Now that Eddie Sutton has reached 800 wins will he retire immediately or begin his quest for 900. Since he said he did not want to go back to San Francisco (found out that coaching at the lower levels when talent is scarce is not as easy or fun), where will be his next stop. Coaches with new athletic directors (ad’s that didnt hire the current coach) better start worrying. Every AD is looking to win the press conference and who better than a Hall of Fame coach fresh off his 800th win….
Speaking of openings, I hear South Carolina is interested in former Wintrhop coach and current Wichita State coach Greg Marshall. Also, on the list is Fran McCaffrey from Siena. Both excellent coaches and great teachers.
Disappointment of the week has to be Michigan State losing to Penn State. A Penn State team that got beat by double digits by Iowa should not be able to take down the Spartans. Oh, that’s right, Michigan State lost to Iowa as well. Iowa has inched closer to the top half of the Big Ten with a solid win at home vs. Ohio State. They can solidify their climb with a win over Wisconsin on Wednessday. Considering all of the injuries and changes, that would be a tremendous accomplishment for first year head coach Todd Lichlighter.
Games on tap with a chance for fireworks:
#2 Duke vs. #3 North Carolina– You can always count on a great game when these two ACC titans square off. Coach Roy Williams coaching prowess will be tested with the injury to Ty Lawson. That means third stringer Quintin Thomas will get the starting nod. Very unusual for Coach Roy to go into a game with less talent than his opponent. Might be the first time in his head coaching career.
Gonzaga vs. St. Mary’s– The battle for the WCC crown. Gonzaga has beaten St. Mary’s at home and now must go to Moraga. Patrick Mills will need his A game tonght for the Gaels. If Gonzaga wins this one, then look for them to run the table in the league.
Indiana at Illinois– The fireworks will be caused by the visit from freshamn Eric Gordon. As some of you will remember he commited to Illinois first before changing his mind and becoming a Hoosier. I don’t think the Illini coaching staff has forgotten.
Referring to your quote…
“Gonzaga vs. St. Mary’s– The battle for the WCC crown. Gonzaga has beaten St. Mary’s at home and now must go to Moraga…”
No. This is the first game Gonzaga and St. Marys have played this season. St. Marys will travel to Spokane to play March 1st. And considering the Zags will have seven more WCC games to play (including home games vs. St. Marys and Santa Clara), it is not a given that they will remain undefeated in conference play. Go Zags, but nothing is for certain in conference play.
E Wolfe
Thanks for the pick up. Sorry about the misquote. I got a head of myself on that one. However, I quote St. Mary’s Coach Bennett who believes that if they don’t beat them no one else in the league will. I know Santa Clara has great tradition, but the toughest games outside of St. Mary’s would be San Diego on the road. Especially since former Gonzaga asst. Billy Grier is their coach.
The game just ended and St. Mary’s won in overtime 89-85. Great guard play by Patrick Mills. It didn’t help that Gonzage had two questionable calls go against them in overtime.
Thanks again for the offensive rebound E Wolfe!