Kevin Ollie | Connecticut
Ollie opted to return to his alma mater over joining an NBA coaching staff when he retired in 2010. Two years later, he replaced the legendary Jim Calhoun as head coach. Two years after that, the Huskies were national champions. Ollie could stay and build a dynasty but may opt for the challenge of the NBA. He was linked to the Lakers' job last summer before signing a new five-year contract at UConn.
It's too early yet for Ollie to have a defined style, but a two-guard front helped get the best out of playmakers Ryan Boatright and
Shabazz Napier during the Huskies' NCAA tournament run and would translate to the NBA. More than anything, the respect Ollie commanded from teammates like
LeBron James and
Kevin Durant during his playing career would serve him well in the pros.
"The fact that he played in the league, the fact that he knows the players and has the respect of so many of the players, I think he would be excellent," said Carlesimo.
