune will present some oddities) just for starters.
Add the private school issue where they function on a different school schedule that allows for more GPA attention, the fact so many have the exact same major (smacks of the GA basketball classes of the past)...it is just comical that the media gives this guy a pass.
Yes he is a good coach...but not the best without the DUKE backing to cover his butt.

[Stucat]

Still I have to give the devil its due and Coach K.'s record speaks for itself. The man has done a lot and still keeps on going like the energizer bunny despite the fact that he really isn't a well man. In 1995 he had to have back surgery. In 1999 he had to have a complete hip replacement and in 2003 he had another hip replacement due to severe arthritis. Except for the spinal surgery the man had hip replacements during the summer and never missed a season. If you ever have a hip replacement or a broken hip you will find out that it is not that easy to recover from surgeries like that yet K. kept on going. Not many people know that about the man but he keeps on going.

In 1995 he was in so much pain that he thought he had bone cancer like Jim Valvano and was about ready to give up but when he found out he going to live he was willing to fight and he has. There are so many things that people don't know about Mike Krzyzewski and think his life has been a bed of roses but it hasn't and I give the man a medal for just hanging in there and overcoming a curved spine, cracked vertebrae, and severe arthritis in his fingers and hips and still overcoming all of this to keep on coaching has my admiration. Through all of this he still was the runner up in the NCAA tournament in 1999 and won the NCAA championship in 2001. That is part of the reason that I admire Coach K.

[poodoo]

I'm hoping BCG can put it all together. He works hard at recruiting, seems to know his X's and O's and it looks like he will take control of his teams. He may be the one, some day.

A most reasonable post, NOWIS. Too, in regard to the last statement, specifically, I hope the basketball world is SOMEDAY saying just that. :icon_biggrin:

Also, many of the "talking heads" have been saying that about Coach K for years, but in light of his recent repeated early exits with so many McDonald's All-Americans on his teams, I think that talk is finally dying down a bit. In regard to Coach Donovan, I think his coaching was great with that particular group of guys those two years. Looking at some of his coaching prior to that and this past season, I don't at all see how he can be put at the top of the list. In contrast, what Howland has recently accomplished with two different groups of players is indeed impressive. In regard to Roy Williams, his extremely successful recruiting is a huge part of his teams' successes and is a reason he's a name to consider, especially since he's at a school with UNC's tradition.

No, I'm not giving an answer. Again, I just hope the supposedly unbiased plundits are SOMEDAY saying, "Coach Billy Gillispie." :) Of course, Coach G is certainly the college basketball coach who has my greatest support. :) GO CATS! GO COACH G!

[TrueblueCATfan]

I agree with the poster who said it's difficult to tell who's the "best." It's a word that's good for message board discussion and not much else.

Still, here's my top 5 plus 5.

1. Roy Williams
1a. Ben Howland
3. Mike Krereiruajgaewrisky
4. Tom Izzo
5. Jim Calhoun
6. Billy Donovan
7. Bill Self
8. John Calipari
9. Rick Barnes
10. Billy Gillispie

Wow Will.......no Rick Pitino on that list;)

[Will Lavender]

Wow Will.......no Rick Pitino on that list;)

This one doesn't go to 11.