tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32476242.post1600388191498767622..comments2024-02-20T03:16:59.964-05:00Comments on Lions Lowdown: Ranking the Big Ten coachesPaula Paschehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04351975379759661261noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32476242.post-4963477150803157272008-02-12T11:50:00.000-05:002008-02-12T11:50:00.000-05:00Isaac, thanks for your thoughts. I really do belie...Isaac, thanks for your thoughts. I really do believe the Big Ten has the best collection of coaches in college basketball so in no way are my rankings meant to slight anyone. In fact, the top three are virtually interchangeable and with a few more years Painter will make it the top four.<BR/><BR/>As for the Izzo-Ryan debate, Izzo is a fantastic coach. He built MSU into an elite program, won a national championship and did one of the best coaching jobs I've ever seen last year, hands down.<BR/><BR/>But I put Ryan first on my list for three reasons. Since Ryan took over in 2001, Wisconsin's had two draft picks (Alando Tucker and Devin Harris) to MSU's five, but more conference wins (68 to 61). Head-to-head, Ryan is 8-3 against Izzo. And on a personal note, just about every time I watch Wisconsin play I walk away appreciating Ryan's ability.<BR/><BR/>This is a great debate because there's no wrong answer. No matter who you prefer, you're splitting hairs to get there.Paula Paschehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04351975379759661261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32476242.post-49047454008063062942008-02-11T23:19:00.000-05:002008-02-11T23:19:00.000-05:00dave,how is ryan better than izzo?If coaches were ...dave,<BR/><BR/>how is ryan better than izzo?<BR/><BR/>If coaches were judged strictly on regular season performances, than that would be another story...hek, given that criteria, Gene Keady would be a top five coach of all-time....<BR/><BR/>but Ryan has yet to show he can compete and succeed in the tournmant....<BR/><BR/>and until then, putting him above Izzo or even a guy like Tubby Smith is a bit shortsighted.World of Isaachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17609452157635591172noreply@blogger.com