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Music, Tidbits and Tie Talk
By Angela Lento
You might recall earlier this season we did a little feature on the kitchen talents of Auburn coach Cliff Ellis. As part of “Ladies Night Out,” which was a charity event to raise money for the ‘Partnership for Children,’ coach Ellis served up a dish from his recipe book.
Well, the talents of coach Ellis are not restricted to just basketball and cooking. He also has quite a voice.
Recently Ellis released his second CD, entitled “People Get Ready,” which is hugely popular in the Auburn, Alabama region.
Some of the selections include, “It’s Alright, You’re Just in Love,” “Today I Started Loving You Again,” “Groovy Situation” and my favorite, “I Wouldn’t Treat a Dog.”
The title track is Ellis’ rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s hit.
In March, the NABC holds its annual NABC All-Star game, which pits college seniors against the Harlem Globetrotters. I am pushing to get coach Ellis to sing the National Anthem.
CLICK HERE to order a copy of Cliff Ellis' CD.
On another musical note, about six weeks Sports Illustrated did a little feature on CollegeInsider.Com. In the article, they mentioned that CI’s President and Editor-in-Chief had dabbled in the music industry.
Needless to say, I have received quite a few correspondences, including a few phone calls from coaches, wondering what that was all about.
Well, among other thing, Mr. Dwyer actually produced a cassette single (two songs), which was a hit in the South Florida region. Yes, they even got play on local radio stations in the Miami area.
The two songs were about the University of Miami football team. “It’s a Cane Thing” was very well received. Gee, somehow I think Mr. Dwyer was rather pleased with the happenings at the Rose Bowl this year.
And down in Arlington, Texas, UTA has a gifted freshman in Emmanuel Adigun. The rookie guard only sees limited playing time, but he gets plenty of stage time in the Houston area.
This hip-hop star has a nice little following, which includes his teammates who flock to his shows.
CARRYING THE TORCH
With the 2002 Winter Olympics quickly approaching, the Olympic torch is making its way to Salt Lake City, Utah. One of those helping to deliver the flame is New Mexico coach Fran Fraschilla.
Fraschilla has been selected to be a torch-bearer when the Olympic flame passes through New Mexico this weekend.
“I feel I am a pretty patriotic guy so I am honored,” says Fraschilla. “But more than anything, I am humbled.”
The Lobos coach will run two-tenths of a mile on Saturday, January 12.
THE 50 MOST ELIGIBLE
It seems that word has leaked out about one of our up-coming projects. In early February we will unveil “College Basketball’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.
Go ahead and laugh, but I have received countless emails from assistant coaches who feel they are worthy of serious consideration. I won’t embarrass those coaches, but I can tell you that are more than a few who think they are pretty smooth.
Three head coaches and 47 assistants will make up “the 50” so you can expect the likes of Steve Lavin (UCLA), Shawn Finney (Tulane) and Joel Sobotka (Portland State) to be among those featured.
An example of some of the questions that those selected have answered include…
What would you expect on the first date?
What is your favorite pick up line?
What is your favorite pick up line that actually works?You will get a kick out some of the interesting responses.
TIE TALK
Our friends at “AsTiesGoBy.Com” have provided me with ten ties to give away each month. Unlike the Fashion Power Index, there are no criteria for selecting the nine coaches and one fan. However, it is interesting that since this feature was announced the emails from fans have been more of the ‘wine-and-dine’ variety.
Before we get to January’s ten recipients, here are a couple of fashion updates.
One of the local television stations in Houston, Texas is doing a feature on Rice coach Willis Wilson and his dapper attire. Wilson is currently No. 3 in the fashion power index and has been a part of every Runway to the Fashionable Four competition.
“It’s pretty funny,” laughs Wilson. “Last year a television crew tried to catch me as I boarded my plane for Minneapolis and the Final Four. They didn’t want to interview me about the Final Four. They wanted to talk to me about heading off to the Fashionable Four.”
One of the staples of the weekly Gary Waters (Rutgers) radio show has been fashion talk. Each week, the subject comes up and this week was no exception as Waters moved to the head of the pack in the latest FPI.
“People around here have a lot of fun with it,” laughs Waters. “When I walked into the office on Monday morning everyone asked me how it felt to be No. 1 in the FPI? Of course I told them it was about time.”
And now it’s time for January’s “AsTiesGoBy.Com” winners.
JOHN CHANEY (Temple): No, this is not my way of saying that coach Chaney needs a fashion makeover. This might comes as a surprise to many of you, but coach Chaney actually has a very nice wardrobe. In fact, he is one of the best-dressed coaches every year at the Final Four. His casual attire is fabulous. I love the hats!
MIKE DEANE (Lamar): Anyone who has their own bobble-head doll is more than deserving of a free tie. Coach Deane literally has a style all his own.
DAVE DICKERSON (Maryland): Dapper Dickerson is very sharp and has been on the verge of breaking into the FPI. The Terrapin assistant is both polished and poised. Look for him in one of the many Maryland games on the tube.
SETH GREENBERG (South Florida): Perhaps I am in the minority, but I really like coach Greenberg’s wardrobe. His suits are very well pressed and he wears them well. A lot of coaches look sharp when the TV cameras are on, but coach Greenberg, like John Chaney, has a great off-the-court wardrobe.
BRAD HOLLAND (San Diego): Last season, coach Holland was the West Coast Conference’s Best-Dressed coach. He promised me that he has an even snappier set of threads this season, but only time will tell on that one. In addition to being fashionable, coach Holland is also an excellent coach.
MIKE JONES (Richmond): The Spider assistant coach is very sharp and very deserving of a little recognition. Now that Richmond has moved to the Atlantic 10, Jones will have more television opportunities to display his gear.
JOSH OPPENHEIMER (Delaware): The Colonial Conference is arguably America’s best-dressed conference, ranking right up with Conference-USA. This Delaware assistant is another on the verge of breaking into the FPI.
JAMES WILHELMI (Texas Southern): From time to time, I get emails from fans of the SWAC. They insist that their coaches don’t get enough ink on The Runway to the Fashionable Four. Well, SWAC fans, take a look at the very elegant Texas Southern assistant. Coach Wilhelmi is well put-together.
RAMON WILLIAMS (VMI): Head coach Bart Bellairs let me know that his stylish assistant should be among the best-dressed assistants in America. Memo to coach Williams: you can’t say that coach Bellairs never did anything for you.
DUKE LEBANON (Fan): Mr. Lebanon emailed his approval of Washington State’s coach Graham breaking into the FPI. And he also went overboard with kindness so he gets the nod this month.
Angela:
Your fashion report is dead-on, and much funnier than anything Joan Rivers has ever tried. Thanks for giving props to our man up here on the Palouse, Paul Graham. Not only does he dress sharply, but you also won't find him trying to accessorize with anything tacky like a whistle or clipboard. Keep up the good work.
Duke LeBanon
I hope everyone takes a moment to visit our friends at “AsTiesGoBy.” They have a great selection of ties, ranging from fun to the more conservative. If you'd like to win a FREE tie, CLICK HERE.
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
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