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This week's spotlight: coaches of the year.(college basketball)(Brief Article)
Herb Sendek, NC State. Sendek entered the year knowing his team--though relying heavily on freshmen--had to show significant improvement, or he would lose his job. Well, the Pack is headed for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991.
Ben Howland, Pitt. His team isn't big, it doesn't shoot particularly well from the perimeter, and it lacks a true star (though Brandin Knight is close). But get this: The Panthers win because of great defense and unselfish play. How's that for old school?
Bo Ryan, Wisconsin. All the Badgers you would recognize from their Final Four trip two years ago are gone, and no blue-chippers were added. But behind its first-year coach, Wisconsin has overcome a 1-4 start to be in decent NCAA Tournament position.
Stew Morrill, Utah State. The Aggies have made the NCAA Tournament the past two years, but they lost four starters from last season. No fear for Morrill, who turned to newcomer Desmond Penigar and holdover Tony Brown to lead the team to a 20-4 mark.
Tom Crean, Marquette. Only Pitt's Howland might have a better case for national coach of the year. Crean has guided the Golden Eagles to a probable top-four seed after entering the season as--at best--a shaky NCAA Tournament team.
Stan Heath, Kent State. He took over a veteran team that ...