Some vice advice for Obama, college basketball-style

Bruce Pearl (Tennessee)

Pearl would be a great No. 2 because though he's a big-time coach he has embraced the role of playing second fiddle. He often refers to himself as the "second-best coach" in his own office, a clear tribute to Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. And couldn't you just see Pearl on the campaign trail, chest painted blue with a big 'O' on it? He'd be fantastic and a clear asset at rallies -- last season's example before the Memphis game serving as a solid indication.

Bob Huggins (West Virginia)

Sure, the DUI would hurt. I admit that. But Huggins could probably still help in the traditionally red state of West Virginia and certainly help in the toss-up state of Ohio. There is a theory in politics that "as Ohio goes, so goes the presidency." It's not exactly true, by the way. But it's been true in recent history, and Huggins remains immensely popular in Akron (where he coached five seasons) and Cincinnati (where he coached 16 seasons). He could pull some votes in those cities, I'm sure. And for that reason Huggins is worth considering ... as long as he swears not to wear his yellow suit to the inauguration.

Jim Larranaga (George Mason)

Like Obama, Larranaga's story is the story of an underdog. He overcame great odds to make the 2006 Final Four, scrapped and clawed and fought his way to the top while knocking off traditional powers like Michigan State and Connecticut. That's a story with which Obama's supporters could connect. And don't forget that George Mason is in Virginia, which, like Ohio, is a toss-up state Obama might need to win the presidency.

Mike Krzyzewski (Duke)

You didn't think I'd get to the end without mentioning the most powerful man in college basketball, did you? Krzyzewski makes sense on a lot of levels. He's a Catholic, which would help pull votes. He's a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, which would help pull votes. And he just led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal, which would help pull votes because it echoes Obama's central theme of Change.

I mean, the United States won gold in basketball.

If that's not change, I don't know what is.