April 17
Isn't it great to see a number of second lieutenants getting opportunities? There are so many assistant coaches who bust their guts and work around the clock, putting in time, energy and effort -- but too often they don't get enough recognition. The world of head-coaching vacancies often ends up like a game of musical chairs. One head coach moves on and another veteran often takes his place.

	Movin' On Up
	These assistants have become head coaches since the end of the season: Paul Biancardi -- Wright St. Jamie Dixon -- Pittsburgh Mike Garland -- Cleveland St. Brian Gregory -- Dayton Darrin Horn -- W. Kentucky

It's good to see some really worthy guys get a chance to show they have the potential to step up. New North Carolina Roy Williams needed the opportunity at Kansas after serving as a long-term assistant.

Williams got his break when Jayhawks athletic director Bob Frederick took a chance. Frederick doesn't get enough credit for recognizing the ability of Williams after 10 years in Chapel Hill, N.C. as Dean Smith's assistant.

You have to salute Marquette athletic director Bill Cords for giving then-Michigan State assistant coach Tom Crean a chance. Lots of assistants have taken advantage of their opportunities. Another example from this past season is Mike Anderson, who spent so many years on the Arkansas sideline with Nolan Richardson. He did a solid job at UAB this season.

The list goes go on and on. It's great to see the recent headlines, as Pittsburgh decided to give associate head coach Jamie Dixon a chance after Wake Forest's Skip Prosser said no. Pittsburgh honored the wishes of the players, who wanted Dixon to get the top job. It's a great opportunity to replace Ben Howland, who moved on to UCLA. Now it's up to Dixon to take advantage of this chance in the big-time Big East.

Pittsburgh is a great place because of its new facility, its reputation and the recent success built up by Howland. There is enthusiasm and a good returning nucleus despite the loss of senior point guard Brandin Knight. The addition of recruit Chris Taft of New York City will also help.

What about Darrin Horn returning to coach his alma mater, Western Kentucky? Horn, who did a good job as one of Crean's assistants at Marquette, replaced Georgia-bound Dennis Felton. Michigan State assistant Mike Garland is also getting an opportunity as he takes over from Rollie Massimino at Cleveland State. Tom Izzo has had a great list of assistants move on: Crean, Stan Heath, Stan Joplin, Garland and Brian Gregory (going to Dayton).

In Gregory's case, he inherits a program with solid tradition and fan support. Basketball is special at Dayton, and Gregory is ready for the challenge. The Flyers made the NCAA Tournament this year season, and coach Oliver Purnell has moved on to Clemson and the ACC. Gregory will be a star in the Atlantic 10!

Ohio State assistant Paul Biancardi has taken over at Wright State in the Horizon League. He has been waiting for his opportunity. Other assistants are out there, waiting their turn. Guys like Dave Dickerson at Maryland, Scott Rigot at Kentucky and Fred Hill of Villanova will eventually get the opportunity they deserve.

It's fantastic to see these guys get a chance. I really feel that the administrators did a super job digging deep, making certain they scrutinized and evaluated this new talent, giving them the chance to prove themselves. They are now captains instead of second lieutenants. Maybe one of them will become the next Roy Williams.