Five coaches to watch
When I look at the coaching fraternity, I think it is important for coaches in their second season to make some noise. Here is a list of five guys who have shown ability to win in different situations in the past.
Each one of these guys took over as head coach of their respective programs a year ago. Now these guys want to make strides, to show improvement over last season. These guys are not fighting for their jobs, but they have so much pride in their ability.
Let's start with Michigan's John Beilein. He knows how to win, as shown by great success at West Virginia. This guy just fell short of the Final Four a few years back. He has Manny Harris returning and he hopes to get the fans enthusiastic about Michigan hoops. The Wolverines finished 10-22 last season and better things are expected in year two at the helm.
Think about Todd Lickliter at Iowa. He took over for Steve Alford, who is now happy at New Mexico. Lickliter's team won six Big Ten games a year ago and finished 13-19 overall. It is important for the Hawkeye fans, and they love their hoops out there, to have something to cheer about. Lickliter has had success in the past and his team should bounce back.
At Colorado, Jeff Bzdelik has had experience coaching in the NBA, and he hopes to build a foundation with the Buffs. Last season was a tough one, going 3-13 in the Big 12 while winning 12 games overall. Give him time to instill discipline and get his players in place and Colorado will turn things around.
Jim Boylen's Utah squad won 18 games last season but was 7-9 in Mountain West play. There are greater expectations with big man Luke Nevill in the paint.
Out in Hawaii, Bob Nash saw his Rainbow Warriors win just 11 games. Taking over for Riley Wallace was not easy, and he hopes to have greater success this season.
