We were going to put the BYU coach in here but then realized this: We don’t know who he is. We just know Jimmer. And Jimmer does everything. Jimmer doesn’t need a last name or, perhaps, a coach.
5. Brad Stevens, Butler » Yes, he made it to the national championship game last season. Butler, though, was not expected to make another tourney run. He has elevated to a different level. Considering he’s only 15, perhaps he’s the next 900-game winner. Note: He signed an extension through 2021-22 last year.
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4. Rick Barnes, Texas » In the past eight years, the Longhorns have had 17 four- or five-star recruits, including LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, Kevin Durant — Kevin Durant! — D.J. Augustin and this season Jordan Hamilton, Cory Joseph and Tristan Thompson. Oh, and they provide five-star disappointments annually.
3. John Thompson III, Georgetown » Guy has done a lot right. But it’s one thing to be upset; it’s another to lose handily to double-digit seeds two years in a row. The Hoyas need to win a couple tourney games next season before serious questions are asked about, well, everything.
2. Buzz Williams, Marquette » What’s not to like? He looks like Curly from the Three Stooges and stomps around the sidelines. The 38-year-old is in his first Sweet 16, and another win would make him a bigger name. But, please, could he give us just one “Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck”?
1. Shaka Smart, VCU » The VCU pipeline strikes again. First it was Jeff Capel to Oklahoma, then Anthony Grant to Alabama. Next stop for Smart: Tennessee? Why not? He’s considered a great recruiter and has won 51 games in his first two seasons.
