>>> Coach Magarity Breaks Down the First Round Results

>>> Kyle Macy Previews the Field of 65
 

HEAD COACH TOURNAMENT

There were a lot of disappointed coaches, following Monday’s first round on the Runway. Some were surprised. Others were stunned. To all those who did not advance to the second round -- Suck it up. You aren’t quite as stylish as you thought so deal with it.

For the remaining 32, in both the Head Coach and Assistant Coach tournaments, Wednesday provided an opportunity to advance to the Sensational Sixteen. And based on the verbiage, there wasn’t a single coach that wasn’t expecting to take one step closer to the Fashionable 4 in St. Louis, MO.

“I knew coach (Tom) Pecora had done an excellent job with the Hofstra program, but I was not familiar with his attire,” said Arizona’s Lute Olson. “We are in the midst of preparing for Oklahoma State so I haven’t had a lot of time to review coach Pecora’s portfolio. I will have to hope that the conservative blue blazer is enough.”

Well coach, it was more than enough. Congratulations Tommy, you are the first coach to get bounced in round two. Coach Olson’s age and wisdom were too much for Tom Pecora.

A No. 6 seed (Lute Olson) knocking off a No. 3 seed (Tom Pecora) gave many others hope that they too could pull off a second-round surprise, including Idaho State’s Doug Oliver who was still very pleased to have advanced to the second round as a No. 13 seed.

“It is an honor to be a participant in the 2005 Runway to the Fashionable 4,” said Oliver. “To beat my good friend Trent Johnson in the first round was very special, though it may put a strain on our relationship because Trent is a poor loser. I am happy the judges were able to see the flaws in Trent's choice of shoes, socks, and ties.”

It’s not every day that Pocatello beats the Pac-10 so there was reason for optimism in the Oliver camp. His wife Debbie, who purchases all of Doug’s fine threads, was helping the ISU coach with last-minute alterations.

And going up against George Mason’s Jim Larranaga, Oliver would need all the help he could get.

For the most part, the head coaches were business-like in their approach. There wasn’t a lot of heavy trash talking, but there were a few exceptions.

“I still can’t believe I got a No. 2 seed,” said Drexel’s Bruiser Flint. “I am getting killed by people in Philly. They thought I would get a No. 1 seed.”

Take it easy Bruiser and tell your pal (John) Calipari that the hair gel has to go.

The No. 1 seed in Bruiser’s bracket (East Region) is Rutgers’ Gary Waters, who like Flint is a former Runway champion, had a response for Bruiser, “I deserved it,” said Waters.

Hey Bruiser, you are a No. 2 seed so make the best of it.

I tried to grab a hold of the No. 3 seed (Calipari), but he was busy with his hair-care products. All that gel would make Steve Lavin jealous.

I did check in with native New Yorker, Bob McKillop (Davidson) who was prepping for his NIT game against Maryland. And it was evident that his mind was in two places at once.

“Need to tie up Maryland's offense like a Windsor knot,” said McKillop. “Caner-Medley? I'd rather listen to an aria. Got to iron out all the details.”

The very stylish Willis Wilson (Rice) was talking to Kentucky’s Tubby Smith about his pressing UK style, while Brad Holland (San Diego) was trying to get a scouting report on Johnny Jones (North Texas).

“I know coach Jones was ranked No. 1 in the FPI earlier this season,” said Holland. “I expect that he will throw a lot of options at me today, but this is all gravy for me. I beat my friend Mark Gottfried (Alabama) so whatever happens now is bonus.”

As I made my way over to speak to Georgia State’s Michael Perry, I noticed my pal Seth Greenberg (Virginia Tech) was speaking with Angela about his first round exit. Hey Kojak, you lost in the first round. Let it go. You and Donny Harnum (Rider) are lucky you even made the field to begin with.

Last check, Harnum was still in search of Kerry Keating (UCLA).

Long last I did catch up with GSU’s Michael Perry.

“I feel it is only fitting that I have advanced to the Final 32 considering the fact that I've gotten a huge assist from the greatest assist man to ever play the game of basketball,” said Perry. “Obviously, I'm talking about "Magic" Johnson. I was smart and added new suits from his line to my wardrobe this year. Like everything else "Magic" has ever done, his clothing line includes high quality fabrics and stunning prints. I humbly give this huge assist to the Magic Man. Now, my goal for next year is to get my basketball team to play as well as I dress for games on the sidelines.”

Unfortunately there would not be a lot of magic on the runway for Perry. He battled top-seeded Gary Waters (Rutgers), but Magic Johnson was no match for Paris. You are doing a heck of job at Georgia State coach. Keep it going.

Speaking of great jobs, Scott Sutton (Oral Roberts) has done an outstanding job with his program. And not only is he an outstanding coach, but he is also a pretty sharp dresser.

“I hate to say to this because Barry (Hinson) is such a good friend, but he was a cupcake, Sutton said referring to his first round win. “Now I have to step it up a notch going against a heavyweight like Rick Pitino.”

All of the No. 1 seeds had gotten out of the first round and all would advance to the Sensational Sixteen. Sorry coach Sutton. I really enjoyed our 5-on-5-feature earlier in the season, but I have no say as to who wins and loses on the Runway. However, I will make sure that you receive a better seed in next year’s tournament.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the key results from Wednesday’s Head Coach Tournament.

No. 12 Bruce Pearl (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) defeated No. 4 seed Lorenzo Romar (Washington): Somewhat surprising result, as Lorenzo looks pretty sharp, but the Cinderella story of Pearl continues. Did I mention that Bruce hammered Seth Greenberg in the first round?

No. 11 Rick Scruggs (Gardner-Webb) stunned No. 3 Tubby Smith (Kentucky): I actually interviewed coach Scruggs for the best site on the web (DaveMagarity.com) a few weeks ago. He’s a great guy. And anytime you can sport Armani at the mid-major level you deserve to advance. Nice job coach.

No. 13 Doug Oliver (Idaho State) shocked No. 12 Jim Larranaga (George Mason): This one is puzzling. Coach L has a Presidential look about him. According to my source, Larranaga was distracted by the Don Harnum (Rider) and Kerry Keating (UCLA) war of words. Tough break coach. Pocatello moves on.

For all the results on the 2005 Runway to the Fashionable 4: CLICK HERE