Cuonzo Martin Makes Up-And-Coming Coaches List

The Boiling Point: Former Purdue guard and assistant coach Cuonzo Martin made an NBC Sports list of the top nine up-and-coming coaches.


Matt Painter used to talk about how good Cuonzo Martin would be some day as a head coach. Martin, the former Purdue assistant and 90s guard, left a couple years ago to take the Missouri State job. His team is now 20-6, 12-3 in the Missouri Valley, and NBC Sports says he’s one of the hottest commodities in the business.

"“Martin defined toughness as a Purdue Boilermaker. Last year he led the Bears to the championship of the Collegeinsider.com Tournament, so he ended his season with a win — just like Mike Krzyzewski. Missouri State is tied for first with Wichita State.”"

I’ve been fortunate enough to talk to ‘Zo a few times in my life, and he’s a cool guy. I know several players from his time as an assistant coach were big fans of his, including Chris Kramer and David Teague.

Look for ‘Zo to get a big time gig soon. Missouri State will play Valparaiso in an ESPN-televised, Dick Vitale-announced  Bracket Buster matchup Saturday.