Last week we covered the top 5 over rated college basketball coaches and today we will look at the top 5 coaches in college basketball. As a handicapper Craig looks at it a little differently than just your average fan. Most fans of a school just look at the wins and losses but Craig instead looks at it as does this coach have his players performing above or below there potential. This is a hidden handicapping tool that helps separate between those match ups that are very close.

1. Tom Izzo: Best defense and rebounding team almost every year. One of the few big ten schools that performs very well in the NCAA tournament. Always feel safe playing Michigan State against the spread because you know they are going to come to play. Not the most talented basketball teams but always play hard and smart basketball.

2. Coach K: Well he does have the most NBA players but rarely does his team get blown out or not show up to play. Very good defensive team and creative on offense to get his players in the right spot. Don't forgot has 3 championships in an era where no one else has more than two.

3. Bill Self: Only one championship but in a short period of time has established himself as a big game winner. Kansas had a ton of upset losses under Roy Williams but now that he is there they are coming to play every day on both ends of the court. Don't forget he also turned around Illinois before leaving for Kansas.

4. Ben Howland: 3 final fours in the last five years speaks for itself. Best defensive coach in country that can get great athletes to play defense. Offense probably his weakness but gets the job done most of the time.

5. Bob Huggins: Everywhere he has been he has completely turned around the programs. Most think he can't win in the tournament but actually think he is usually getting a higher seed than team deserves because during the season beats so many teams by out coaching them. Very under rated coach not many pros have come from his teams but always in top 20.

Handicapping tools are different for each capper but for me coaching is right up there with talent level. Make sure when capping you do not fall in love with just talent as these coaches and other great ones constantly beat teams with better talent by having there team ready to play.

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