Dec. 17
It seems like the College of Charleston has been constantly battling for respect. Under the tutelage of John Kresse, the Cougars fought and scrapped for NCAA berths and gave opponents trouble. This year, under new coach Tom Herrion, Charleston has already made some noise by winning the Great Alaska Shootout with wins over Wyoming, Oklahoma State and Villanova.

Beating these three schools was impressive, since many experts feel that all three are contenders for NCAA bids this season. Sharpshooting guard Troy Wheless was the Great Alaska MVP.

Herrion is a former second lieutenant who worked like a gym rat, paying his dues for years.

Why do I want to talk about the Cougars? It seems like we often talk about the same superstars in the coaching profession. Yes, guys like Mike Krzyzewski, Lute Olson, John Chaney, Roy Williams, Gary Williams, Tom Izzo and company earn their praises. But it's great to see new coaching stars rise, too. If you asked the average college basketball fan who's the head coach at the College of Charleston, they'd say, "who?"

Herrion is a former second lieutenant who worked like a gym rat, paying his dues for years. He has learned so much working as an assistant in preparation for the day when he received the call to take over a program. He took over from Kresse, who retired after last season -- the former Charleston coach was so popular that they named the arena after him!

They were a giant killer in the NCAA tourney, like Gonzaga. This program proved it could compete with the big boys.

Herrion brings passion to the table. He has great communication skills and a genuine love that's felt by his players. He has a special enthusiasm and the knowledge that comes from growing up in a basketball family; his brother Bill was the head coach at Drexel and now runs the East Carolina program.

They must have passed more than just the potatoes at the dinner table, baby! They talked and shared strategy and X's and O's. Remember the name: Tommy Herrion ... a lieutenant who was given a chance and is succeeding following the opportunity.

There are so many guys out there today who, if given the chance, could succeed as head coaches. I watched Brian Gregory at Michigan State recently, and he reminds me of Marquette head coach Tom Crean. Remember, Crean also worked under Izzo at Michigan State.

At Maryland, Dave Dickerson has taken on added responsibilities since Billy Hahn left for LaSalle a couple of years ago. Dickerson has the package to succeed.

There are so many good assistants out there. Think about Johnny Dawkins at Duke, Fred Hill at Villanova, Doug Wojcik at North Carolina, former Northern Illinois head coach Jim Rosborough at Arizona, Paul Biancardi at Ohio State, Mike Riley at Georgetown, Sean Miller at Xavier, Larry Hunter at N.C. State (who got a raw deal at Ohio University) and Mick Cronin at Louisville.

Think about the decision Bob Frederick made at Kansas years ago when he gave an assistant coach from North Carolina an opportunity. Roy Williams is approaching his 400th win in Lawrence.

Herrion is proving himself in his first season. Others are capable of getting the job done if given the chance.