NCAA Basketball: 10 most unappreciated head coaches in 2022
By Joey Loose
9. Mark Adams – Texas Tech
Another definition of underrated focuses instead on a coach who does something incredible but doesn’t seem to be getting the respect he deserves at this point. For the last five seasons, Adams sat on the Texas Tech bench beside Chris Beard, helping him build this Red Raiders program into a national power, with defensive intensity leading the charge. This past season, with Beard off to Texas, it was Adams’ turn to run the show and he delivered.
The Red Raiders won 27 games and made the Sweet Sixteen in a season where they outperformed expectations and their former boss at Texas. This wasn’t Adams’ first rodeo, having previously led Howard College to a junior college championship and serving at a few other schools as well. He’s been a name in collegiate hoops in the state of Texas for decades, but now is the time to give Adams his dues.
Obviously, this season was a great start and it takes more than one great year to make a great coach. However, we have half a decade’s worth of evidence of this Texas Tech defense, and Adams remains its crafty architect. The overall coaching records look suspect (44-90 at UTRGV in the 90’s); perhaps that’s why people aren’t lauding Adams as much as they should after an incredible first year leading the Red Raiders. If it happens again, he won’t be on this list next year.