Jan. 31, 2006

I recently got to catch some of the Xavier-Cincinnati basketball game. Sitting in a box was former Bearcats coach Bob Huggins, and it brought back memories of the old days when Peter Gillen was strolling the sidelines for the Musketeers. Huggins and Gillen were part of the special rivalry in Ohio. I have been fortunate enough to call that game.

Thinking about the two coaches, I believe they will be back in the coaching circles next season. Trust me, they should be ... somebody out there should provide an opportunity to do what they do best. Both Huggins and Gillen can motivate and inspire players with the best of them.

These guys know how to win, and with the year off they got their juices flowing, got reinvigorated and ready to perform. Just check out their resumes and you'll see two highly qualified coaches deserving another chance to shine. Huggins was impressive in leading Cincinnati to 14 straight trips to the big dance. That streak is in jeopardy this season, my friends! The Bearcats have already lost seven games this season.

Gillen had a tremendous resumé at Xavier (four-time Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year) and Providence (Elite Eight appearance), but ran into a stumbling block at Virginia. Anyone who wants a guy who does a great job working with kids should consider Gillen. Come March, you will hear about a lot of coaching vacancies popping up. Rest assured, Huggins and Gillen will be mentioned in connection with those jobs.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.