College Basketball Coaches and Jay Wright Hanging it up at 60

The older I get, the younger 60 seems. And this week one of the most successful NCAA coaches announced his retirement, to the surprise of many.

Good for him. He has enough money and retirement, I am sure. He and his family are set for a good life.

He has enough accolades and respect.

Now he is giving the next generations some chances, some opportunities. Possibilities of more money, for sure. But more chances to succeed, in general, for younger coaches, and perhaps those of African-American backgrounds.

Let the next guys get a few more bucks. The legendary, possibly best of all time, Mike Kryszewski of Duke, is also done. He is quite a bit older. To some controversy, his successor is a white guy.

Why does race matter? Ordinarily I think it is all about merit, regardless of race and ethnic background. It should not matter, but...

College basketball is largely Black at the best player level. It has been for decades.

NCAA top notch basketball is based on the participation and excellence of, by far, African-American players.

There have only been two Black coaches who have won it all, John Thompson and Nolan Richardson. Anyone else?

Well, Mr. Wright, to no discredit for his race, has in effect helped others, particularly  minorities, to get a few shakes to lead a major school, opening up more opportunities for others at every level.

Wright has done things right.

Thank you.

Two championships, he is among the elite of all time.

Mike Woodson would be a great new champ, right?