Overview

• Painter received 19% of votes, edging UConn’s Dan Hurley at 18%, with Creighton’s Greg McDermott at 16%.
• The trio accounted for 53% of responses, while no other coach topped 7% in the peer voting.
• Coaches cited Painter’s in-game counters and player development, highlighting the ascents of Zach Edey and Braden Smith.
• Hurley drew praise for detailed scouting and highly efficient half-court offense, while McDermott was lauded for precise execution and elite in-game play-calling.
• The survey referenced Painter’s narrow edge over the coach he met in the 2024 title game, as local reaction flagged Kentucky’s Mark Pope as a notable omission.