Barry’s chart on Tuesday looked at youthful ACC coaches, and there is an interesting history there.
Vic Bubas took over at Duke in 1960 at 30. Dean Smith took over Frank McGuire’s UNC program at 30. Mike Krzyzewski took over Duke at 33.
All three of those guys, partly because of immense ability and partly because of timing, were ultimately able to become the dominant ACC coach in their respective eras.
Tony Bennett is not as young as the three afore-mentioned maestros were, but he’s in a similar position. When Coach K steps down next spring, he’s got a chance to seize control of the conference.