|
|
The Fashion Power Indexes - Feb. 20, 2002
By Angela LentoCoaches Give Fashion Statements on Coaches
So who really is the best-dressed coach in America? Well, needless to say everyone has an opinion on the subject.
For the past couple of years, fans have been emailing to get an assessment on their favorite coach so -- as a change of pace -- rather than me breakdown their coaches I thought it would be more interesting to have coaches provide fashion analysis on one another.
First to take center stage is Rice coach Willis Wilson.
Wilson has been a model for fashion consistency over the past few years, advancing to the Fashionable Four in each of the past two seasons. The WAC’s most stylish mentor offered up his thoughts on some of his piers:
John Calipari (Memphis): “He still has that NBA touch; Nothing But Attire!”
Melvin Watkins (Texas A&M): “A coach’s coach, as smooth as the silk ties that he wears!”
Roy Williams (Kansas): “Roy Williams is as fine a dresser as Roy Rogers was a cowboy! He is as good as anybody out there.”
Bruiser Flint (Drexel): “Did you ever think that a guy with a name like "Bruiser" could very have so much finesse and style?”
Riley Wallace (Hawaii): “Great coach, great guy, needs fashion tips! Five-O won't let him off of the island in those flowered shirts.”
All of the aforementioned have strutted their stuff on runways past, including Riley Wallace and his dapper Tori Richards shirts. The floral patterns do make a fashion statement.
Another guy that knows a thing or two about style is South Florida’s Seth Greenberg. The Bulls headman just missed making the fashion field of 65 coaches last year, but he is poised to join the main event in 2002.
I receive a lot of emails from fans wanting to know why UCLA’s Steve Lavin has not cracked the FPI so I turned to sensational Seth for his thoughts on Lavin and a couple of other fellow fashion mavens:
Steve Lavin (UCLA): “Does this guy own a jacket? Like the clean white shirt, but if you don't wear the jacket you need to up grade the shirt and tie combo and get rid of the grease.”
Dave Magarity (Marist): “The man should adopt the sweater look. There are only so many times you can wear a blue blazer. Only Lute Olson can get away with that and pull it off. I love Dave, but Cool Hand Lute has the CEO Country Club look and he wears it well. But Mags doesn’t”
Bruiser Flint (Drexel): “Nice clean look with some style, but it is easy to look that way when your threads are matched with Granimal tags.”
“As for yours truly, it's about style a classic look and details. You need to notice the shoes, the texture of the ties and classic elegant look. NO pocket squares, too trendy! I like a look that stands the test of time!”
Is it just me or does everyone take shots at Bruiser Flint?
“Are you kidding me,” asked Flint, “Seth has a lot of nerve commenting about anybody. He’s the only guy I know that can make an Armani look bad. His brother, Brad (former general manager for 76ers and Blazers) has carried Seth and his bald dome for years. When I see South Florida on TV I see people in the stands that are better dressed than Seth.”
Everybody just likes to pick on Bruiser.
One conference that has gotten a lot of attention on the hardwood, but hasn’t made a huge statement on the runway is the Missouri Valley Conference. In the past month, there has been a huge push from the Valley faithful to get some more pub for their coaches.
So I asked the MVC’s best-dressed coach in 2000 to give his insight into some of league’s chic performers. Here is what Southwest Missouri State’s Barry Hinson had to say:
Dan Altman (Creighton) and Kurt Kansaskie (Drake): “There is no question Dana Altman and Kurt Kanaskie were separated at birth because they are very similar in how they dress. White button downs and sometimes even a polo man embroidered on it. They walk on the floor with a blazer and the blazer is removed before the opening tip.”
Bruce Weber (Southern Illinois): “Bruce is the sports jacket guy of the Missouri Valley. Very seldom do you ever see his coat removed because of his cool and calm nature.”
Mark Turgeon (Wichita State): “Mark Turgeon, being the young guy that he is, has an array of outfits, which always qualify him on the dapper side. But he adds a more modern touch.”
Bill Self (Illinois): “I have to venture outside of the Valley to assess my very good friend Bill Self who is Mr. Superstition. Whatever he wins in is what he continues to wear. Normally a dark-suit-kind-of-guy, Bill will crossover to a light colored suit quickly after a big victory. He will definitely live on the edge, as he has been spotted in a bright orange blazer in some Big 10 match-ups. This is one of his more cutting edge statements in the field of fashion.”
“As far as myself, I am extremely old school. Dark suits (normally pin stripes) always a white shirt and a fashionable, but conservative tie. My philosophy is never to wear anything that couldn't have been worn in the movie Chariots of Fire.”
Last season the attire of Southern Illinois’ Bruce Weber upstaged Barry Hinson, but Hinson appears pressed, polished and ready to get back to The Runway to the Fashionable Four this season.
And lastly this week, a flurry of fans from SEC country emailed their desire to see Florida’s Billy Donovan mentioned in the Fashion Power Index.
So I turned to one of the SEC’s most fashionable assistants to get his take on dapper Donovan and others in the league. No. 1 in the last assistant’s FPI, Ole Miss’ Wayne Brent had this to say:
Billy Donovan (Florida): “Billy Donovan always sports that Italian look. He is a smooth dresser who usually wears a brown or black suit with a dark shirt with a light collar and cuffs to bring his attire out.”
Tubby Smith (Kentucky): “Tubby Smith is known for his blue dress shirt with the white collar cuffs to match. He will usually sport a dark blue or dark pin stripe suit. His ties are usually stripes or polka dot. Occasionally he will go light and go with the gray look.”
“In my opinion, they are the two most stylish head coaches in the SEC.”
Assistants: “As for assistant coaches Donnie Jones (Florida) and Reggie Hanson (Kentucky) immediately come to mind. Donnie has that ‘Billy D look’ and he is a light brown/gray suit wearer. Reggie on the other hand has this Kentucky blue sports coat that always get my attention.”
“As for me, I learned long time ago that if you set yourself on fire the world will come to see you burn. Therefore, everyday that I have an opportunity I try to set myself on fire.”
In the coming weeks, I’ll have more coaches provide style assessments of their piers.
And now lets see if Wayne Brent can hold down the top spot in the assistant’s fashion power index and whether or not Memphis’ John Calipari will remain No. 1 in head coach’s FPI.
HEAD COACH’S FASHION POWER INDEX (February 20, 2002)
The announcement of the best-dressed coaches in all 31 conferences is quickly approaching. On Monday March 4, the final regular season FPI will be unveiled, followed on Tuesday with the unveiling of the conference catwalk champions, among head coaches.
Those 31 fashionable coaches will automatically qualify for the 65-coach fashion tournament, which will begin on March 12. And you can do the math -- that means 34 coaches competing for at-large births.
No doubt, there will be a lot of guys on the fashion fence.
“First of all, I don’t know if there is any fence that could support my weight,” says Marist coach Dave Magarity. “That would have to be some sturdy fencing to hold guys like Jeff Ruland, Seth Greenberg, Bob Huggins and myself.”
While Magarity and others carefully position themselves, others are fully confident about being invited to the fashion frenzy.
“Oh I’m not worried about making the field,” says Rutgers coach Gary Waters. “That’s a given. To be exact, I fully expect to see my name among the final four. I fully intend to be competing for the title of best-dressed coach in college basketball, while Dave Magarity would be lucky just to make the field.”
So what does Mr. “size and girth” think about the comments of Mr. Waters?
“Gary had better hope that he’s not in my bracket,” says Magarity. “There is no question that my beauty would win out. When it comes to big men, you’re not going find a better looking and more handsome guy then me.”
Magarity hasn’t cracked the fashion power index this season, but Waters has become a fashion fixture in the rankings and in the latest FPI, he checks in at No. 4.
“It’s a travesty that I have once again been overlooked for the fashion rankings,” says Magarity. “Given my size and girth, it’s rather difficult to overlook me.”
Keeping with the theme of letting coaches evaluate each other, who better to break down the latest fashion power index than Mr. Magarity.
1. Jay Wright (Villanova): “No need to wait until March for a new season of The Sopranos. It’s currently running in Philadelphia. By the way, check with Jay and he will tell you that he picked up a couple of fashion tips from yours truly.”
2. John Calipari (Memphis): “No question that he taught Bruiser Flint everything he knows, although Mr. Fly likes to claim otherwise.”
3. Bruiser Flint (Drexel): “Curtis Mayfield continues to tell everyone how fly he is. I am not sure about the attire, but his team is having one heck of a season.”
4. Gary Waters (Rutgers): “Talk about having a nice season, what a job coach Waters is doing in New Jersey. But that is on the court and this all about the runway, where Gary knows he won’t want to meet me in March.”
5. Tubby Smith (Kentucky): “Orlando Tubby Smith is as cool and calm as they come. With his coaching and his style he does a tremendous job every year.”
6. Paul Graham (Washington State): “Not as familiar with coach Graham’s wardrobe, but if the attire is of the same quality as the man, than he should be in the top two.”
7. Melvin Watkins (Texas A&M): “Another great guy that does a tremendous job or sporting it.”
8. Rick Pitino (Louisville): “Obviously a fixture in the top ten, coach Pitino should be one of the favorites to win the runway competition in March. Unless of course he has me in his bracket.”
9. Willis Wilson (Rice): “One of the smoothest dressers you are going to find, outside of Poughkeepsie, New York. Willis is also one of the best people in the business.”
10. Mike Jarvis (St. John’s): “If you are balding in the front, you are sexy. If you are balding in the back, you are a thinker. In Mike’s case, he just thinks he’s sexy.”
THE ASSISTANT COACH’S FASHION POWER INDEX (February 20, 2002)
The big story in the field of under studies has come from a newcomer to the last FPI, Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Tony Jones.
Jones cracked the top ten for the first time at No. 9, but he has already gotten a big assist, which he believes with catapult him up the rankings.
Perhaps it might be construed as an unfair advantage, but Jones now has the services of the same tailors that outfit NBA stars Jalen Rose and Howard Eisley.
“They read your column and they enjoyed seeing their former high school coach on the fashion runway,” says Jones. “With the help of their tailors I will destroy the assistant coaches field.”
Coach Jones, who moves up to No. 4 in the latest FPI, gives new meaning to ‘Milwaukee’s Best.’
While Jones was elated to break into the rankings, two weeks ago, Central Connecticut State’s Patrick Sellers was equally disappointed.
“Angela, I'm working hard and now I get bumped out of the top ten,” says a puzzled Sellers. “I guess I'll have to go back to the drawing board or, excuse me, Barney's.”
Well Barney’s obviously hooked up this chic coach, who leaped back into the top ten at No. 5. Sellers is also getting plenty attention in CollegeInsider.Com’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors. Not a bad week for the 33-year old assistant.
Lastly, it was brought to my attention that Marist’s stylish Steve Sauers was spotted on the sidelines sporting jeans. No question that this is a fashion foul, but as coach Magarity will explain, there was a good reason behind the 501-approach.
Mr. Magarity offers his fashion analysis on the latest FPI, including an explanation of coach Sauers fashion statement.
1. Wayne Brent (Ole Miss): “I understand that coach Brent has some outstanding footwear. Given my mid-body expansion, I myself have trouble seeing my feet sometimes.”
2. Rodney Terry (UNC-Wilmington): “Obviously it’s not difficult to out style head coach Jerry Wainwright. I am sure Jerry could learn a thing or two from Rodney.”
Check Out Coach Terry's Bachelor Profile
3. Ronny Thompson (Georgetown): “This guy is one of better dressed coaches you are going to find. He is to slender guys what I am to the portly and stout club.”
4. Tony Jones (Wisconsin-Milwaukee): “Obviously he is getting help from his NBA connections. Although, from what I have heard, Jalen Rose and Howard Eisley could learn a thing or two from Mr. Jones.”
5. Patrick Sellers (Central Connecticut): Not difficult to be out style Howie Dickenman and his polka-dot tie.”
Check Out Coach Sellers' Bachelor Profile
6. Gary Stewart (Washington State): “One of the classier guys in the game that can obviously also dress well.”
Check Out Coach Stewart's Bachelor Profile
7. Reggie Hanson (Kentucky): “As stylish as Tubby Smith is, I think coach Hanson has out-dazzled him during a couple of national televised games.”
8. Steve Sauers (Marist): “It’s a complete mystery to me why Mr. Suntan is not ranked No. 1 in America. He obviously has a tremendous fashion mentor in myself. As for his jeans, Stevie ripped the seam in his slacks during our game at Manhattan and was forced to go with the blue-jeans look. In my opinion this was a bold fashion statement by Mr. Sauers. It’s just a good thing that it was him and not me that had to wear jeans. That would be a lot of denim.”
9. Patrick Skerry (William & Mary): The name Skerry has me a little concerned. Apparently he is a very fashionable guy, but I am still wondering about the name.”
10. Tracy Dildy (DePaul): Since my good friend Pat Kennedy coaches at DePaul I am very familiar with the bright array of colors that Tracy sports. Although I think it would be a bigger fashion statement to coach Kennedy in a bright yellow blazer.”
Angela Lento is a big supporter of the “Bobbi Olson Foundation” and would like to urge you to make a contribution. For more information Click Here
CLICK HERE TO SEND ANGELA YOUR COMMENTS
(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
Copyright © 2001, College Insider.Com and Gametyme, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
