SONNY LOSPECCHIO
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

COLLEGE BASKETBALL'S VANILLA ICE
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

As the competitors made last-minute alterations, the fashion world turned its’ attention south to Knoxville, TN. For those of you that missed it be thankful that you did. Bad style reached its’ apex.

I am going to have a tough time lobbying, in future tournaments, for my man Bruce Pearl after his appearance at student function on the campus of the University of Tennessee. Bruce is a loyal member of the Jewish Coaches fraternity, but I really have to question his orange and white-checkered sport coat, with no shirt. And then he tried to rap.

Are you serious Bruce? CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Well Peal I can rhyme a little bit myself…

You think you can rhyme
well I can kick it better
That’s one ugly coat
and a bad looking sweater
It’s rap master Pearl
with the big gold chain
If he thinks he can rhyme
then I am the Jewish Big Daddy Kane

Bruce has done a heck of a job in his short time at Tennessee, but he has got to do something about the wardrobe. He’s the Vanilla Ice of College Basketball.

After recovering from my “questionable” loss to Pitino in the Elegant 8, I took some time to study the two national semi-final matchups. The Pitino-Clooney matchup is clearly for all the marbles. The Keating-Les clash is like a pre-determined consolation contest.

Keating vs. Les? What is this, the fashion equivalent to Bracket Busters?

I was so focused on my matchup with Pitino that I didn’t give much thought to Keating’s advancement to the Fashionable 4. Now with time to reflect, I can say without reservation that it’s an absolute disgrace.

I am not completely agreeable to Les making it this far, but he at least he has NBA pedigree. Keating learned style under the tutelage of Ben Howland. While Ben appears well on his way to applying for membership in the FBCA (Fashionable Bald Coaches Association), it’s not clear to me that he meets the fashion requirement. He may not get voted in on the first ballot.

And he is Keating’s style coach.

While I would expect big ratings for the Clooney-Pitino contest, I would fully expect the network to find alternative programming while the other semi-final is being contested. Perhaps an episode of ‘watching paint dry’ would be more captivating.

My prediction is a Les is more result, with Jim Les moving on to the championship against Clooney. I honestly cannot see Jay Wright losing to the Good Humor Man. When I see the white suit I think Toasted Almond, not GQ. You would never see Clooney in a white suit.

I haven’t given a lot of love to the Assistant Coach Tournament, but let’s be honest -- Nobody really cares. They could be giving away money and few would show up to watch the event. Still it is worth at least a peak because the hometown guy is seeking to do something even Clooney hasn’t done. Bacari “and Coke” Alexander is two wins away from becoming the first coach (head coach or assistant) to capture three style championships.

And he seems pretty confident coming into his matchup with Kareem Richardson (Drake).

“K is definitely a Cinderella in the tournament, but unfortunately the slipper got a little tight,” said Alexander. “I'm in my own back yard in Detroit and I have a record crowd behind me at Ford Field. I hope that's enough to get it done.”

After looking at film on Alexander, two things are very clear to me. First, he is a pretty stylish individual. Secondly, the fashion committee robbed his mentor and style coach.

This proves, once and for all, that there is a concerted effort by the committee to keep the fashionably bald from advancing deep into the tournament. Hawk added the final touch to his ensemble this year with the designer spectacles. It gives him that very distinguished look, something he has clearly passed on to Bacari.

Last season Alexander came up just short, losing in the title match to Missouri’s Melvin Watkins. The addition of Hawkins to his own fashion advisory board should make the difference now.

As for the matter of Hawkins and other FBCA members not advancing on the Runway to the Fashionable 4, on behalf of Steve and bald coaches everywhere I plan on filing a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union.

And I will be filing a similar complaint with the fashion committee, after learning that Kerry Keating had out-styled Jim Les to earn a spot in the championship. That is an absolute joke. Neither guy had any business making it this far, but at least Les should have won this matchup of the fashionably challenged.

Keating in the finals is more comical then Pearl’s checkerboard.

I am at a loss for words so I will let you check the remaining results for yourself.

Like my man Bruce Pearl said… Peace I’m out!

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PLEASANTLY PLUMP
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

I believe that it is important to begin today’s festivities by thanking the loyal supporters of the FBCA (Fashionable Bald Coaches Association). I have heard from many of you over the past couple of days and some have even contacted the fashion selection committee directly.

Dear Selection Committee,

I have been of the opinion, which Seth wrote about, for a long time in that bald men are discriminated against on the Runway to the Fashionable 4. I would like to take that a step further as I also believe that those of us that are pleasantly plump were discriminated against, even more. If you are unfortunate enough to have both factors working against you -- you have no chance. In essence, our membership is classified as low major.

Which brings me back to this year. I have spent the entire year in an intense workout regimen in an effort to lose the 2 lbs that I lost and felt was needed to get me over the top. It is glaringly obvious that this year’s committee is incompetent! I hope steps are taken in the future to improve the process in which bald/chubby coaches can be taken seriously as well dressed individuals. We have feelings as well. And for the record, I am comfortable in my own skin!

Sincerely,

Steve Hawkins
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Western Michigan University

Steve Hawkins was the recipient of the annual FBCA Chrome Dome Award for 2009. Hawk did an outstanding job of keeping his dome well polished throughout the season. He edged out Randy Bennett (St. Mary’s) and Andy Kennedy (Ole Miss) for the honors this year. As for the extra poundage, I would recommend the elliptical.

While the hierarchy of the FBCA was disappointed that Hawk and other members did not advance deep into the 2009 tournament, we were more disappointed that one of the organization’s arch nemesis continues to advance.

With each win on the catwalk, Santa Clara’s Kerry Keating has made it a point to reach all members of the FBCA via text messaging to announce his victory. Virtually our entire membership was hoping for a victory by Fabulous Frank Martin (Kansas State) over Keating.

Despite my advice that linens don’t work well in cold weather climates, Frank rolled into Detroit with South Beach attire. Much to our dismay, Keating had little trouble advancing to his second straight Fashionable 4.

Moments after the contest went finale, we all received a text message from Santa Clara.

Keating’s opponent in the Fashionable 4 figured to be the defending national champion from Cleveland State, Gary Waters. He is as sharp and well pressed as they come. He first made his mark at Kent State, in the early part of the decade and took it to another level during his time spent at Rutgers. Last season he joined Clooney (Jay Wright), Bruiser Flint (Drexel) and Willis Wilson (former Rice head coach) as the only two-time champions on the Runway. An unprecedented third title will have to wait at least one year.

Bradley’s Jim Les stunned Waters to advance to the Fashionable 4.

“I think the fact that Coach Les is a spitting image of Tom Cruise had more to do with him advancing in this tournament than his wardrobe,” says Eric Buescher, associate head coach at Bradley. "I do have to give his wife Jodi credit for stepping up his wardrobe this year. If it weren’t for her, Coach would still be in the 80’s gear he was wearing in college. He will definitely have to be at the top of his game to compete at this level.”

In the East, Clooney met Gucci. Binghamton’s Kevin Broadus styled his way through to the Elegant 8. Coach Broadus had an outstanding season, leading his program to its first-ever NCAA appearance and he followed it up with an impressive stroll down the catwalk.

Most of the fashion experts thought this would be a comfortable win for Jay, but Broadus jumped to the early lead and continued to put the pressure on Clooney. At the ten-minute mark of the second half, Clooney was down double-digits. After watching Gary Waters get beat earlier in the day those in attendance started to believe anything was possible.

With time running out Jay turned to fashion consultant, Rollie Massimino. Jay used a full court press to narrow the margin and then dazzled the crowd with an array of high-quality threads. Gucci had no answer.

Now all that was left to be decided was the fashion finale in the Southeast Regional between Ricky Pitino and yours truly.

Despite my impressive performances to date, many still questioned my appearance in the Elegant 8.

“It’s comical,” said CollegeInsider.com’s Joe Dwyer. “The statement ‘bald is beautiful’ is the anthem only for those who don’t have hair.”

This coming from a guy who shows up in shorts, flip-flops, a skull cap and a David Thompson (Denver Nuggets) throwback jersey.

“I would have to agree with Joe,” said Hugh Durham. “If Seth is stylish then I am a world class tri-athlete. Pitino should win that easy.”

I am going to give coach Durham a pass.

“I remembering getting a pretty good laugh last year when I heard Seth had beaten Pitino,” said Kerry Keating. “I thought it was someone’s poor attempt at humor. If he beats Pitino again I will forfeit my win over Frank Martin and never enter another fashion tournament.”

Keating just provided me with that extra motivation I needed.

Among others in attendance was Jay Bilas who served as the fashion analyst for the 2008 tournament in San Antonio. Surprisingly Jay was stunned to see me still competing, but he did seem to like my chances.

“It’s really hard to justify Pitino’s white suit,” said Bilas. “Where is Tattoo?”

Pitino left the white suit on the bench for this contest.

Not surprisingly I dazzled everyone with my style and grace. Pitino had to go deep into his closet to keep up with me. Late in the contest the on-stage monitors went out, but there was no concern on my part as I was already comfortably ahead.

As the seconds ticked off I was ecstatic with the prospects of a second straight trip to the Fashionable 4. Hokie Nation could feel victory within our grasps. Then I got the news.

Pitino had advanced to the Fashionable 4.

There is no question I was robbed, but I was gracious in defeat as I addressed the media afterwards.

“What was the difference today,” asked one reporter.

Pitino is regal. There is no way around it. I thought I had the advantage having beaten him in last year’s tournament, but it his in-game tailoring was huge. It wasn’t meant to be today.

“There has been a lot of speculation that you may not compete on the 2010 Runway to the Fashionable 4 in Indianapolis,” wondered another reporter.

I will definitely compete next season. I think my style is something this tournament needs. I look forward to lobbying for more members of the FBCA to make the field in 2010 and I look forward to making another run on the catwalk.

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THE FBCA
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

Let me begin by responding to the influx of emails regarding the 2009 Runway to the Fashionable 4. While the majority has focused on the support of their respective coaches, there is a voice of opposition to yours truly being among the 65 competitors in the field.

Quite frankly I think I am very underrated.

For years I have carried the banner for the FBCA (Fashionable Bald Coaches Association). Our numbers are limited but our voice is loud. I firmly believe the fashion selection committee has not given our membership enough credit. Guys like Steve Hawkins (Western Michigan) and Andy Kennedy (Ole Miss) have not gotten a fair shake. Hawkins was one-and-done in this year’s tournament and Kennedy didn’t even receive an at-large bid. And how about Buzz Williams (Marquette)? The polished dome got no love from the committee.

Then there is the next wave of guys, who will be full-fledged FBCA members soon. Lets be honest, guys like Bob Hill (Rutgers), Ben Howland (UCLA), Phil Martelli (St. Joseph’s) and Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt) are just a couple of follicles away from FBCA membership. Despite some nifty attire none of those guys made the field this season. There is no question that the follicley-challenged do not receive nearly the same consideration as the younger and slicker coaches, despite the fact that their wardrobes do not compare to FBCA members.

I will certainly continue to lobby with the selection committee in the off-season to see if we can get more our members in the fashion field. There will be a Rogaine bracket in 2010.

Now let’s take a look at the action from Saturday evening, beginning in the Southeast Region.

Did you really think John Calipari (Kentucky) was going to beat me? Cal can recruit some of the most talented high school players in America, but it’s obvious he has not been able to recruit a big time tailor. 8 million dollars a year gives you an advantage in this tournament, but it’s clear that Cal doesn’t have an eye for style. Various shades of blue ties do not make a black suit look good. There is no diversity in Cal’s wardrobe.

Rumor has it that Horace Broadnax (Savannah State) borrowed a few white towels from Coach John Thompson. Fortunately for him he didn’t solicit any fashion advice from Big John. Speaking of advice, who advised Pitino to un-retire the white suit? It was not a good choice last season, but for some reason he broke it out again this season. Broadnax should advance for that reason alone, but apparently the fashion committee was impressed by Pitino’s “white-out” tactic and he moved on to the “Elegant 8” where he will meet yours truly.

In the East Region, Clooney (Jay Wright) used the full court press to get past Frank Haith (Miami). Jay is so clean you can smell the cologne through the TV. His next opponent would come from the Kermit Davis (Middle Tennessee)-Kevin Broadus (Binghamton) matchup. Kermit, a debonair southern gentleman, has good classic style in a compact package. Broadus has Gucci on speed dial.

Kermit, that’s just too much to overcome.

In the Midwest the defending champion Gary Waters (Cleveland State) got a battle from Gregg Marshall (Wichita State). Marshall has made great strides and appears poised to be a real contender in fashion tournaments for many years. He’s come a long ways from Cave Springs High School, but he still needs a little more seasoning to be able to out-style Gary Waters.

About the only thing not pressed or starched on Waters is a smile. Come on coach you beat Wake Forest in the NCAA Tournament, crack a smile. There is nothing in Gary’s wardrobe that says “Made in the USA.” He’s a big time international recruiter.

His opponent is the up-and-coming Jim Les (Bradley). Les outlasted the Brad Stevens (Butler) and the Lute Olson blue blazer look. When Lute retired the blue blazer was retired on the runway. Brad needs to add little more versatility to his fashion roster.

The West Region has produced some surprises, most notably Don Verlin (Idaho) advancing to the “Sensational 16.” Come on now. Are you serious? The fact that he received a bid over FBCA member Andy Kennedy (Ole Miss) is proof positive that the selection committee discriminates against the chrome dome look. Verlin’s sense of style was developed under Stew Morrill at Utah State. Enough said.

What a fortunate break for the head coach of Santa Clara to have to face a non-style guy in the Sensational 16. Had either Anthony Grant (Alabama) or Tubby Smith (Minnesota) advanced, Kerry Keating would be on his way out of the tournament. Instead he advances to the Elegant 8. I will say this about Keating, one of his suits cost more money than his former mentor Ben Howland’s entire wardrobe.

But he still cannot compete with me.

“If Seth EVER beats me in a fashion standoff, Santa Clara will pay him to play in Blacksburg,” said Keating. “When is Seth going to realize that ‘hosting’ this tournament is the ONLY reason he's in it?”

Pay a guy a compliment and he takes a shot at you. Keating needs to get some new material. I should also point out that the good folks at CollegeInsider.com could have picked anyone to cover this grand event and they opted for someone with a deep appreciation for style and an understanding of the fashion world.

Like I said, I am very underrated.

Keating’s opponent will come from the Bruiser Flint (Drexel)-Frank Martin (Kansas State) clash.

Poor Bru. As stylish as he is he is not even the most fashionable guy in the 215. It’s hard to get national attention when you are second in your own city. In Philly it’s all about Clooney. As for Frank, I don’t think he realizes he is not living in the Manhattan, which is one of the cities’ five borrows. And Manhattan, KS is also not South Beach so we can pull back a little with the linens.

In the end the flair and pizzazz of Martin moved him one step closer to fashion immortality.

The Elegant 8 will be reduced to the Fashionable 4 on Monday evening.

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THE CLOONEY FACTOR
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

For some reason there continues to be a lot of opposition to my advancement on the Runway to the Fashionable 4. My first round victory was met with much skepticism, as many apparently believe my inclusion is based solely on the fact that I cover the event each year. Obviously there is no appreciation for my style and grace.

Bald is beautiful!

On that note your truly was the first participant to advance to the “Sensational Sixteen,” after my victory over The Citadel’s Ed Conroy.

“I only wish Seth was in my side of the bracket,” said Santa Clara head coach Kerry Keating. “He’s the fashion equivalent to a guarantee game in November.”

Keating is one these slick young guys who is young but not fashionable. He got a favorable matchup in round one, against Hawaii’s Bob Nash and he caught a break when he was paired up with the Marlboro Man, Sam Houston State’s Bob Marlin.

Keating got another break when Idaho’s Don Verlin stunned Pacific’s Bob Thomason. Possible opponents Anthony Grant (Alabama), Tubby Smith (Minnesota) and Thomason were all upset. Now I have to pull for the Pride of Moscow, ID, Coach Verlin to knock Keating off the stage.

How is that I am an 11-seed and Keating is a 2-seed?

Bradley’s Jim Les looks like one of the rising stars in this year’s field. With Butler’s Brad Stevens upset of Lorenzo Romar (Washington), the path the “Elegant Eight” is now within reach for Les. Nice job with the pinstripe-suit coach.

Another guy who has done a nice job with the pinstripes is Savannah State’s Horace Broadnax who knocked off JT3 (Georgetown) to advance to the Sensational Sixteen for this first time in his career. Horace did a heck of a job this year with his program. It went largely unnoticed by the media, but coaches know what a tremendous job.

Next up for Coach Broadnax is Rick Pitino. You got no shot Horace.

Speaking of no shot, tough draw for 15 guys in the East Region, where George Clooney is the top seed. Nobody can out-style my man Jay Wright. Rumor has it that Monmouth’s Dave Calloway didn’t even bother to show up for his first round matchup against Jay. Northern Illinois’ Ricardo Patton put his best foot forward but Clooney was simply too much for the former Colorado head coach.

Miami’s Frank Haith is the next opponent for Jay. After that, it looks like clear sailing to the Fashionable 4.

That thought didn’t sit well with Middle Tennessee’s Kermit Davis.

“Anything can happen,” said Davis. “I feel fortunate to have received the No. 2 seed in the East and have been well prepared for each of the first two rounds. Like coach Keating I only wish that Seth were in the East Region. It sure would have been nice to have an easy “W.”

Kermit should be more concerned with Kevin Broadus (Binghamton) who has posted impressive wins over Johnny Jones (North Texas) and Dino Gaudio (Wake Forest). It’s been a great season for Binghamton basketball. I see Coach Broadus meeting Clooney in the Elegant Eight.

Now that the Sensational Sixteen is set, I asked Hugh Durham for some predictions.

“Well first off there is nobody I couldn’t out-style and that includes Jay Wright,” said Durham. “Since I am not competing I do see Jay making it through the East Region to the Fashionable 4.”

I have to agree with Coach Durham. The Clooney factor is too much for the opposition.

“In the West Region I think Bruiser Flint is the guy to beat,” said Durham. “Don Verlin is certainly the surprise of the tournament. He must have imported a top ten tailor to Moscow.”

I disagree with Coach Durham here. Flint was fortunate to get this far.

“The defending champion Gary Waters will come of out the Southeast Region,” said Durham. “He’s pretty sharp. I think he would even be a tough opponent for me. I would beat him, but it would be pretty competitive.”

Coach Waters has more shoes than Coach Durham has wins in his career. That’s a lot of footwear. You have to like Waters to advance.

“The Southeast Region looks like Rick Pitino’s to lose,” says Durham. “Greenberg should have been in the fashion NIT. Seriously Seth, you don’t really think you are stylish do you?”

Coach I am little disappointed in your final analysis. The Elegant Eight will be decided on Saturday evening.

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SKULL CAPS ARE NOT STYLISH
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

The first full day of competition was mostly uneventful. There were a few mild surprises, but the majority of the favorites advanced. While upsets were few, there was no shortage of commentary from interested spectators and that included Hugh Durham who was in Detroit for the annual Hugh Durham Award presentation.

“There are guys that are stylish and guys that think they are stylish,” said Durham. “This tournament is loaded with guys who think they look sharp. I don’t see much in the way of style here.”

The 2009 Durham award went to Morgan State’s Todd Bozeman who led Morgan to its’ first-ever NCAA appearance. Nice job coach.

Among the other festivities in town was the annual Skip Prosser Man of the Year toast, which took place at Baile Corcaigh. Last year’s winner Mike Brey (Notre Dame) was there to greet the 2009 recipient Ed Conroy (The Citadel). Talk about a gathering of the fashionably challenged. Also in attendance were Dave Calloway (Monmouth), Tommy Dempsey (Rider) and Mark Schmidt (St. Bonaventure) to name a few. Not a lot of fashion victories among that group.

Former Hawaii head coach Riley Wallace, who also had a front row seat for the festivities, shared his thoughts on the fashion field and the recently completed CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

“The CIT was a major success,” said Wallace. “I don’t think people realize that this was in the works for nearly 12 months. There was a lot of great planning that went into the inaugural tournament. I think there are some things that we can do better and there will be some things we will add to enhance it moving forward, but the first tournament was a major success.”

And what about the Runway to the Fashionable 4 coach?

“I could win that. Not a lot of competition.”

Riley, who had a little success in previous fashion tournaments, appears to be the early favorite to assume the role of chairman of the CIT selection committee for 2010.

And how about a little round of applause for Old Dominion’s Blaine Taylor. He has no shot at winning any fashion tournament, but he does walk away with the inaugural CIT trophy. Don’t be surprised in ODU, on their heels of their title run, is the preseason favorite in the CAA. There was quite a buzz in Detroit over the CIT. Coaches think it is a great addition to the college basketball landscape. It’s got a bright future.

Now lets move on to those without promising fashion futures.

Those that struggled to match their socks on Day One included Jeff Capel (Oklahoma), Anthony Grant (Alabama) and Tubby Smith (Minnesota). Grant’s loss to Bob Thomason (Pacific) is somewhat understandable. Apparently some key components in his wardrobe were lost in transit from VCU to Alabama. Capel was paired in the 12-5 matchup, which always seems to produce an upset. The one that I have to question is Tubby Smith losing to Idaho’s Don Verlin. One coach had an interesting take on that upset.

“I think CollegeInsider.com made deals with coaches,” said the coach who asked not to be named. “I think they promised coaches who went to the CIT a spot on the Runway to the Fashionable 4. I think that was a big bargaining chip. How else would guys like Don Verlin, Ed Conroy and Tommy Dempsey be included in a fashion tourney?”

Hey good point coach. I managed to track down one of the co-founder’s of CollegeInsider.com, Joe Dwyer to ask him that very question.

“The bigger question for the fashion folks is how does Seth Greenberg make the field of 65 every year? I would like someone to answer that question.”

This coming from a guy who thinks a skull cap and a Georgetown t-shirt is stylish!

Congratulations to all the first round winners, which includes yours truly.

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FIELDS ANNOUNCED
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

At long last the fields for the 2009 Runway to the Fashionable 4 have been announced. It’s not a surprise that there are some very questionable choices by the selection committee. While I was happy to see some of my fellow Jewish coaches, Tennessee’s Bruce Pearl and Hartford’s Dan Leibovitz, I was very disappointed to not see the name “Greenberg” appear twice on the bracket. Noticeably absent from the field is my brother, Brad who took Radford to the NCAA Tournament this season. Not enough love for the Jewish Coaches Association.

No surprises among the top seeds, as the selection committee has long since established its’ favoritism for Drexel’s Bruiser Flint. I have no problems with Clooney (Jay Wright), Rick Pitino and Gary Waters being No. 1 seeds, but Flint should be in the play-in game.

The two style-in contests have already been completed. In the Assistant coach tourney floral patterns were apparently not enough, as Rob O'Driscoll (James Madison) defeated Larry Farmer (Hawaii). In the main tournament Dave Calloway (Monmouth) knocked Jimmy Patsos (Loyola). The combined wardrobes of Calloway and Patsos would not be able to compete with Brad Greenberg. Bad job by the committee.

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OPENING ACT: TOURNAMENT DELAYED?
by Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

It’s very poor job by CollegeInsider.com to keep all of the stylish coaches in limbo. Normally we would already be into the second round of action, but this is not a normal year. The 2009 Runway to the Fashionable 4 was pushed back because of the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.

How about that! The CIT has preempted the start of tourney action on the catwalk.

What a great job of assembling a tournament field for 16 deserving teams. The CIT selection committee did an tremendous job of rewarding teams for outstanding seasons. Not a lot of stylish guys on the selection committee, especially my man Riley Wallace, but there is certainly a lot of wins with names like Lefty Driesell, Hugh Durham, Lou Henson, Jim Phelan and Nolan Richardson to name a few.

Again -- Not exactly a gathering fashion stars, but certainly coaching stars.

With the CIT in full swing the 2009 Runway to the Fashionable 4 will kick off on April 6. Action will begin Monday morning in advance of the NCAA Championship game. Despite the fact that everything spread at the Final 4 this year, there is no truth to the rumor that some of the contests will take place north of the border. The entire competition will take place in downtown Detroit.

Coach Durham and Coach Phelan, who will be in Detroit for the presentation of the awards that bear their names, will provide some commentary. Apparently Coach Durham believes he would have dominated this annual event if it were in existence during his days in coaching.

While it’s unlikely that Coach Durham will be among the competitors, the were will be 65 head coaches and 65 assistants vying for the title of America’s Best Dressed in 2009.

Obviously the fashion selection committee will do a great job of assembling the field, which will most certainly include yours truly. I still feel as though I was robbed in last year’s competition, which concluded in San Antonio.

Last season Missouri’s Melvin Watkins took home the crown in the Assistant Coach tournament, while Cleveland State’s Gary Waters won the main event.

While you await the start of the 2009 Runway to the Fashionable 4, take a look back at the action in 2008, which includes fashion analysis from ESPN’s Jay Bilas.

CHECK OUT THE 2008 RUNWAY TO THE FASHIONABLE 4