NCAA Basketball: Coach of the Year power rankings

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats points after a made basket in the second half against the Temple Owls at the Liacouras Center on December 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Temple Owls 87-67. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 16: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts against the Butler Bulldogs in the second half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Purdue won 82-67. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Matt Painter, Purdue

Imagine losing one of the best players in the entire country, an All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year, and getting better.

That’s what the Purdue Boilermakers have done this season, thanks to Matt Painter.

The Boilermakers haven’t lost a step without Caleb Swanigan – in fact, they’ve picked up a step instead. The team is shooting 43.7% from three-point range, the third-best mark in the sport. Additionally, they’re averaging 18.3 assists per game (8th in the nation) while surrendering just 62.2 points per game (10th).

Purdue has lost just two games this season by a combined seven points. One of those losses came to Tennessee, a team that is exceeding expectations and drawing Coach of the Year consideration for Rick Barnes.

Sophomore Carsen Edwards is a star, averaging 17.2 points per game while shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc. That’s a huge boon for Painter, since the next three leading scorers on the team are all set to graduate after the season.

Painter has won three conference Coach of the Year honors, but has never been considered for one nationally. Then again, his teams have never advanced past the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.

Next: 5 biggest injuries of the season

By all indications, this is the year both of those statements change.

Home/NCAA Basketball News