by Zach Rosen
Despite Saturday’s loss to that team in Knoxville, the University of Kentucky’s basketball team is still looking good. Still in the top-3, still tied for the best record in the nation, still on track for a #1 seed that would make a trip through the bracket so much more enjoyable. As much as it pains me to do, I have to give credit to the University of Tennessee; they
came out with more energy and executed a gameplan that exposed our weaknesses when they were at their weakest
lucked out and managed to stall the celebration of what should have been a new conference title. The Volunteers have defended their home court well this year in beating both a #1 and a #2, proving what they are capable of playing good basketball between felonies. But despite this setback, the Cats are in a good position for favorable seeding in both the conference and national tournaments. As the magic that could be called this past year and season approaches its most exciting time. And as numbers of stats and match-ups and votes begin to gain relevance, title and award finalists are announced and races for the honors heat up.
The Naismith College Player of the Year award goes to the best player of the year, voted on by the the Atlanta Tipoff Club comprising of coaches, media members, and other mysterious figures (possibly Yetis). This year’s competition has been a two horse race for essentially the whole year between UK freshman John Wall and Ohio State University’s Evan Turner. John Wall’s stock has undeniably fallen as of late, as soon as Turner’s began to rise; only a stellar performance from him for the rest of the season will make him the favorite again. But more importantly, some would argue, is the other award given by the strangely named secret society. The College Coach of the Year award is given to the coach that most successfully utilized his assets and got the most out of his team. The argument for its greater significance is that the coach will be able contribute to his team’s success year in and year out (hopefully), whereas a star player always has the option of making millions of dollars doing the exact same thing. John Calipari has certainly made a case for one of the greatest turnarounds in college basketball history, taking an early exit NIT team to the top of the rankings. And while the #1 ranking was brief, the sheer momentum that has surrounded these athletes is astounding enough to give him the award. But let’s look at the likely top candidates for the 2010 award:
John Calipari, Kentucky (27-2, 12-2) has certainly lead a resurgence of a basketball program that had been on decline for quite some time, leading off with arguably the best recruiting class in history and coaching the team to a two loss season and a potential #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. A strong argument for the top honor given to a coach.
Jim Boeheim, Syracuse (27-2, 14-2) Has manned a team that lost in the Sweet-16 last year to a #1 ranking and has proven the ability to get the most out of his team in big games. With 7 wins against top-15 opponents certainly gives Boeheim enough cred to earn serious consideration.
Bill Self, Kansas (27-2, 13-1) Coaching the team that as spent the most time as the #1 ranked squad this season, perhaps having two of the most successful players in Kansas history has made his job a little easier and the second best big man in the country certainly helps.
Frank Martin (24-4, 11-3) The dark horse of the field, he has coached an scrappy team to a respectable record in a tough conference. A win over then #1 Texas (what a sham that was) and taking now #1 Kansas down to the wire, only to lose by two, give Martin a hell of an argument for doing the best coaching job without the clout or support of a major program.
The argument for every coach on the list can be made for earning the top spot in the final voting, and no one will know until all the votes are tallied who has impressed the mysterious council for bestowing awards. Until then the only thing that is within these coaches’ sphere of influence is the performance of their team, and their overall success. That and one hell of a media machine
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