NCAA College Basketball: Thad Matta and the 5 Most Underrated Head Coaches

In college basketball, we always hear the names like Izzo, Krzyzewski, Calhoun and Pitino. These guys are all great coaches, without a doubt, and deserve all the credit they get.

They're are also many other good coaches in basketball that don't get nearly the attention that these guys get.

I'm not arguing that the guys on this list are better than these top coaches in basketball.

I'm just arguing that they do not get enough credit and attention for the job that they have done at their respective schools.

No. 5: Bo Ryan (Wisconsin)

Since becoming the head coach at Wisconsin, Bo Ryan has posted a 232-86 record and has nine consecutive NCAA tournament births.

His teams are always one of the teams to beat in the Big Ten, even though they do not always have the most talent. He also had four Division III National Championships before making the jump to Division I.

No. 4: Mark Few (Gonzaga)

The reason coach Few doesn't get any love is because he is coaching at a mid-major program. When he first began at Gonzaga, they were a one-year wonder team that he turned into a perennial tournament team.

He has won a share of the conference 11 consecutive years and has also earned 10 consecutive NCAA tournament bids

No. 3: Jamie Dixon (Pittsburgh)

Dixon currently has the highest winning percentage in the Big East with a .696 winning percentage.

He also has more wins in his first seven seasons than any other coach in college history.

He has already posted 207 wins in his short time at Pitt.

No. 2: Jay Wright (Villanova)

Jay Wright is not even 50 and already has 326 career wins.

It took him a few years at Villanova before turning the program around and now they are one of the most consistent teams in the toughest conference in college basketball.

He is not just an X's and O's guy, he is also one of the best recruiters in the country.

No. 1: Thad Matta (Ohio State)

Although his team is currently ranked No. 1, I believe he is the most underrated coach in basketball.

There are not many college basketball coaches out there who could have their team ranked No. 1 and still not be the favorite coach at their own school.

No matter how good he makes this program, he will always be No. 2 behind Jim Tressel and the football program. Matta has put up 20 or more wins in 10 straight seasons, and since his head coaching career took off he has compiled a record of 258-85.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Young (NAIA Walsh University)

This guy is the best coach at the NAIA level.

He is consistently a contender for National Championships, has been in the NAIA tournament six consecutive years, and has an unbelievable .820 winning percentage.

This guy could have a Division I coaching job in a heartbeat if he wanted one.