As the college basketball season approaches, fans are gearing up for an influx of articles and rankings. One prominent source of analysis, KenPom, has recently released its list of the top 25 college basketball coaches. However, this announcement has sparked considerable debate among enthusiasts and analysts alike.
Surprising Omission in KenPom’s Rankings
Among the coaches missing from this highly anticipated list is Todd Golden, the head coach of the Florida Gators. Golden, only 39 years old, recently led his team to a national championship, yet he ranks 39th in KenPom’s assessment. Many find this placement perplexing, given his impressive achievement.
Golden’s Impressive Track Record
- National Championship: Golden won the title in his third season at the University of Florida.
- Youngest Champion: He is the youngest coach to win a national championship since Jim Valvano in 1983.
- Previous Success: Before his time in Florida, he gained recognition by taking the University of San Francisco to the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
Critics argue that it undermines the significance of his recent success to have Golden ranked below coaches like Ritchie McKay, Will Wade, and Leon Rice. Many feel that the criteria used to compile the rankings need to be re-evaluated, especially when a national champion is overlooked.
The Debate on KenPom’s Validity
This situation raises questions about the credibility of rankings from established sources like KenPom. Fans and analysts are encouraged to remain critical of such lists as the season unfolds. The focus should be on the quality of coaching and team performance, rather than being swayed by sensationalized rankings.
As the basketball season begins, fans should brace themselves for various discussions and analysis pieces that may lean toward clickbait. The disappearance of Todd Golden from KenPom’s top coaches list serves as a notable example of how surprises can still occur in sports analysis, even from reputable sources.
