Hall in the Hall

The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday that recommends putting former UK coach Joe B. Hall in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The 2010 finalists will be announced on Friday during the NBA’s all-star weekend and among those eligible and expected to be enshrined this year are:
Karl Malone
Scottie Pippen
Jim Valvano
1992 Dream Team

While I have no problem with any of those selections, I wondered if the Kentucky House is on to something. Let’s take a look at the past three men’s college coaches inducted in the Hall as compared to Joe B.

Joe B. Hall-
Championships: 1 (1978)
Final Fours: 3
Overall Record: 373-156 (.700)

Roy Williams (2007)-
Championships: 2 (2005, 2009)
Final Fours: 7
Overall Record: 607-148 (.804)
Other Notables (at the time of induction): 3rd coach to take two schools to final game…highest winning percentage in the nation among active coaches w/ 10+ years of experience

Jim Boheim (2005)-
Championships: 1 (2003)
Final Fours: 3
Overall Record: 822-289 (.740)
Other Notables (at the time of induction): Winningest coach in Big East history…significant role in Coaches v. Cancer

Jim Calhoun (2005)-
Championships: 2 ( 1999 and 2004)
Final Fours: 3
Overall Record: 816-345 (.700)
Other Notables (at the time of induction): First coach to win at least 240 games at 2 different schools, lots of charity work

I think he certainly compares favorably to Calhoun and Boeheim, although with considerable less wins (and considerable less time as head coach). It’s a nice gesture by the House, but like the South Carolina resolution, probably not one that will make much difference.

One more coach for you:
Eddie Sutton
Championships: 0
Final Fours: 5
Overall Record: 804-327
Other Notables: First coach to take four schools to the NCAA tournament, 2nd coach to win at least 240 games at two different schools

I don’t love the man either, but shouldn’t he be in the hall?

Brady Morningstar shoots perhaps the worst free throw in the history of the game: