Top Five X’s & O’s Coaches In College Basketball

1. Mark Few – Gonzaga

Dec. 5, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few talks with a referee during a agame against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The Bulldogs would go not beat the Cougars by a final score of 71-69. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The System: The Zags might be college basketball’s version of “America’s Team” due to their success in the role as the perennial underdog, but their style of play and their roster has a distinct European flair.

Few’s system has evolved from the rigidness of a continuity offense to the more free-flowing European style. Few teaches concepts such as four-out and five-out spacing that feed off the pick-and-roll. Features such as the high ball screen at the top of the key and the two-man pick-and-roll action on the wing are right out of Euro league playbooks.

Why it Works: The system works because Few brings in skilled big men who can stretch the defense and capitalize on the mismatches and isolations the Euro game creates. Defenses are forced to decide between protecting the basket or defending the perimeter.

Why it’s Here: Gonzaga and Few have been consistent winners and innovators. The Zags have gone to 16 consecutive NCAA tournaments, and not always with the same formula. Few’s creative approach to finding players, implementing a European style system to fit them and the consistent results are why he tops our list.