April 1, 2006

I guess you can call it surprising, though personally I was not shocked by the news of Herb Sendek's departure from NC State. He said bye-bye to head west to Arizona State and the Pac-10.

Let's face it, this guy was never truly appreciated by the people at NC State. The administration stuck by him in tough times, but let me ask you one question; name the two ACC coaches to make the NCAA tournament each of the last five seasons? Try Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Mr. Sendek.

No matter what he did, it was never good enough for the fans and media in Raleigh. The expectations for the Wolfpack and the comparisons to North Carolina and Duke were simply too much. It was difficult for Sendek to be happy. He averaged 19 wins a season in 10 campaigns at NC State. Sendek's Wolfpack beat California in the first round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Texas in round two.

Now he'll go to Tempe and find contentment. He'll be in a job where they will flat-out appreciate him. The Sun Devils have struggled big time in recent years and Sendek knows how to put a winner on the court. Now he'll be allowed to do what he loves to do -- coach, coach, coach.

On the flip side, NC State has to find a fine basketball coach who can handle the x's and o's, and deal with the student athlete. The new sideline boss will also have to be charismatic, someone who can offset the popularity of basketball in Chapel Hill and Durham. He also has to become Mr. Popularity with the media as well.

I wish nothing but the best for Herb Sendek, who is a super class guy who knows his hoops. Arizona State has made a very good hire to replace Rob Evans.

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.