April 22nd, 2013
CROWNING CHAMPIONS
by Seth Greenberg, ESPN

Only one head coach and one assistant can lay claim to the title of America’s most stylish. Everybody else is already shopping for next season...

Gary Waters (Cleveland State) is making plans to fly to Paris to upgrade his closet, whole Bruiser Flint (Drexel) is still trying to figure out what happened. It’s tough to go out in the first round.

Bill Herrion is actually going to shop for suits for the first time in his career, while JT3 is looking into off-season workout programs. Love the suits coach but the bad body kills you on the Runway.

It’s hard to believe the Runway to the Fashionable 4 has been around since 1998. More puzzling is that, in all those years, I have never been awarded the title of America’s best-dressed coach. After looking at the remaining four, other than Clooney, I can out-style any of these guys.

Does Anthony Grant even own a jacket? The guy has worked the white shirt and tie all the way to the National Semi-finals. That’s a joke! It would appear to me that his stone-faced stare is the reason he advanced this far. Danielle Wolfe and the girls were clearly intimidated.

I think intimidation also played a role in Steve Masiello advancing to the Fashionable 4. There are a lot of vowels in that name. Masiello has gotten a lot of run out of the Pitino hand-me-downs.

Kevin Baggett got this far simply because he was smart enough to not seek fashion council from his Athletic Director, Don Harnum.

In the Assistant coach field defending champion Steve Robinson is really working the Carolina blue ties. At some point you need to shake it up coach. Bacari Alexander, who has multiple wins on the Runway, can’t even get his head coach (John Beilein) to button his sleeves. That alone should cost him some style points.

On the other hand, Matthew Fox (Eric Eaton) seems to have actually earned his way to the national semis. Although I will say that it’s hard not to look regal when the head coach is Tommy Moore. The Quinnipiac head coach is still getting run out of Jim Calhoun’s kakis and blue blazers.

And let’s not forget about Robert Jones, the new head coach at Norfolk State. There are a lot of stylish coaches in the MEAC and everybody is trying to keep up with Jones’s gear.

Of course I would say that everyone is competing for the second-place trophy. Nobody should be able to beat Clooney. His Nike attire looks better than most coach’s game-day wardrobes. The guy has a Facebook page for his pocket squares. His matchup against Baggett is like a guarantee game in November.

Since I have no vote in the final results, my duties as fashion analyst have concluded for the 2012-13 season. However I have already begun working on my “first four in” and “last four out” for the 2014 Runway to the Fashionable 4. Lunardi isn’t the only one that works on brackets year round.

One final thought… I would like to congratulate Angela Lento and CollegeInsider.com on winning a 2013 New York Emmy® last week. Angela should have won a second for having to put up with Joe Dwyer. In fact dealing with Joe should have made both Riley Wallace and me award recipients as well. Congratulations Angela, Tad Hathaway and CollegeInsider.com!

Check out the Final Results for the 2013 Runway to the Fashionable 4 or the HEAD COACHES and the ASSISTANTS.
 

April 18th, 2013

DOWN TO FASHIONABLE 4
by Seth Greenberg, ESPN

So we have finally reached the Fashionable 4. There were a number of very questionable decisions made by Danielle Wolfe and her style committee, but the remaining coaches seem deserving of competing for the title of America’s most fashionable coach.

Sorry to see Bill Herrion exit the event. He had no business being in the competition, but his presence was very entertaining. I still question whether or not Bill owns a suit. If he could only dress like he coaches, he would be a regular on the catwalk. In the end the very regal Anthony Grant was simply too much. Let’s be honest, Coach Grant looks a lot better in his attire than Herrion. Some off-season workout programs might be advisable coach.

How about the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference! Commissioner Rich Ensor has to be pleased with getting two coaches into the Fashionable 4. Rick Pitino protégé Steve Masiello (Manhattan) and Kevin Baggett (Rider) would appear to be up-and-coming stars. But I do think both have their hands full with their national semi-final matchups.

Anthony Grant will be a tough opponent for Masiello, but Baggett faces the monumental task of out-styling Clooney! In my opinion the annual fashion award should be named the Jay Wright award. There is nobody prettier and more debonair than Jay… Not to be confused with the very average look and wardrobe selections of Jay Bilas.

A couple of big-time style mavens advanced to the Fashionable 4 in the Assistant Coach field. Both defending champion Steve Robinson (North Carolina) and 4-time champion Bacari “and Coke” Alexander (Michigan) should be competing with the head coaches.

Speaking of head coaches, congratulations to Robert Jones (Norfolk State) who advanced to the Fashionable 4 just days after being elevated to head coach. Impressive week for the head Spartan. Unfortunately new Loyola MD head coach G.G. Smith came up a little short in the Elegant 8, but that is a hangover from having to deal with Jimmy Patsos. G.G. is going to be an excellent head coach and should flourish on the runway now that Patsos has left to take over at Siena. It’s embarrassing that Patsos made the fashion field.

Rounding out the Assistant’s Fashionable 4 is the star of the TV show “Lost” Matthew Fox, AKA Eric Eaton (Quinnipiac).

It all comes to an end on Friday so be sure to Tweet at Danielle @fashionable4
 

March 27th, 2013

32 ADVANCE
by Seth Greenberg, ESPN

The first round is over. 32 coaches have advanced. Most of the results were expected, but there were a few surprises.

Bill Herrion (New Hampshire) advanced past John Calipari (Kentucky). I can only assume that Coach Cal heard he was facing Herrion -- thought somebody was playing a joke on him -- and just didn’t show up. I am confident that Herrion doesn’t own a single suit. The guy can really coach, but he can’t dress. That might be the biggest win in New Hampshire since their militia helped win the Battle of Bunker Hill.

And because Tom Herrion (Marshall) defeated Frank Martin (South Carolina), there will be a Herrion in the Sensational 16. That’s right Bill Herrion will meet Tom Herrion in the second round.

There were a few “brother vs. brother” matchups in this year’s tournament. Bryce Drew (Valparaiso) beat Scott Drew (Baylor), Joe Jones (Boston University) beat James Jones (Yale), Sean Miler (Arizona), beat Archie Miller (Dayton). I would like to review the judges decision to advance Sean past Archie. Arizona Wildcats are very good -- Sean Miller’s apparel, not so good.

Kermit Davis (Middle Tennessee) beat No. 3 seed Jeff Lebo (East Carolina). Lebo is busy preparing for Colt Ryan and Evansville in the semifinals of the CIT. It’s the first time ECU has ever won 20 games in a season. Nice job coach. And nice job turned in by Kermit who got his team into the NCAA Tournament. I am still not sure how Kermit managed to get into this tournament.

Andy Enfield (Florida Gulf Coast) got past Billy Donovan (Florida). Of course he did. Enfield is the “Flav of the month.” What a great story. It’s just their second year of being eligible for postseason and they are in the Sweet 16. Terrific job! Donovan should consult with his former assistant, Anthony Grant (Alabama). You need help Billy.

Kevin Baggett (Rider) took down Bruiser Flint (Drexel). Once again a No. 15 seed beats a No. 2 seed. Pretty clear that Baggett should have been the No. 2 seed. Heck of a first season for Baggs. He did something his AD, Don Harnum never did -- He won a postseason game. I am pretty certain Harnum never out-styled anyone either.

I checked with Joe Lunardi. He said Calipari is already a No. 1 seed in next year’s Runway to the Fashionable 4. He also confirmed that Bruiser is among the Last Four Out.


SECOND ROUND PREVIEW

Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) vs. Ray McCaullm (Detroit): These two actually met in BracketBusters last month. What a great job Marshall has done with the Shockers. Nice touch with the specs with little yellow in the frames. Very debonair coach.

Roy Williams (North Carolina) vs. Danny Manning (Tulsa): Two former Jayhawks. Danny brings that chic look to the dance. Roy brings a classic Henry Fonda look to the stage.

Gary Waters (Cleveland State) vs. LeVelle Moton (North Carolina Central): Waters shops in Paris for his gear and he’s the No. 1 seed in his region, but Coach Moton brings a lot of style to the catwalk. His team won 22 games this season and finished 2nd in the MEAC.

Jamion Christian (Mount St. Mary’s) vs. Anthony Grant (Alabama): Two guys that have done a terrific job this season. Grant is trying to get to New York to win the NIT and Christian took his team to the championship game in the NEC Tournament. Nobody in the NEC was playing better basketball, down the stretch, than Christian’s team. Two great coaches -- Two quality people.

Buzz Peterson (UNC Wilmington) vs. Chris Mack (Xavier): Buzz is officially the Cary Grant of the tournament. Nice touch of gray with movie star looks. Mack brings none of that to the event. This is no contest.

Jim Larranaga (Miami) vs. Ben Jacobson (Northern Iowa): Coach L looked smooth with the green tie in the win over Illinois. He will win a few National Coach of the Year honors. Jacobson has his team in the CIT semifinals. He’s another guy with Big Screen appeal. He should be walking the red carpet.

Bill Herrion (New Hampshire) vs. Tom Herrion (Marshall): This should be a Pay-Per-View event. The Herrion should pay us.

Don't forget cast your votes for college basketball's most stylish by Tweeting to @fashionable4
 

March 26th, 2013

THOSE WHO BELONG - AND THOSE WHO DON'T
by Seth Greenberg, ESPN

I have had a little time to review the brackets. I would have to say that the selection committee did a very poor job. There are coaches in this tournament that can’t dress and can’t find their way to a gym. It’s embarrassing.

I love my man Buzz Peterson (UNC Wilmington). He still looks like a movie star, but he looks like he’s spending more time walking the red carpet then walking the treadmill. My friend Chris Mack is nice and thin, but the upper body could use some work. I’d recommend Bowflex coach. You need to fill out your suit.

I think Jimmy Patsos (Loyola MD) and Frank Martin (South Carolina) walk into their closets and yell at their suits. It looks like they walk into Dunkin Donuts a lot also.

Is that Jeff Lebo (East Carolina) or Tom Colicchio of “Top Chef” fame? Looks like Lebo definitely enjoys dining (pictured).

Lots of potential NordicTrack clients in the field this year.

Who invited Monte Ross (Delaware) and Bruiser Flint (Drexel)? Both guys are linked to Phil Martelli (Saint Joseph’s). That’s not exactly fashion royalty. But at least Monte and Bru have youth on their side. It’s tough to be old and fashionably challenged like Joe Mihalich (Niagara).

When it comes to Philly Fashion it’s all about Clooney. My man Jay Wright (Villanova) sets the standard for all coaches. I don’t see Jay having much trouble on his side of the bracket. Sean (Arizona) and Archie (Dayton) Miller are in that bracket. Enough said.

Did I really see Bill Self (Kansas) in the fashion field? Great team -- average wardrobe. My guess is that he isn’t getting style tips from Larry Keating, who is the special assistant to the Athletic Director at Kansas. Larry is also the father of Kerry Keating (Santa Clara). It’s pretty clear that Kerry didn’t accept any advice from dad because he has zero style.

While we are on the subject of Zero Style let’s take a look at the results from the FIRST “FANCY” FOUR.

In the HEAD COACH field…Bill Herrion (New Hampshire) defeated Bob Huggins (West Virginia): Not like that was a real difficult task.

Bob Marlin (UL-Lafayette) got past Dave Paulsen (Bucknell): The Cajun Cowboy!

Greg Kampe outlasted Rick Byrd (Belmont): Battle of the sweater vests.

Joe Mihalich (Niagara) somehow beat Mike Brey (Notre Dame): I am hoping Mike just didn’t show up. This is the kind of loss that kills your FPI (Fashion Power Index).

In the ASSISTANTS field…Jim Fox (Davidson), Stephen Sauers (Seton Hall) and Scott Wagers (ETSU) all advanced. As did Mike Deane (James Madison). How bad must your wardrobe be to lose to Mike Deane? Wow.

There is a clear divide in this year’s field -- Those that belong and those that don’t.

Rick Pitino (Louisville) belongs. Richard Pitino (FIU) doesn’t. Come on coach you did a really nice job in your first season in South Florida, but one year as a head coach doesn’t qualify you for this tourney.

Anthony Grant (Alabama) certainly belongs. Neither of the Herrion brothers does. Seriously who extended invitations to these guys?

Willis Wilson (Texas A&M Corpus Christi) belongs. Mike Brey (Notre Dame) most certainly does not. Let’s be honest here. Mike has a great group of coaches. They did another phenomenal job this season. But that has to be the least stylish staff in college basketball.

Well maybe they are the second worst. I forgot about Bobby Huggins West Virginia staff.

CollegeInsider.com’s Angela Lento would certainly belong. CollegeInsider.com’s Riley Wallace would not. Good job with the CIT coach, but bad job with the gear. You need to retire the Tommy Bahama.

Don't forget to voice your opinions and cast your votes for college basketball's most stylish by Tweeting to @fashionable4

The First Round results will be posted on Wednesday.





March 7th, 2013

FIRST "FANCY" FOUR
by Seth Greenberg, ESPN

Just because I work for ESPN now doesn't mean I cannot cover this event. I am qualified, which is something I can't say for a number of guys who made the 2013 Tournament field. Let's be honest there should be rule against Bob Huggins attire. I love Huggins, but him being part of a fashion event is about as realistic as me with long wavy locks.

Over the past few years I had my share of disappointments with the NCAA selection committee. This season I am very discouraged by some of the decisions that fashion committee has made. I have a few questions.

Where is Phil Martelli (Saint Joseph's)?

How did Buzz Williams (Marquette) not make the field?

Did someone forget about Randy Bennett (Saint Mary's)?

No Steve Hawkins (Western Michigan)?

Is Joe Lunardi involved with this in anyway?

It's clear that there is a visible bias against the follicley-challenged. We will have to talk about this when the S.B.C.A meets next month in Atlanta. That's the Stylish Bald Coaches Association for those of you who are unfamiliar with our organization.

Memo to Thad Matta (Ohio State): We are accepting new members.

It's no surprise the four No. 1 seeds are Rick Pitino (Louisville), Jay Wright (Villanova), Gary Waters (Cleveland State) and John Calipari (Kentucky). Other entries to the field were surprising.

Bill Herrion (New Hampshire)? Somebody must have thought it was a St. Patrick's Day event when they invited him. Bill can break down a matchup zone but he can't match socks.

Sean Miller (Arizona)? Just because you can shoot free throws doesn't mean you can dress.

Joe Mihalich (Niagara)? I wasn't aware that Senior Citizens were eligible.

John Thompson III (Georgetown)? He actually has a nice wardrobe, but he has a bad body. Not a good combination. He should not be in this event.

Jimmy Patsos (Loyola MD)? That's just comical.

I will have a more extensive breakdown of the field next week.

It's hard to believe that the Runway to the Fashionable 4 has been in existence since 1998. Jay Wright, who won the first two titles, was still at Hofstra and Bobby Huggins was actually sporting stylish attire (not really). In the early days, then-Wagner coach and current color commentator for the Brooklyn Nets, Tim Capstraw was head of the selection committee. That's scary!

Danielle Wolfe now oversees the selection process. Be sure to voice your opinions and cast your votes for college basketball's most stylish by Tweeting to her @fashionable4