Following four years of success, the fashion craze became a season-long event, which was highlighted by the creation of the Fashion Power Index. The FPI provided weekly rankings of the top 25 most stylish coaches in America, which culminated with Captivating Conference Champions and Majestic Monday (day after Selection Sunday) when the Runway to the Fashionable 4 brackets were unveiled.

Defending champion Bruiser Flint did not repeat, as Rice’s Willis Wilson was crowned America’s Best-Dressed. It was Wilson’s fourth trip to the Fashionable 4 in five years. Rutgers coach Gary Waters, who advanced to his first Fashionable 4 2000 with Kent State, became the first coach to reach the Fashionable 4 with two different schools. Davidson’s Bob McKillop also advanced to the Fashionable 4.

After coming close in 2001, Marist assistant coach Steve Sauers was crowned Best-Dressed Assistant coach. Tom Schuberth (UAB) made his second appearance in as many seasons. He represented Southeast Missouri State in 2001. Most notable was Oakland’s Jennifer Johnston’s run through the tournament, as she became the first female to reach the Fashionable 4.

THE 2002 FASHIONABLE 4

Head Coach Tournament
Bruiser Flint (Drexel)
Bob McKillop (Davidson)
Gary Waters (Rutgers)
Willis Wilson (Rice)

Assistant Coach Tournament
Tony Jones (UW-Milwaukee)
Jennifer Johnston (Oakland)
Steve Sauers (Marist)
Steve Schuberth (UAB)