Only seven active Division I college basketball coaches have a national title on their resume.
Across the college basketball landscape, only Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo, Bill Self, John Calipari, Scott Drew,
Danny Hurley, and Todd Golden have won a national championship.
Of the last 6 national champions, 4 have been with a coach winning his first title.
So, will we see a first-time national champion again in April? If so, who will it be?
Well, the guys at CBS Sports (Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander) recently polled 100 college basketball coaches around the country to ask who the next first-time-champion coach will be.
The most popular answer was Kelvin Sampson at Houston, and for good reason. Sampson led the Cougars to the national championship last year, and Houston is viewed as one of the top teams in the country headed into this season.
Matt Painter was another popular choice, as Purdue is viewed by many as the #1 team headed into the season and Painter was in the Final Four in 2024.
Mark Pope was the fourth-most popular answer behind Duke’s Jon Scheyer.
Pope, of course, took Kentucky to the Sweet 16 last year despite multiple injuries to key players throughout the season, and seems to have put together a talented and deep roster headed into this season.
This quote, however, by one anonymous coach really stuck out.
“Since UK can do things no other school can financially, he would have to be a complete bozo to not win one soon.”
What a weird statement to make…
Pope seems to have a team this year that could contend for a national championship, but the tournament is random.
Nonetheless, do you think Pope will be the next coach to win his first national title?
Tweet of the Day
It’s almost basketball time in the Bluegrass!
Headlines
10 things learned from UK Basketball Pro Day – Herald Leader
I think we’re in for a big jump from Collin Chandler.
BBN United Fan Fest is Saturday – Cats Pause
Who will be there?
Competitive spirit could be hidden strength for Cats – Vaughts Views
This team definitely has some high-level competitors.
Mark Stoops’ buyout is among highest in the country – USA Today
Only a handful of coaches nationwide would be more expensive to fire.
UK WBB picks up commitment from 4-star Emily McDonald – KSR
Big get for Coach Kenny Brooks.
Rhyne Howard named WNBA All-Defense second team – UK Athletics
A nice honor for the former Cat.
NCAA approves single January transfer window for college football – NBC Sports
The new window will allow players on teams in postseason games to remain eligible before entering the portal.
Perception of Bucs Baker Mayfield changing with strong 2025 campaign – ESPN
He’s one of the early contenders for MVP.
UNC unlikely to undergo coaching change mid-season – Bleacher Report
It seems like Belichick is at least going to ride out the rest of the season.
Will we soon see corporate logos on college uniforms? – Yahoo
Likely coming soon.
Bengals rolling with Flacco as starter this weekend – CBS Sports
Zac Taylor went over the game plan with him on the phone while he drove from Cleveland to Cincinnati.
Ronaldo is soccer’s first billionaire – SI
Just crazy amounts of money.
