In four days, 65 NCAA basketball teams will begin the scramble that is appropriately known as March Madness. Although there are no formulas in calculus, statistics or trigonometry that would allow you to predict the winners for your tournament brackets, there are several notable head coaches you may want to put your money on. Here are five black head coaches that ro predicts will have impressive victories during the NCAA tournament.
–amir shaw
John Thompson III
Georgetown
In six years as the head coach of Georgetown University, John Thompson III has followed in his father’s (John Thompson II) footsteps by continuing to lead one of the most superior basketball programs in the nation. A No. 3 seed in the Midwest bracket, the Georgetown Hoyas will find themselves in the Final Four after they upset no.1 Kansas in an Elite Eight matchup.
Paul Hewitt
Georgia Tech
Paul Hewitt will be looking to lead the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to the Final Four for the first time since 2004. Although the Yellow Jackets have lacked a consistent leader at the point guard position this season, Hewitt has been able to find ways to utilize his highly talented post players to dominate teams inside. A No. 10 seed in the in the Midwest bracket, Georgia Tech will be dancing until the Sweet 16.
Tubby Smith
Minnesota
The only black head coach to win an NCAA championship, Tubby Smith knows what it takes to lead a team to the big game. During the Big Ten tournament, Smith’s Gophers surprised Michigan State and Purdue by beating both of the elite teams before losing to Ohio State. A No. 11 seed in the West bracket, Smith’s team will pull off upsets in the first and second round of the NCAA tournament.
Leonard Hamilton
Florida State University
Once an NBA coach, Hamilton has somehow made basketball more important than football at Florida State University. By winning 22 games this season, Hamilton’s Seminoles were able to secure a No. 9 seed in the NCAA tournament. They are athletic enough to beat Gonzaga, but Hamilton’s team will not have enough firepower to beat No. 1 Syracuse in the second round.
Oliver Purnell
Clemson University
Oliver Purnell has done a remarkable job of making basketball relevant again at Clemson University. By leading the program to three consecutive NCAA tournament bids, Purnell has established a cult-like following in South Carolina.
If his team can squeeze by No. 2 West Virginia in the second round of the East bracket, the Tigers will make it to the Elite Eight.
