As a fan of college basketball, you can’t help but be attracted to certain personalities and successes throughout the country. I am no different…which is why you will occassionally hear and see some entries about some personalties that may not feel directly related to NC State.
Two of my favorite (non-ACC) college basketball coaches are going head to head this afternoon on ESPN.
Billy Gillispie, who won the Big 12 Coach of the Year last season (See: “How’d He Do That?”) will lead Texas A&M against Rick Barnes and the University of Texas.
Most people in our area are obviously familiar with local boy done good, Rick Barnes; but most aren’t as familiar with Texas-centric Gillespie (see BillyGillispie.com), who took over one of the traditionally worst basketball programs in the country last season and immediately generated their best start in 40 years.
In addition to Gillispie and Barnes, my other favorite non-ACC coaches to follow include Bruce Pearl, Tom Izzo, John Calipari, Bill Self, Ben Howland, Thad Matta, and Tim Floyd. That’s just me. I’d love to hear who else in the country you like to follow.
