Ever since my team, Kentucky, and my favorite player, Oscar, had a heartbreaking and shocking loss in the first round of the NCAA men’s tournament, I’ve been looking for another team to support. I could follow standard procedure; supporting another team from my conference, cheering for the Cinderella story but that all seems too cliché and serious so I’m choosing my next team solely by their head coaches’ fashion.
- Jay Wright – Villanova
Villanova often has found success in the NCAA tournament, in the past ten years they’ve gone to the championship game twice and won both times. Their secret to success may not be their best dressed coach, but hey it certainly can’t hurt. Jay Wright can almost always be found in a suit, typical attire for college basketball coaches, but what makes him stand out is his choices.
He doesn’t stick to typical black, grey and brown and if he does he finds a way to make it unique. He can often be found in pinstripes, plaid or an accent tie that makes him stand apart from the other dully dressed coaches. After twenty-one years as their head coach their success, and his style seem to remain constant each March.\
2. Hubert Davis – North Carolina
North Carolina has had quite a lot of changes over the past few years, losing their longtime coach Roy Williams and a few really rough seasons both the team and their new coach have made quite a turnaround. Hubert Davis in his first year of being the head coach of the Tarheels has made his mark both in his style and in his coaching.
The Tarheels haven’t had the best season but have been able to make it to the sweet sixteen. As for their coaches’ fashion, he too sticks to traditional suits or elevated sportwear. But sticking to the classics works for his style, it isn’t too flashy and like his team this year both fly under the radar. And let’s be honest, that baby blue is such a pretty color and he does well to make it a statement.
3. Mark Few – Gonzaga
Gonzaga seems to be another team that has consistent success each basketball season. Although, they’ve yet to bring home the title; they are a treat each season. Their coach strays away from the traditional old school, suit and tie that can always been seen on the likes of Coach K and Coach Cal. Mark Few adds more youth to his look by losing the tie and having an open collar.
Maybe this is a strategy, so he doesn’t feel so restricted in his movements on the sidelines, or maybe he wants to appear cooler and younger than the likes of other legendary coaches. Either way his look still is professional but feels more modern that the other coaches. I have no comment about his players, Drew Timme’s mustache though.
4. Shaheen Holloway – St. Peter’s
Now, this one is hard to admit because we watched this team dismantled two teams from Kentucky. But, I have to give credit where credit is due. Shaheen Holloway has style, and although I wish a Kentucky team was still in the tournament, I begrudgingly admit I am happy for Shaheen and St. Peter’s. I can’t devolve into the sports aspect of this team, but I will do a deep dive on Shaheen’s fashion.
He really strays away from the traditional look and often can be found in elevated sportswear. Sweat wicking polos, zip up jackets and sweatpants that could trick anyone into believing they were dress pants, are often worn by Shaheen. He’ll pull out a suit every now and then but his go too look is much more laid back. Maybe it’s his age, or the fact that his school isn’t rolling the in money off endorsements (well maybe not yet) but he tends to keep it more causal and even still he always looks put together.