Tommy Amaker's Michigan bunch embarrassed itself and -- by association -- the Duke franchise Friday, losing to Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. This was only the latest disgrace to the Coach K -- um, er -- coaching tree.

We trot out that bromide with caution because to credit Coach K with a "tree" at this point would be complimenting shrubs everywhere. We'll give it to you straight from the site of the latest fiasco: If Krzyzewski calls recommending one of his guys right now, make that scratchy noise with your voice and pretend like you've been disconnected.

To summarize: Quin Snyder ran Missouri into the ground before resigning under pressure earlier this year. It's going on three years since Mike Brey had a tournament appearance at Notre Dame. David Henderson is feeling the heat at Delaware after a 9-21 season. It's been four years since Bob Bender was fired at Washington where he was 26 games under .500.

Just the other day Fairfield's Tim O'Toole (Duke assistant, 1995-97) was fired with a 112-120 mark in eight seasons.