There was a lot of sadness in the world of college basketball recently as the sport lost two noteworthy coaches -- Jim Killingsworth of TCU and Ray Mears of Tennessee. They had a tremendous passion and love for college basketball that showed in the way they dedicated their lives to teaching the game they loved. They showed their enthusiasm on the sideline and both will be missed.

I remember years ago watching Mears at a clinic. I was in awe with his creative, innovative concepts in the world of marketing. He was way ahead of his time and fans will remember the Bernie and Ernie Show (Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld) down in Knoxville. Mears and assistant coach Stu Aberdeen were legendary at clinics, talking about how to promote a basketball program.

Talk about a positive attitude, spirit, enthusiasm and energy, Mears had it all. He was incredible selling the Vols. He loved Tennessee basketball and he had to be thrilled with the job Bruce Pearl has done with the Vols.

During his 15 seasons as Tennesee head coach, he posted a winning percentage just over 71. His teams went 278-112!

Killingsworth led the Horned Frogs to back-to-back SWC championships in 1986 and '87. His Killer Frogs teams showed so much hustle and passion. His last game as TCU coach came in the '87 NCAA tournament, losing to Notre Dame by one point in the second round. He retired two days later.

Prior to his arrival at TCU, Killingsworth also served as head coach at Idaho State and Oklahoma State.

They were two soldiers for the game, dedicating so much. They will be missed dearly. Thanks for all they did for the game of college basketball.

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