Each week I will write about the sport I love, college basketball:
Indiana made a great decision, hiring Tom Crean away from Marquette. This was a program in disarray and in need of strength in its new leader. Crean has lots of energy, enthusiasm and discipline, and that is something Indiana has to have at this point. It has been a soap opera in Bloomington and now there will be some stability instead of the recent chaos. Look at the job Crean did at Marquette! In his nine seasons, the Golden Eagles averaged 20 wins a year, won a conference championship and made eight postseason appearances, including the 2003 Final Four. This season ended with a tough second-round loss to Stanford in overtime. He will get his own players and in time, build a winner that Hoosier fans will be proud of. For now, the cupboard is pretty bare. Armon Bassett and Jamarcus Ellis were kicked off the team by Dan Dakich. DJ White has completed his eligibility and Eric Gordon is expected to go to the NBA. By the way, Crean has so much respect for Bob Knight and the new coach hopes the General will embrace the Indiana program now.
Sean Sutton resigned as head coach of Oklahoma State as pressure mounted during the course of the season. It is sad in a way because he gave his heart and soul. The team did not live up to the expectations that many of the Cowboys fans anticipated.
Darren Horn became a hot item, the flavor of the month when he led Western Kentucky to the Sweet 16. His reward was a deal at South Carolina. Every year there is a guy who takes advantage of a strong showing at the big dance in a positive way. He has elevated himself financially and moving to the SEC will give him more visibility. It also means more pressure replacing Dave Odom, whom I wish the best in his retirement. Horn did a fantastic job with the Hilltoppers.
Stephen Curry put on an amazing show during the NCAA tournament as his Wildcats reached the Elite Eight, falling just short against Kansas. It was a great decision for Curry to return to school next season as he should be an All-American. This will give him an opportunity to get stronger physically, to work on his ball-handling more. That will be a vital part of his growth as a player, especially with Jason Richards moving on.
New Mexico recently gave coach Steve Alford a contract extension. I think Lobo fans were happy with the enthusiasm he created in the program. Utilizing many of the same players that went 15-17 during the 2006-07 campaign, Alford led the Lobos to a 24-9 overall mark (11-5 in Mountain West play). My friends, he can flat-out coach. This decision plays a big part in showing stability to the program.
With all of the coaching vacancies out there, athletic directors should consider Kevin O'Neill. He would be a perfect hire for a school looking for a coach with intensity and one who will light a fire under the program. Look at his resume, with experience as a head coach in both college and the pros. He led Arizona to an NCAA berth this past season despite the uncertainty over Lute Olson's situation.
Taylor King decided to transfer out of Duke. It comes down to playing time and being in the right system. King came in with Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith in a heralded class; there were times where he showed brilliance. He certainly can shoot the ball and will be an asset somewhere with his long-range shooting ability.
It was sad to hear about the passing of Kentucky equipment manager Bill Keightley. He worked with the Wildcats through coaches Adolph Rupp to Billy Gillispie this past season. He was 81 years old and served over 35 years. Keightley was as warm and personable a human being you could find. He was cordial and he lived, ate and slept Kentucky basketball. He was so caring and a special person. It was a tough week for Bluegrass fans as more sad news came from overseas. Former Kentucky and Louisville player Marvin Stone died of an apparent heart attack at age 26. He collapsed during a game in Saudi Arabia.
Jim Larranaga decided to stay at George Mason. He spurned an offer to go to the Big East and coach his alma mater, Providence. Larranaga has shown loyalty despite several offers in recent years.
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.
