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| Matta is in an enviable position at OSU |
For a little more on how it works, here's the explanation:
"A few important notes: This is not an attempt to rank the programs or their histories. A school's tradition was taken into account of course, but more emphasis was given to recent years and how hard or easy it is for a new coach to win there. Current recruits don't remember much beyond, what, 2008?
When voting, our 14 panelists were asked to take into consideration facilities, expectation level, athletic budget, wins and losses, recruiting base, fan support/pressure and all of the other factors that go into determining the "best" jobs in the ever-crazy profession of college basketball coaching.
In short: If you were an agent and every single job was open in a particular conference, where would you direct your client? Where would you tell him to avoid if there are better options?"
The Top 5
1. Indiana
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan State
4. Michigan
5. Wisconsin
Join us after the jump to look at the breakdown of each of these jobs.
Indiana Hoosiers
ESPN: "It's easy to forget that just a few years ago, Indiana was still mired in a decade-long identity crisis. No more. Tom Crean has the Hoosiers rolling on the court, closing ranks on top recruits in the state and boasting some of the best and newest facilities in the country to boot. The Big Ten's historic blueblood is the most enviable job in this conference -- and it's been a long road back."
My Take: I can't really disagree here with ESPN. While Ohio State and the rest of the top 5 teams could make a decent argument as to why they should be #1, Indiana has a lot going for them right now. They have one of the toughest arenas to play at in the B1G and more recently are having success on the court. With players like Cody Zeller, Indiana is back where it used to be.
Ohio State
ESPN: "Many will question the Buckeyes' ballot placement above Michigan State (and understandably so), but it's hard to argue with what Thad Matta has built in Columbus. The Buckeyes have great facilities (and a suddenly vibrant home crowd), and in Matta's tenure have annually turned over some of the best talent (from Greg Oden and Mike Conley to Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger) in the entire country."
My Take: Ohio State has earned the right to be above Michigan State. Thad Matta is on the same level as Tom Izzo and has proved it time and time again. His recruiting has been insane and Ohio State is pretty easy to sell to recruits. After a Final Four appearance, the Buckeyes must overcome the loss of Jared Sullinger and William Buford. They return with Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas, so it shouldn't be too difficult.
Michigan State
ESPN: "With only the rarest of exceptions (see: 2011), Tom Izzo cranks out national contender after national contender, the trademark being one of the nation's most consistent programs. The Breslin Center remains one of the nation's best arenas, and the Izzone packs it to the hilt. And the state of Michigan remains fertile recruiting ground."
My Take: Michigan State has another tough arena, but the fans are crazy about Spartan basketball. I can't blame them, as Tom Izzo is another excellent recruiter and game manager. He's led MSU to 6 Final Four appearances and posts the best record by any coach at Michigan State. He's the longest tenured coach in the B1G as well.
Michigan
ESPN: "Like Indiana, the Wolverines languished for years after the Ed Martin booster scandal, but a new renovation (thanks in part to UM's massive athletics budget, one of the program's underrated advantages) has refreshed a once-dour Crisler Center just in time for John Beilein to truly hit his stride on the path to Big Ten and national title contention."
My Take: This is truly my only disagreement with ESPN. Being an Ohio State homer has nothing to do with it. While Michigan's basketball has been solid, I don't feel it's been better than Wisconsin's. They don't have many star players (at least, since the Fab Five) and the recruiting isn't all that fancy. A solid coach and a solid program, but in my opinion, should be 5th, instead of 4th.
Wisconsin
ESPN: "Bo Ryan wins. His latest season -- one capped by a thrilling Sweet 16 loss to top-seeded Syracuse -- was his 11th at the school, and the 11th consecutive in which the Badgers have finished tied for at least fourth place in the league. In the course of this consistent winning (and because of it), Wisconsin has leveraged some other nice built-in advantages: a strong athletics program, a vibrant capital city home, etc."
My Take: The Badgers have one of the more intimidating arenas in the Big Ten, along with their tight style of play. I pretty much agree on all fronts with ESPN on the advantages for Wisconsin's basketball program. They've done a great job with the players they are able to grab and they always are playing teams tough. They are not a team that you can sleep on, in the slightest.
