RUNWAY TO THE FASHIONABLE 4: Jalen Rose

NEXT STOP: THE FASHIONABLE 4
By Coach Dave Magarity

April 5, 2005

Hey dawg. Yo dawg. Your dawg. My dawg. This dawg. That dawg. Snoop dawg. Cat dawg.

Many of you have wondered why it took so long for the next round to be completed, well now you have the answer -- With all the “DAWG” talk I lost my way and ended up in Madison Square Garden for the Westminster Kennel Club “Dawg” Show. I am not sure how much more of this that I can tolerate.

Luckily we have reached the final stage, before the Fashionable 4. It’s the Elegant 8.

As you may recall, last Monday I had some real issues with UCLA’s Kerry Keating advancing to the round of eight. And that is not the only protest I have filed during this year’s fashion tourney.

I thought it was important to get some answers so I tracked down the lovely Ms. Lento, who decides who wins and who goes home.

Lento: “The decision of the judge is final,” says Lento. “I did receive your protest, regarding Kerry Keating. And I received the other dozen or so grievances you filed. They have all been reviewed.”

Magarity: “What about my initial grievance?”

Lento: “If you are referring to your request to have the tournament renamed to the Dave Magarity Invitational, yes I did receive that.”

Magarity: “And?”

Lento: “I have asked Don Harnum (Rider) and Seth Greenberg (Virginia Tech) to review the request.”

We’ll get back to Angela a little later on…

There were a number of interested onlookers on this day. Stanford’s Trent Johnson was talking shop with Willis Wilson (Rice), while George Mason’s Jim Larranaga was giving his protégé Bill Courtney (George Mason) a pep talk.

Then I saw my pal Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) who was keeping tabs on his fellow Philadelphians, Bruiser Flint (Drexel) and Jay Wright (Villanova).

“It doesn’t get better than this,” said Ryan. “Bruiser and Jay. You talk about two sharp-dressed guys. Both guys have to win today and that would pair them up against one another in the Fashionable 4. The winner of that contest would have to be the favorite to win it all in St. Louis. The title of Philly’s best will be on the line.”

So what do you think about renaming this event, the Dave Magarity Invitational?

“I don’t know about that,” laughed Ryan. “Maybe one bracket for your Portly & Stout guys would work. But if Angela goes that route then I want a Master’s bracket for all of us older guys.”

Tremendous ideas, coach. I will submit that request to the fashion panel as well.

Telemundo: “Los competidores han tomado sus lugares en el pasadizo así que dejan para comenzar competencias de hoy en los ocho elegantes.”

Translation: “The competitors have taken their places on the catwalk so lets begin today's contests in the Elegant Eight.”

Magarity: “Didn’t you forget something?

Telemundo: “Recibido por el David muy hermoso Magarity.”

Translation: “Hosted by the very handsome David Magarity.”

THE HEAD COACH'S ELEGANT EIGHT

As coach Ryan pointed out, the battle for Philadelphia “could” be played out on the catwalk in St. Louis, but there is one in-state battle that would take place on this day -- The battle for Texas bragging rights.

The Southeast Regional fashion finale pitted Willis Wilson (Rice) against Johnny Jones (North Texas). For Jones, who was ranked No. 1 in the FPI to begin the season, this is uncharted territory. For Wilson, this is nothing new.

“Today is the day,” said Wilson. “It’s all about getting to St. Louis. I am going to St. Louis, regardless, but I want to go and compete in the Fashionable 4. Johnny will be a tough foe, but everyone who gets this far has a talented closet. It’s the battle for Texas today.”

As it has been noted, Wilson has NEVER failed to advance to the Fashionable 4. Villanova’s Jay Wright, who is the only coach to win the best-dressed title twice, is regarded by many as the fashion king. However it’s difficult to overlook the Wilson resume.

And he looked spiffy in his casual wear at the CollegeInsider.com / DaveMagarity.com Cigar Party, which was outstanding. It truly was a gathering of tremendous individuals.

Along with Wilson, “Mr. Fly” Bruiser Flint was also in the house for the Cigar Party. As usual, Flint was also looking sporty in his off-court / off-runway attire. The former champ had an eye on the Fashionable 4.

“Gary (Waters) is a tough draw, but I think I have a little more of a variety,” said Flint. “Anytime you get two former champions together you know there is going to be a lot of high-end attire.”

It should be noted that neither Flint nor Wilson’s opponents were spotted at the “gathering of tremendous individuals.”

La Salle’s John Giannini, who was holding court that night, stopped by to talk about those remaining on the catwalk.

Magarity: “I noticed that you didn’t make the fashion field this season. Any comment?”

Giannini: “Well then we have something in common because I didn’t see your name in brackets either. I didn’t make the runway field, but I was named to Angela’s list of College Basketball’s 50 Sexiest last year.”

Magarity: “I should point out that my name also appeared on that outstanding list.”

Giannini: “Yes, but “G” comes before “M” so technically I was ranked ahead of you.”

Magarity: “What are your thoughts on a Flint-Waters showdown?”

Giannini: “That’s tough. Both guys are very stylish. Gary brings a more up-scale and sophisticated look to the contest, but Bruiser has a lot flair and snappy gear. I might have to give Bru the edge. I have to go with the Philly guy.”

Magarity: “What are your thoughts on a ‘Portly & Stout’ region in next season’s runway competition?”

Giannini: “As long as Angela has a region for poorly-dressed guys like me, then I am all for a Portly & Stout region. By the way, you are right. This is a gathering of tremendous individuals (referring to the Cigar Party).”

Magarity: “Speaking of which, it’s time for another cigar from the Don Harnum collection of Romeo and Juliet’s so let’s get to the results of the Head Coach tournament…

MIDWEST

Neil Dougherty defeated Roy Williams: Some how I don’t think Roy is too upset by this fact, but I am sure that the folks in Fort Worth, TX are elated. Dapper Dougherty will have an opportunity to retain his title.

SOUTHEAST

Willis Wilson edged Johnny Jones: Wilson used his outstanding line of leather travel gear to slip past Jones in the first Battle of Texas. Now he will need to accessorize again in the climatic battle of Texas, against Dougherty.

WEST

Jay Wright got past Rick Pitino: Obviously Pitino had “other” things on his mind in St. Louis. However, let’s not downplay the tremendous victory by Elvis. It’s been six years since Jay laid claim to the title. He is now just two steps away from earning fashion excellence.

EAST

Bruiser Flint somehow defeated Gary Waters: It will be a battle of Texas and a battle of Philadelphia in the Fashionable 4. Mr. Fly (Flint) will now have to deal with the King (Wright). Talk about a contrast in styles.

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