No Regrets For Huggins
 

He is 56 now, and maybe not as combative as he once was. There was a time when Huggins was the lord of the campus at Cincinnati and was not afraid to exercise his power where he saw fit. That worked well for him until a new university president decided she wanted to be in charge.

She was not impressed with the basketball program's tiny graduation rate and large police file. When Huggins was charged with DUI, she took the opportunity to usurp some of his control. A year later, she handed him a $3 million buyout and sent Huggins on his way.

The outrage in Cincinnati was immediate. Attendance dived at basketball games. Deep pocket donors walked away. Cincinnati had gone 11 consecutive years without an NCAA Tournament appearance before Huggins' arrival and has missed all five tournaments since he left. During his era? Cincinnati made the tournament 14 times in 16 years.

His one season at Kansas State was similarly polarizing. During his year away from coaching, Huggins apparently continued recruiting in a legal, if slightly unethical, loophole manner. He brought a bevy of recruits to K-State, more than doubled the season ticket base, then hit the nearest interstate when West Virginia came calling.

At this point, there is no arguing Huggins' genius at coaching. All his resume lacks is an NCAA championship. Only eight coaches have ever won more games (667) without a title, and only two have more tournament appearances (18) without a ring.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baske...egrets/1081652