RealGM

There have college coaches in the past who decided to test the NBA waters and coach a pro team...Rick Pitino, John Calipari, and the most recent being Mike Montegomery all come to mind.

Can an NCAA coach be successful as a head coach in the NBA? All previous trials indicate a resounding "no", but I do believe there are certain coaches in the NCAA today that can be successful at the pro level.

Some include:
Coach K of Duke.
Thad Matta of Ohio St.
Tom Izzo of Michigan St.

Speaking of Tom Izzo, how do y'all think he fares in the NBA if or when given the chance? And do you think he's the next college coach to give it a try? If not, who will be?

If a college coach doesn't take over a crappy NBA team with a crappy GM (or prove a crappy GM themselves) then sure, they can be successful. Rick Pitino improved the Knicks when he went there in 1987. John Calipari improved the Nets and even took them to the playoffs back in the late 90's.

Very few IMO. Most of the great college coaches either are great recruiters first or coach styles that do not excel in the NBA. I'm sure in the right situation some of them could be sucessful, but the skill set for being a college coach and being a pro coach are pretty different.

Tom Izzo would have a chance.

Al Skinner of Boston College

Jay Wright might be able to, he's very good at relating to his players and doesn't have a huge ego like many of the better college coaches.

There's strong talk about Philadelphia-Nova connections. But I have a feeling the offense would remain mostly the same. Though Wright puts an emphasis on guard play. On the bright side, under a Wright Rush might see more time and Young might be starting at the 3.

bill self and roy williams. both becuz of their personalities and pro styles.

Tom Izzo from MSU. That's more likely to happen if his team fails to make the final this year.

Jay Wright
Al Skinner
Coach K