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The Conference Champions
By Angela Lento
For weeks now coaches have been hinting to me that their wardrobe is deserving of a conference crown and an automatic berth on ‘The Runway to the Fashionable Four.’ Now that March is here it is time to announce the winners, but first lets take a look at the final standings for the best-dressed ‘rookie coach’, as voted on by the fans.
Butler’s Thad Matta was the runaway winner. He jumped to the lead the first day and was never seriously challenged.
"That is unreal,” said Matta. “When my staff saw that I was among the top 10 rookies on the list they felt it was ridiculous because they feel I am not even the best-dressed on the staff. I am looking forward to the play-in match."
Matta will be the 65th seed in the field and will battle it out in the ‘opening act’ against the coach with the lowest fashion power index.
Siena’s Louis Orr got a lot of support, but would have needed binoculars to see Matta. And Ball State’s Tim Buckley made a late charge, as fans stuffed the email box, but it was too little to late.
Here are the final standings:
1. Thad Matta (Butler)
2. Louis Orr (Siena)
3. David Henderson (Delaware)
4. Tim Buckley (Ball State)
5. Mike Davis (Indiana)
6. Porter Moser (Arkansas-Little Rock)
7. Shawn Finney (Tulane)
8. Larry Harrison (Hartford)
9. John Thompson II (Princeton)
10. Scott Beeten (Albany State)
I would like to thank the thousands of people who took the time to cast their vote -- One down and 64 spots remaining.
There is little doubt that coaches will be voicing their discontent with some of the conference champions. Coaches who are sitting on the ‘fashion fence’ have already given me a hard time. The first to voice his opinion was Marist coach Dave Magarity.
“I have a tough time believing that Iona’s Jeff Ruland is prettier than me,” said Magarity. “Obviously I look at Ruland as a younger brother, but he has done a tremendous job of creating this myth of his high-priced wardrobe. Having spent many years as an assistant at Iona I still have my inside sources who have revealed that the ‘King Size’, ‘Big & Tall’ and ‘Men of Girth’ catalogs have been piling up in the Iona mail room. Ruland will try to pass them off as belonging to Tony Childs’ [Iona assistant], but I know the real truth. His attire has been assembled through mail order and frequent visits to K-Mart and J.C. Penny’s.”
Dave went on to state his case for getting at-large consideration for the fashion field.
“Obviously you are not going to find a better ‘at-large’ candidate than myself. It’s clear that I have established myself as the best-looking big man in the country.”
Of course all the comments from coach Magarity were in response to Ruland’s earlier remarks. Coach Ruland was one of a number of coaches that we caught up with on Wednesday to get their responses on being named best-dressed coach in their respective conference.
“I should be named the best-dressed in the MAAC,” said Ruland. “I look at Magarity like an older brother, but is pretty clear that we shop for attire at different places.”
While Ruland and Magarity were exchanging words others wanted to know who had the best-dressed staff in the country and the very dapper Mex Carey, sports information assistant at St. John’s was curious to know who the best father-son combo was?
Hmmm --- Think he was dropping a hint?
Well, Mike Jarvis and Mike Jarvis II did edge out Homer and Scott Drew at Valparaiso.
Now, I NEVER critique what I like to call the ‘fashionably challenged,’ but Sacred Heart assistant coach Keith Bike had this to offer, regarding him and his dad, Dave.
“My father wanted you to know he thinks that we should be best and worst dressed father-son combination in the country.”
As for the most-stylish staff, well it was no contest. The coaching at Texas A&M gets the nod, although Dave Magarity did not agree.
Head coach Melvin Watkins sets the tone and Lew Hill has followed his lead nicely. Assistants Tom Billeter and the very good-looking Bobby Kummer help to round out A&M’s stylish staff.
Finishing second, with a lot of upside for the future, is Joel Sobotka and his Portland State staff. Assistant Brian Loyd is among the nation’s top 10 in the understudy FPI and Matt Steffe would be a catch for any woman. Look out for this trendy trio in the future.
And we still have a close race for television analyst. ESPN’s Rece Davis got the early jump for ‘on air personality,’ but his lack of recent tube time has Jay Bilas gaining ground. According to Bilas he is at a disadvantage because one of his fashion statements is not revealed on the television and he shed some light on Rece’s attire.
“My shoes are not seen on camera. If they were maybe that would make a difference.”
And Rece?
“Rece borrows my ties all the time so that must have been the reason for his recognition.”
You may recall that I wrote a few weeks ago that if Jay went with the three-fold in the handkerchief department he would complete the package. Jay explained why he prefers the single fold.
“I don’t like the bunchy handkerchief. I prefer the more simple Cary Grant look.”
Since we have a most-improved for coaches than why not one for ‘on-air’ guys. Andy Katz has added to his wardrobe in 2001. The black suit and red tie is a big step up from the brown suit of last season.
And now for the Conference Champions:
AMERICA EAST: Jay Wright (Hofstra) It’s the fourth straight conference championship for Jay who issued a fashion statement on Wednesday.
"I am very proud of this honor. It gets tougher and tougher to make it out of this conference every year, due to the fact that the competition from Tom Brennan is relentless. Anything can happen once you get to the national tournament, so winning a conference championship is special."
ACC: Gary Williams (Maryland) Clothing from Brooks Oliver helped put him over the top. Coach Williams is great in transition, going from the upscale suit look to the sport coat and slacks without any slippage.
ATLANTIC 10: Bruiser Flint (UMass) Was there ever any doubt about this selection? The A-10 has a number of guys perched on the fashion fence, but at least one or two will join Bruiser on the runway.
BIG EAST: Mike Jarvis (St. John’s) It was a highly contested race with Providence’s Tim Welsh, but Jarvis gets the nod. His suits fit him so well and his Fifth Avenue look is a winner.
BIG SKY: Joel Sobotka (Portland State) Joel really stepped up to another level this season and will make his debut on the runway.
"I worked hard to improve my wardrobe in the offseason. To be named best-dressed in the Big Sky makes it all worth while."
BIG SOUTH: Pete Strickland (Coastal Carolina) Winthrop’s Gregg Marshall was edged out by the up-to-date coach from Coastal.
BIG TEN: Steve Alford (Iowa) The winner of the most-improved category, coach Alford looks very regal, especially when he goes with the black suit and yellow tie. Team colors are a plus.
BIG 12: Melvin Watkins (Texas A&M) This was virtually decided back in October. The class of the Big 12 is one of the favorites for Best-Dressed Coach in America. I love that handkerchief.
BIG WEST: Wayne Morgan (Long Beach State) The very well polished Morgan was the clear choice. He could be a factor on the runway.
COLONIAL: Sherman Dillard (James Madison) Coach Dillard spent time in the Top 10 this season and distanced himself early from the rest of the league. He is one of those guys who looks sharp when he is doing yard work.
CONFERENCE-USA: Bob Huggins (Cincinnati) The three-piece suits vaulted Huggins to the top of the charts. The mock turtleneck look is a distant memory.
"It's only right that I was named the league’s best-dressed.”
IVY: Dave Faucher (Dartmouth) A perennial entry into the fashion field, he is pound for pound perhaps the best-dressed in the country.
METRO ATLANTIC: Jeff Ruland (Iona) You know the story here.
“This does not make up for the fact that I was bounced from the Top 10. We haven’t won a game since I dropped. I expect to advance far on the runway.
MID-AMERICAN: Gary Waters (Kent State) He has quickly established himself, as one of the nation’s most elegant on the runway. A ‘fashionable four’ appearance last season makes him one of the favorites in 2001.
"It's an honor. Now if I can just get past people like Bruiser and Huggins I think I can be very successful in this endeavor."
MID-CONTINENT: Homer Drew (Valparaiso) First class all the way!
MEAC: Cy Alexander (South Carolina State) The very business like approach has what has made his team so special. That same tact has him on top of his league in style as well.
"It is quite an honor to be recognized. I look forward to the runway competition."
MIDWESTERN COLLEGIATE: Ed Schilling (Wright State) The very classy and stylish Schilling had a lot of competition. The MCC could get as many as five entries onto the runway.
"I'm speechless. To be named best-dressed in this league, for two straight seasons, is quite an accomplishment. My time spent in the NBA prepared me well to defend my crown."
MISSOURI VALLEY: Bruce Weber (Southern Illinois) The classic look and the fact that his jacket stays on gave him the nod.
"I am not sure what that says for the rest of our league. I will have to inform our players. They will really get a kick out this. Maybe it can be part of our pre-game speech."
MOUNTAIN WEST: Fran Fraschilla (New Mexico) Few have racked up as many fashion fouls as Fraschilla. If he could just keep the coat on he could be a real challenger for the ‘fashionable four.’
NEC: Bobby Jones (St. Francis PA) Coach Jones is a real up and comer. This future star will make his first appearance in the field. Wow, he looks fabulous.
"It's amazing the great deals that you can get at a Saturday morning yard sale in Loretto, Pennsylvania."
OHIO VALLEY: Jeff Lebo (Tennessee Tech) One OVC coach was outraged at this selection, describing coach Lebo as having one arm out of his sport coat almost all the time. Well, his trendy look worked for me.
PAC-10: Lute Olson (Arizona) There isn’t a classier man than coach Olson. As long as he is coaching he will be standing on the runway as Pac-10 champion.
PATRIOT: Sal Mentesana (Lehigh) Does this selection really need an explanation? Sal is ready to defend his 2000 crown.
SEC: Mark Gottfried (Alabama) The current No. 1 edged out Kentucky’s Tubby Smith.
SOUTHERN: Bob McKillop (Davidson) You can see the New York City influence. He looks very dapper.
SOUTHLAND: Eddie McCarter (Texas-Arlington) Another very sharp guy from the Lone Star state. He often dons the CEO look.
SWAC: Rob Spivery (Alabama State) In the tightest conference race, Spivery edged Mississippi Valley State’s Lafayette Stribbling by a shoe.
"That's great news. I don't know how I was able to beat Lafayette Stribling for the title, but I won't argue."
SUN BELT: Jessie Evans (Louisiana-Lafayette) His comments to me at last year’s final four still ring out -- “I got no love.” That was in response to his early exit from the fashion field. Mr. Armani is looking as sharp as ever.
TRANS AMERICA: Billy Lee (Campbell) The sport coat slack approach looks dapper.
WEST COAST: Brad Holland (San Diego) He does a super job of changing tempo. He occasionally mixes it up with a trendy sport coat, but looks very hip with the suit and tie look.
"This honor is greater than my back-to-back Coach of the Year awards. I am ready for the competition on the runway."
WAC: Willis Wilson (Rice) Few can match the regal and elegant attire of this coach. Willis is a first class guy who looks good when he takes out the garbage.
"I am honored and privileged to be recognized. Now it is just a matter of what my seeding will be in field of 65."
So there you have it -- The class of 2001. 32 invites have now been handed out and 33 invites remain. That ‘fashion fence’ is getting crowded.
“There is no question that I should be in the field, said coach Magarity. “As good-looking as I am there is no reason for me to be on your ‘fashion fence.’ I am not sure that any fence would support my size.”
Be sure to listen to Angela Lento talk fashion on the 'Adam Paul Show' at 2:30 (EST) every Friday.
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(Head Coach: 3-8-2002) 1. Bruiser Flint
2. John Calipari
3. Gary Waters
4. Willis Wilson
5. Jay Wright
6. Paul Graham
7. Tubby Smith
8. Rick Pitino
9. Melvin Watkins
10.Mike JarvisPlaying Catch with Satchel Paige
The Captivating Conference Champions
Coach Brent Encourages Players to Build Professional Look
The Renaissance Man and Wrestling Alligators
Coaches Give Fashion Statements on Coaches
A Look at New Jersey's Stylish Coaches
Feb 4 FPI: John Calipari Remains No. 1
Sideline Style Poll is Clothes Call
Being No. 1 Suits Rutgers' Gary Waters Just Fine
Jan 21 FPI: John Calipari Tops Fashion Power Index
Carter, Felton, Lutz and Scruggs Combine Coaching and Style
Terry Gets Rave Reviews in North Carolina
Jan 7 FPI: Gary Waters Tops Fashion Power Index
Though Styles Differ, Smith and Pitino at Top of Their Game
December FPI: Georgetown and Drexel Top The Lists
Jesse "The Body" Ventura and a Kid at Delaware
Musical Talent in Kansas and Wyoming
The FPI, The Natural and a 7-Footer from Wal-Mart
Pennsylvania: America’s Most Stylish State
In Search of Bigfoot with Dale Brown
Auctioning off Auburn coach Cliff Ellis
UCLA's Steve Lavin Talks Fashion
John Feinstein Plugs Fashionable Four
(Assistant: 3-8-2002) 1. Wayne Brent
2. Gary Stewart
3. Steve Sauers
4. Ronny Thompson
5. Tony Jones
6. Patrick Sellers
7. Reggie Hanson
8. Lew Hill
9. Tom Schuberth
10.Jennifer Johnston
AMERICA EAST:
Tom Brennan
ATLANTIC COAST:
Skip Prosser
ATLANTIC SUN:
Don Maestri
ATLANTIC 10:
Bob Hill
BIG EAST:
Gary Waters
BIG SKY:
Joel Sobotka
BIG SOUTH:
Pete Strickland
BIG TEN:
Jerry Dunn
BIG 12:
Melvin Watkins
BIG WEST:
Kevin Bromley
COLONIAL:
Bruiser Flint
CONFERENCE-USA:
John Calipari
HORIZON:
Ed Schilling
IVY LEAGUE:
James Jones
METRO ATLANTIC:
Don Harnum
MID-AMERICAN:
Stan Joplin
MID-CONTINENT:
Homer Drew
MID-EASTERN:
Cy Alexander
MISSOURI VALLEY:
Barry Hinson
MOUNTAIN WEST:
Charlie Spoonhour
NORTHEAST:
Bobby Jones
OHIO VALLEY:
Kyle Macy
PACIFIC-10:
Paul Graham
PATRIOT LEAGUE:
Sal Mentesana
SOUTHEASTERN:
Tubby Smith
SOUTHERN:
Bob McKillop
SOUHTLAND:
Mike Deane
SOUTHWESTERN:
Lafayette Stribbling
SUN BELT:
Dennis Felton
WEST COAST:
Michael Holton
WESTERN ATHLETIC
Willis Wilson
Take a stroll down last season's Runway to the Fashionable Four
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