Big Sky Basketball: Top 10 head coaches of the century (2000-20)
By Joey Loose
2. Big Sky Basketball coach rankings – Larry Krystkowiak (Montana, 2004-2006)
Despite spending just two seasons as head coach of his alma mater, what Krystkowiak accomplished in those two years is more than enough to earn a spot this high on the list. Krystkowiak spent nearly a decade playing in the NBA after starring at Montana and his coaching career was only just getting started when Montana tabbed him to take over the program in 2004.
The hiring was a smart choice for both parties, as Krystkowiak led Montana to unparalleled success for the program. He didn’t win the regular-season title in either season but took care of business twice in the Big Sky Tournament. After winning 18 games in his first season, his 2006 team won 24 games and upset 5-seed Nevada in the NCAA Tournament, the program’s first win in 31 years.
Using that final and most important win as a launching point, Krystkowiak wound up with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming their head coach briefly and has now spent nearly a decade in the Pac-12 leading Utah. He did fantastic work with his alma mater, and that victory in the NCAA Tournament is something that the Grizzlies have yet to match in the fourteen years since his departure.