Tough to top Orr… unless TJ takes us to a Final Four this year. Sure, TJ resurrected a program that Prohm killed, but Orr built a program that barely existed before his arrival.
I was going to say Eustschy, but then realized outside of 1999-2001 he actually didn’t do a whole lot outside of party with coeds.
the top 5 are clearly Orr, Floyd, Eustachy, Hoiberg and TJ, right?
I'd go Orr number 1. He showed he was a great coach at Michigan, resurrected Iowa State BB, but couldn't get to an elite level. I seem to remember they should have had a great team in the late 80's but had problems with guys like Mack and Mark Baugh maybe?
I think I'd have to go Hoiberg #2. He edges out TJ just based on sustained success. If TJ goes to the tournament next year or goes to the Elite 8 this year, he passes Hoiberg.
TJ is #3. I think Floyd and Eustachy are great X's and O's coaches but TJ is right up there with them, especially with the defense. Floyd had a great first 3 years, but had a dud in year 4. Had he stuck around and showed that was a 1 year blip, then he would have jumped up on the list.
I'd go Floyd #4 and Larry #5. Larry improved on Floyd's last year's record with a sophomore Fizer and had 2 amazing seasons, but then went into a rebuild. Just as bad as Floyd and rebounded a bit in his last year, but I'm not sure he was going to go to the level he had with 2 of the greatest players to ever play at Iowa State. Would have been interesting to see what he did with Stinson and Blalock, though.