March 18, 2006

Missouri Valley Conference commissioner Doug Elgin had to be jumping with joy after Wichita State knocked off Tennessee to make the Sweet 16. The Shockers defeated a No. 2 seed, and did so in a seesaw battle.

There were some who questioned whether Tennessee should have been a No. 2 seed after entering the NCAAs with four losses in six games. One thing that couldn't be scrutinized is the excitement and enthusiasm that coach Bruce Pearl brought into the Vols men's program.

Mark Turgeon is one of the rising stars in the coaching profession and several different players have stepped up in the tournament. Sean Ogirri and Paul Miller keyed the opening win over Seton Hall. On Saturday, 6-foot-8 forward Kyle Wilson hit some big shots in the first half and 6-4 swingman PJ Cousinard came through down the stretch to get the Shockers into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1981. Cousinard finished with 20 big points.

Wichita State sent a message to all of those critics who questioned the strength of the Missouri Valley Conference. My friends, they are legitimate and separating the teams in that league from number one to number six is difficult. That's how good this league was this season.

That was a big victory for the Shockers. I've been saying all year that Turgeon is a winner, and his team proved that Saturday.

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.