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Coaches' Corner
Pupils in 2001 playoffs
By Mike Douchant ALL THE KINGS' MEN This season marks the 25th anniversary of the last major-college team to go undefeated. Indiana was 32-0 in 1975-76 under Bob Knight. But many believe the Hoosiers' team the previous season was a superior squad. IU, undefeated entering the tourney (29-0), lost the Mideast Regional final against Kentucky (92-90). Consensus first-team All-American forward Scott May's broken arm possibly cost Indiana the national crown. May returned to the lineup against Kentucky, but he was rusty and scored just two points. Knight boasted one of the all-time greatest coaching staffs in 1974-75. His four assistants--Dave Bliss, Bob Donewald, Mike Krzyzewski and Bob Weltlich--all eventually became head coaches for at least two different major colleges and compiled more than 1,600 major-college victories among them. "That was an unbelievable experience," Donewald said. "It was like being a part of a coaching clinic all day, every day." Knight was out of coaching this season after departing Indiana, but his influence remains in the 2001 NCAA Tournament while debating whether to return to the coaching community by aligning with Texas Tech. Joining Duke's Krzyzewski among former Knight aides are IU's Mike Davis and Indiana State's Royce Waltman. Also, former Hoosier All-American Steve Alford is at the helm of Iowa's program. "Of course, we like to see people who coach for us become head coaches," Knight told acclaimed basketball writer John Feinstein years ago. "That's what this game is about. So there's no reason not to give them responsibility. The guys we've had have been very good at handling it. "I like to consider myself a good judge of talent whether that be playing or coaching talent. And, I like to think that players or coaches improve if they work at it." Knight disciples contend that the improvement stems from discipline. "You come away with a greater appreciation for discipline," said DeVoe, who is now at Navy. "Bob has an ability to just shut out all the distractions of the outside world so he can focus on what the team is doing. That's probably why he's had problems with the media because they are a distraction and he doesn't want them to affect what he's doing. "If you are around Knight you have no choice but to learn. Because if you don't, you won't be around very long." Odds are it won't be long before Knight is passed by Krzyzewski for having the most former assistants at the helm of major colleges. "The one thing about working for `The Mentor' is you learn to be flexible," Krzyzewski said. Krzyzewski's present staff consisting of three former standout Blue Devils guards (Johnny Dawkins, Steve Wojciechowski and Chris Collins) undoubtedly will be attractive head coaching candidates in the next few seasons. For whatever reason, numerous mentors have a knack for developing head coaches. Here is a look at coaches in this year's tourney who have at least one protege coaching another squad in the 65-team bracket:
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