Trivia answers at the bottom, if you can’t figure them out from the bios.
Bill Self, Kansas
Age: 45
Record: 140-32 in 5 seasons at KU
(347-137 in 15 seasons overall)
Final Fours: 1 (2008)
Championships: 0
Other Stops: Illinois 2000-03; Tulsa 1997-2000; Oral Roberts 1993-97; Oklahoma State assistant 1986-93; Kansas graduate assistant 1984-86
Education: Oklahoma State 1985; Oklahoma State (Master’s) 1989
Self couldn’t help but exhale in relief after Jason Richards’ last-second shot clanked off the backboard Sunday, sending Kansas to the Final Four. But ask him what that volcano-like release of his emotions was Sunday and Self will say it symbolized the excitement he feels for his players. That’s Bill Self in a nutshell — a player’s coach.
There are coaches around the nation better at formulating game plans, motivating their players and making half-time adjustments. Perhaps no one, though, connects with their players better than Self. It’s the reason tears streamed down senior forward Darnell Jackson’s face on senior night when he looked at his coach and told him he was like a father. And it’s the reason why Self, after four Elite Eight losses, finally finds himself a step away from the national title game.
– Case Keefer, The University Daily Kansan
Ben Howland, UCLA
Age: 50
Record: 126-44 in 5 seasons at UCLA
(294-143 in 14 seasons overall)
Final Fours: 3 (2008, 2007, 2006)
Championships: 0
Other Stops: Pittsburgh 1999-2003; Northern Arizona 1994-99; UC Santa Barbara assistant 1982-94; Gonzaga graduate assistant 1981-82
Education: Weber State 1979, Gonzaga (Master’s) 1981
I remember the day in November that Howland first spoke to a throng of reporters about this year’s team. His championship plan, already laid out, called for the Bruins to win the Pac-10 and get into into the West Region of the NCAA tournament. That’s just how it worked out.
Howland’s attention to detail, constant planning and unrivaled intensity have paid off again. He is the first UCLA coach since John Wooden to make the Final Four three straight years, and it’s no surprise to people who follow the program closely.
Howland has succeeded at every stop of his coaching career — Northern Arizona and Pittsburgh included — and his fiery style has earned national attention. He commands every part of the program, including news conferences. He seems to get the most out of his players on defense. On offense, he typically adjusts his scheme to fit his personnel. He ran a fast-paced show at Northern Arizona, slowed things down to match the Big East at Pittsburgh and built a scheme around Kevin Love this season in Westwood. More than anything, Howland does whatever it takes to win.
– Sam Allen, The Daily Bruin
Roy Williams, North Carolina
Age: 57
Record: 142-32 in 5 seasons at UNC
(560-133 in 20 seasons overall)
Final Fours: 6 (2008, 2005, 2003, 2002, 1993, 1991)
Championships: 1 (2005)
Other Stops: Kansas 1988-2003; UNC assistant 1978-88; Owen (N.C.) High School 1973-78
Education: UNC 1972; UNC (Master’s) 1973
People across the nation know Williams for his vaunted high-octane offense and for his much publicized split from Kansas in 2003. But few outside of Chapel Hill know him off the court. Williams is a man who understands his role and importance in the UNC community. Whether jogging around town or traveling to Omaha, Neb., to support the Carolina baseball team, he clearly loves his job, his alma mater and his community. It’s one of the many reasons he is so beloved by Tar Heels fans.
– David Ely, The Daily Tar Heel
John Calipari, Memphis
Age: 49
Record: 218-64 in 8 seasons at Memphis
(411-135 in 16 seasons overall)
Final Fours: 2 (2008, 1996)
Championships: 0
Other Stops: New Jersey Nets 1996-99; Philadelphia 76ers assistant 1999-2000; UMass 1988-96; Pittsburgh assistant 1985-88; Kansas assistant 1982-85
Education: Clarion (Pa.) State 1982
Calipari’s personality is the reason the city, the school and his players love him. Nearly all the Tigers talk about him as a father figure. The first thing Cal told the media after Memphis climbed to No. 1 was how happy he was for his players and for the city.
Before every game, he shows his appreciation for the fans by waving to each side of the court. The fans return the favor with their favorite chant: CAL-i-PAIR-ee! He even danced a jig on the sideline after Memphis beat Southern Miss to dethrone UNC for the top spot in the rankings.
– Shari Lofton, The Daily Helmsman
TRIVIA ANSWERS
Calipari does not have a Master’s degree.
Howland has not coached at Kansas.
Self is the youngest.
Williams coached high school basketball.
Calipari is not in his 5th season at his current school. (He’s in his 8th.)