"Looking at the bracket, it's easy to see what everyone has been talking about all year: how deep this league is, " said second-seeded VCU's coach, Shaka Smart.

WSJ: Atlantic 10 tournament hits big time in Big Apple

The UCLA coaching search threw up a few air-balls earlier this week, with failed overtures to Shaka Smart (VCU) and Brad Stevens (Butler) before scoring their man in Steve Alford (New Mexico).

FORBES: UCLA Lands Steve Alford, But Did Steve Alford Land One of America's Best Coaching Jobs?

Now Shaka Smart might be a different story.

FORBES: Final Four Benefits from Parity, But There's A Big Downside

The 50-year-old Marshall is in his sixth season at Wichita State, but he fits in well with the up-and-coming coaches who made their reputations through unlikely tournament success such as Butler's Brad Stevens or VCU's Shaka Smart.

NPR: Wichita State Upsets OSU 70-66 For Final Four Trip