23. Jay Wright
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Aside from being a snappy dresser, the now-retired head coach from the Northeast region was ahead of the game. Wright’s Villanova teams were emblematic of basketball’s ever-changing climate. Instead of relying upon size, Wright’s teams were guard-oriented — where versatility, shooting, and quickness were prioritized. His teams may have not been the most physically imposing, but Wright’s schemes enabled the squad to dominate the pace of play with regularity.
At a small school like Villanova, Wright sustained immense success. He helped lead the Wildcats to eight Big East titles, five Big East tournament titles, 18 postseason appearances (out of a possible 19 opportunities), and two National Titles. All the while, he also developed a plethora of NBA players (including Kyle Lowry, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Randy Foye, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo).
