April 5, 2006

AMERICA'S BEST DRESSED FOR 2006
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

After cancellations, delays and schedule changes the 2006 Runway to the Fashionable 4 finally came to a close on Tuesday evening. It wasn’t without controversy.

Sunday night was suppose to conclude the style tournament, but downtown Indianapolis was hit by a Tornado, which forced a cancellation. Indianapolis and the surrounding area was hit with 62 tornados that night. That’s not a misprint. While there was some damage to a high-rise downtown, no serious injuries were reported.

After a panel fell from the ceiling, all of us in the Hyatt Regency were asked to gather in a ballroom on the second floor for safety reasons. There was well over 3,000 wins in that room, with the likes of Lute Olson, Jud Heathcote, Tom Izzo, Nolan Richardson, Norm Stewart and a host of others.

Also among those sequestered in the room was Angela Lento and some of the CollegeInsider.com staff. Much to my dismay Angela did not want to discuss my 188 FPI or my No. 13 seed. However she did let me know that coaching great Hugh Durham believed that someone more stylish should be recapping the happenings on the Runway. I have to disagree with coach on the point. I put a lot of time and effort into my wardrobe. I take pride in my attire, something that can’t be said for CI’s Joe Dwyer. Joe-Joe, the sweats and wool skullcap aren’t working.

There was however four very stylish individuals in attendance, each hoping to take home some hardware. Two would have a nice award to place on their desk. And they were very nice looking awards.

Originally scheduled for Saturday, the assistant coach fashion finale was moved to Sunday evening to accommodate UCLA’s Kerry Keating. He was a little busy Saturday night. His showdown with Pittsburgh assistant Orlando Antigua was suppose to be the under card for the head coach finale on Sunday evening, but the Tornado postponed both contests.

And since there was another contest slated for Monday evening, the catwalk championships were pushed back, for the final time, to Tuesday evening.

It was clear that Keating had the advantage of having a large UCLA contingent still in town. Taking a page from Napoleon Dynamite, there were more than a few “Vote For Kerry” t-shirts.

Personally I thought it would runaway runway win for Antigua, but the panel saw it differently. The Bruins may have come up short on Monday, but their faithful could at least boast America’s best-dressed assistant.

That left just one more title to be decided.

The head coach finale pitted the classic style of Dennis Felton against the children’s department at J.C. Penny’s. There was no doubt that Felton and “Mr. Fly,” Bruiser Flint are two guys that take their style serious.

Taking pride in ones appearance says a lot about the person. That is why the Runway to the Fashionable 4 has become such a popular event among coaches. Still a naysayer? Then you probably just aren’t stylish.

The style tournament has given all of us something to have fun with. Bruiser took a lot of heat for being spotted in sweats and the Sam Houston State assistant Neil Hardin is now simply known as 758, which was his Fashion Power Index for the tournament. Then there is East Tennessee assistant Scott Wagers who lost to 758 and has been hearing about it from all his fellow coaches. And that is just scratching the surface.

Of course the most harassed coach is the coach that gets the title of best dressed for a year. All summer long, on the recruiting trail, that coach gets a ribbing from his peers. Last year it was Bruiser Flint who had that honor for the second time in his career. Villanova’s Jay Wright is the only other coach that can boast two titles. And for now he will remain tied for that distinction with Flint. Sorry “Mr. Fly” but there isn’t a third crown for you this season.

Dennis Felton holds the honor of America’s most stylish head coach in 2006.

April 1, 2006

INTRODUCING THE TERRIFIC TWO
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

And then there were only two. While Dennis Felton and Bruiser Flint make last minute alterations and confer with their respective tailors, those slick, young guys were ironing out any wrinkles in the hopes of a spot in the fashion finale.

In one semi-final, Pittsburgh’s Orlando Antigua outlasted Arkansas’ Ronny Thompson. He advances to Saturday night’s final where he will face UCLA’s Kerry Keating who got past Texas’ Rodney Terry.

With UCLA in action tonight in the second NCAA tournament semi, it will be tough for Keating to regroup (win or lose) for the fashion showdown. Advantage Antigua.

But on Friday afternoon I met with Angela Lento to discuss the possibility of this happening and what could be done to accommodate Keating. That’s only fair. Not surprisingly, Angela had anticipated this and had already made other arrangements.

Keating and Antigua will meet Sunday evening, as a prelude to the Head Coach final. I haven’t been able to reach Orlando for comment, as I am sure he thought he has a distinct advantage. However, I am sure that he will be honorable and classy and accept the terms of this recent development.

Thirty minutes following the conclusion of the Antigua-Keating contest, Felton and Flint will take center stage for the head coach finale.

By the way, was I the only one that saw Bruiser walking around in sweats? Come on coach, I know everyone wears Adidas and Nike gear for the convention, but you’re Bruiser “Mr. Fly” Flint. I was also unaware that you could get such nice workout attire in the children’s department at JC Penny’s.

On a final note, I wanted to point out the tremendous impact that Angela has made on our profession, which was recognized at Friday’s NABC head coaches meeting. You may recall that I was involved in helping to promote “All Coaches Care,” a movement among coaches at all levels and all sports, which raised money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Let me make this very clear -- It could not have happened with out the work of Angela.

I hope to see all of you Sunday night at the Hyatt Regency, in downtown Indianapolis.

March 31, 2006

DOWN TO THE FANCY FOUR
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

They are college basketball so-called next generation of promising young coaches. This is a sampling of our games future. Following the process, from the selection of the sixty-five best to the arrival at the Elegant Eight, I have concluded that our profession might be in trouble.

Would any of these guys even make the head coach tournament? Not a chance, but Angela Lento has been kind enough to provide them with their own tournament. If the head coach gathering is the “Big Dance” then this party would party might aptly be named the “Little Hop.”

Whatever you want to call it, for those competing it’s a big deal. Still don’t believe me then find one of the 130 coaches (head coach and assistants) that are part of the 2006 Runway to the Fashionable 4 and ask them what they think. If they tell you they don’t care or haven’t followed it then ask them if you can hook them up to a polygraph. They are lying.

Furthermore, find any one of the four who got eliminated Thursday night in the Elegant Eight and see if they don’t care. Trust me, they will not be thrilled.

After all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Elegant Eight, only one was able to get through to the Fashionable 4. For the four that did, there isn’t much time to gloat. The national semi-finals take place Friday night at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. The Assistant coach fashion finale will take place Saturday evening, following the LSU-UCLA game.

And the head coach finale is set for Sunday evening. That will also take place at the Hyatt.

ASSISTANT COACH ELEGANT 8 RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

 

March 30, 2006

UPDATE: Just one style contest remains on the Runway to the Fashionable 4 for coaches. The scintillating semi-finals took place in Indianapolis on Wednesday night and the competitors did not disappoint.

Defending champion Bruiser Flint is one step closer to an unprecedented third best-dressed title, after narrowly defeating Rice head coach Willis Wilson. It was Wilson’s ninth appearance in the national semi-finals, far and away the most by any coach. Virginia Tech’s Seth Greenberg said of Wilson, “W-W can make a strong argument for being the best-dressed coach of all-time.”

As for the defending champion, Greenberg offered these thoughts: “It’s remarkable what Mr. Fly has done. I did not think it was possible to put together such a nice wardrobe, shopping exclusively at J.C. Penny’s. I had no idea the children’s department had such high quality attire.”

It’s been a banner year for the Colonial and everyone in the CAA offices were anticipating an all -Colonial final, with Flint and George Mason’s Jim Larranaga. However Georgia’s Dennis Felton had other ideas, as he got past Larranaga and into the fashion finale.

Like Larranaga, this is Felton’s first trip to the Fashionable 4, despite being one of America’s more stylish coaches. And is all that stands in the way of Flint’s third style trophy.

In the Assistant Coach tournament, only eight remain. The Sensational Sixteen was reduced to the Elegant Eight on Wednesday evening.

All four No. 1 seeds have reached the excellent eight and the lowest remaining seed is No. 6 Lewis Preston from Notre Dame. Preston defeated the previously lowest remaining seed in No. 15 Devon Smith, from Oakland.

The Assistants will take the stage Thursday night to determine the Fashionable 4 contestants.

ASSISTANT COACH SENSATIONAL 16 RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

 

March 28, 2006

UPDATE: The Fashionable 4 catwalk competition for head coaches will take place on Wednesday evening.

The fashionable four are Dennis Felton, Bruiser Flint, Jim Larranaga and Willis Wilson.

The assistant coach tournament has reached the Sensational 16, with all four No. 1 seeds still styling their way towards Indianapolis. The field will be reduced to the Elegant Eight on Wednesday evening.
 

ASSISTANT COACH SECOND ROUND RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

The assistant coach competition will serve as the under card for the much anticipated head coach national semi-finals. The pairings for the head coach semis are as follows:
 

Dennis Felton vs. Jim Larranaga and Bruiser Flint vs. Willis Wilson.

 

March 27, 2006

FASHIONABLE 4 AND THE ASSISTANT TOURNEY BEGINS
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech
 

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that there isn’t a lot of interest in the Runway to the Fashionable 4. The unveiling of the assistant coach tournament brackets triggered a flurry of emails from fans stating a case for their favorite future head coach.

Not surprisingly Angela Lento and her staff were overrun with email correspondences. Leading the way with support was Pittsburgh Panthers assistant Orlando Antigua. I believe Orlando was the first non-African American to be a member of the famed Harlem Globetrotters. Apparently he not only has a nice handle on the floor. It would appear that he also has a good handle on style.

Orlando, a No 3 seed in the East Region, advanced to the second round, but a number of higher seeds were not as fortunate. Day one was an upset-filled in the assistant coach tournament.

In the head coach tournament, the field was reduced to the Fashionable 4 on Monday. It’s been a pretty good week for the Colonial Athletic Association, with George Mason advancing to the Final Four and Old Dominion making the NIT’s Final Four party at Madison Square Garden. Now add another to the list.

Not surprisingly the run of George Mason’s Jim Larranaga continued, but that’s not all. Mr. Fly also moved through to the Fashionable 4, giving the CAA two contestants on the catwalk in Indianapolis.

Joining the CAA are the SEC, with Georgia’s Dennis Felton, and C-USA with Rice head coach Willis Wilson making yet another appearance in the Fashionable 4. W-W can make a strong argument for being the best-dressed coach of all-time. He has advanced to the Fashionable 4, nine times. The tournament has been in existence for nine years.
 

ELEGANT EIGHT RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST
 

ASSISTANT COACH FIRST ROUND RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

 

March 26, 2006

INTRODUCING THE ELEGANT EIGHT
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech
 

As surprising as George Mason’s improbable run to the Final Four is, even more shocking was my elimination from the Runway to the Fashionable 4. My run at stylish immortality came to a halt this weekend. In the end it was all about the buttons. George Clooney, AKA Elvis, AKA Jay Wright had a few more buttons. The Armani straightjacket look was apparently a favorite among the style judges.

Like George Mason in the NCAA tournament, many so-called fashion experts proclaimed that I had no business competing in the style tournament. That was evident by my seed and my FPI. But with tremendous support and an outstanding tailor, the bald Jewish guy made a fashion statement.

I congratulate Jay who will undoubtedly crush “Mr. Fly,” Bruiser Flint in the Elegant Eight matchup. I also want to thank all my supporters for their continued support throughout the tournament. Hokie Nation proved once again their pride and passion is second to none.

Elsewhere, Georgia’s Dennis Felton and McNeese State’s Tic Price have advanced and will square off in the South Beach Regional Final. Tic’s pocket square appears to have been the difference against Billy Donovan who had other things on his mind this weekend. But that shouldn’t take anything away from Tic.

In the Memphis Graceland Regional, the Cinderella run of Coach Bob Marlin came to end. Roy Williams defeated the Sam Houston State coach. But the storybook March continues for Jim Larranaga. As it turns out, Coach L can boast victories over two No. 1 seeds on Sunday. On the runway he knocked off John Calipari. I am going to go out on a limb here and state that this is the first time in college basketball history that someone has beaten two No. 1 seeds on the same day.

Out West an unprecedented ninth consecutive trip to the Fashionable 4 is almost a reality for Rice head coach Willis Wilson. I don’t know if they come any smoother and cooler then coach Wilson who is to fashion what the New York Yankees are to baseball. He is second to none. His opponent in the Elegant Eight will be his good friend, Stanford coach Trent Johnson.

By Monday evening the field will be reduced to a Fashionable 4.

But while the head coach tournament is reaching its finality, the assistant coach tourney is only just beginning. After a quick look at the field, I don’t feel quite so bad about my poor FPI. There are a few guys with FPIs above 200 and one with a ranking of 758.

Round one for the assistants begins on Monday evening.

SENSATIONAL SIXTEEN RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

 

March 25, 2006

WELCOME TO THE SECOND ROUND
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech
 

The single most important thing that happened in round one was my advancement past Virginia head coach Dave Leitao. I am still very concerned with Angela and the style selection committee for giving me a No. 13 seed, but I was able to put it behind me and focus solely on coach Leitao.

Now the focus shifts to round two, with nothing less than a trip to the Sensational Sixteen on the line. But before I get to my matchup, against Hofstra’s Tom Pecora, let’s take a quick look at the entire fashion field.

To begin with, for those who believe that the Runway to the Fashionable 4 our isn’t a big deal, among coaches, think again. Any coach that tells you he doesn’t care -- if he made the field or how far he did or didn’t advance -- is lying. Trust me, the Runway to the Fashionable 4 is a big deal to a lot of people. And as my friend Willis Wilson (head coach, Rice) likes to say, “If you mock it then you’re not stylish.”

Speaking of Wilson, he is the No. 1 seed out West in the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Regional. I was disappointed to see that there wasn’t a stronger Jewish contingent in the region, but there are a number of excellent individuals, including DePaul head coach Jerry Wainwright. I look for him to do some good things in this bracket.

I am glad to see that the top seed in the Southeast has moved away from the hair gel in recent years. With or without hair care products, Memphis coach John Calipari has to be the clear favorite in Graceland Regional. However I would keep an eye on George Mason’s Jim Larranaga. He’s on a roll right now and don’t think that won’t carry over to this tournament. It’s all about momentum and more television time can only help his FPI.

The first to be removed from that bracket was Western Michigan’s Steve Hawkins who couldn’t possibly have been pleased with his FPI, which is 288. That’s not terribly bad if your assistant coach because there are hundreds of DI assistants, but you don’t want to be pushing 300 in the head coach field. Coach, at least you can say you were part of the dance.

The South bracket is loaded. Rick Pitino is the No. 1 seed, but the Miami Beach Regional has a number of viable contenders, including Pitino’s second round opponent Tic Price (McNeese State). Others would include Billy Donovan (Florida), Dennis Felton (Georgia), Frank Haith (Miami) and the very underrated Bobby Lutz (Charlotte). About the only thing that could make that regional tougher would be in the inclusion of a very sexy bald coach from Blacksburg, VA.

As for the East bracket, it was a nice season for the Hofstra Pride. They came within one game of reaching the final four of the NIT. Tom Pecora has to feel good about what his team accomplished this season, but he won’t feel good about the results of the second round.

Come on, did you think I would have agreed to author the coverage if I didn’t at least expect to reach the Sensational Sixteen. Or in my case, the Sexy Sixteen!

SECOND ROUND RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST

 

March 24, 2006

A FASHION OVERVIEW
By Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech
 

Angela Lento has asked me to provide some insight and analysis for the 2006 Runway to the Fashionable Four. I thought that was a bold move on her part, given the fact that she saddled me with a No. 13 seed in the New York-Madison Avenue Region. Even more puzzling is my current Fashion Power Index, which is 186.

I can only come to one conclusion. The FPI is a joke!

With all due respect, I find it hard to believe that there are 185 guys in America that dress better then me. Furthermore it’s very clear that, much like the RPI, the formula for the FPI is flawed. Tie selection for road games isn’t weighted any more then tie selection for home games. That is a fundamental flaw.

I firmly believe that the selection committee overlooked the overall scope of my style. I do not think they took into consideration the great diversity I have hanging in my closet. I think it came down to the simple fact that I am bald and I was penalized for that.

However I am going to take the high road here. When the NCAA tournament began, nobody gave Bradley, George Mason or Wichita State the respect they deserved, but they proved everyone wrong. Those three teams have carried the flag for the mid-majors so I will also wave a flag and represent bald men everywhere, as I march through the field.


THE FIELD

As the tournament moves forward I will offer some commentary on some of the coaches from the other three regions, but today I want to focus on those I am competing against in the New York bracket.

Clearly this is the toughest region. Giving the selection committee the benefit of the doubt, the fact that I am a No. 13 seed illustrates just how deep this region is with quality threads. Leading the way is Ocean Twelve’s Jay Wright. If this tournament were about the number of buttons, Jay would be the runaway winner. It cannot be comfortable to sport that straightjacket look, but George Clooney seems to pull it off nicely.

I don’t know coach Shields, but given his No. 16 seed I can only imagine that he is also very disappointed with the selection committee. Drawing Jay Wright in the first round means that you won’t be around long enough for me or anyone else to get familiar with the nice job you’ve done at Arkansas-Little Rock. Sorry coach, but you are one and done.

The No. 8 vs. No 9 matchup is very intriguing. I am sure Barry Hinson is not overjoyed with the prospect of facing Clooney in round two, but he has to be more upset with the NCAA selection committee. His team had an outstanding season. His opponent has the makings of a future Jay Wright. What’s up with all the buttons Gregg Marshall? He is another sharp guy with the straightjacket approach and another guy that did an outstanding job “again” this season.

The 5-12 contest has the Missouri Valley Conference matched up with the Colonial Athletic Association. It’s the hair gel of Bradley’s Jim Les against the blue blazer of Hofstra’s Tom Pecora. Tommy you are wearing out that coat.

The winner of that contest will square off with yours truly, once I have styled my way past No. 4 seed Dave Leitao. There is no question that coach Leitao has a nice wardrobe, but he should look good, getting paid $900,000 per. With the tremendous fan support of Hokie Nation I will advance.

On the other side of the bracket is Mr. Fly, Bruiser Flint. I have to hand it to him. He has put together a terrific wardrobe, which I did not think was possible shopping in the children’s department at J.C. Penny’s. He’s living proof that parity in fashion does exist. The 2005 runway champion has proven that the gap between high-major and mid-major has gotten smaller. He has also proven that you can get some nifty threads for your children at Penny’s.

Poor Dr. John Giannini, who drew Mr. Fly in the first round. Coach G and his doctor attire are probably feeling fortunate to have gotten to this point. One and done.

Assuming Mr. Fly advances, he would face the winner of the former and the current head coach at Tennessee. Bruce Pearl should know that it’s not advisable to wear light-colored fabrics when you tend to sweat a little. Furthermore, what is the story with that orange jacket? Come on coach, you need to do a better job in representing the Jewish coaches of America. There is no way Buzz Peterson would have ever worn that color.

UMBC coach Randy Monroe will have to check with Mr. Fly for a scouting report on Georgia State’s Michael Perry. It seems to me that the Colonial is very well represented in this tournament. The league has good teams and some good dressers. Too bad Flint is bringing down the CAA’s FPI.

The winner of that contest will face either Radford’s Byron Samuels or Ohio State’s Thad Matta. Samuels’ wardrobe is limited in diversity. You are not quite sure if he is going to a meeting or headed for a golf outing. He won’t be part of this tournament long enough for us to figure that out. As for Thad, I am sure he wouldn’t mind an early exit. He has Greg Oden coming to Columbus next year.

FIRST ROUND RESULTS: EAST  |  SOUTH  |  SOUTHEAST  |  WEST