espect.

It has been Arkansas coach Nolan RichardsonÕs theme song this week at the Final Four. Richardson says both the Razorbacks and himself as a coach have not received the respect that is owed to them.

And you have to tend to agree with him, especially after you consider the fact that his team was voted by writers and his fellow coaches No. 1 in the national polls for nine weeks this season, the Razorbacks were awarded a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, they played for the national championship and Richardson received the national coach of the year award.

Forget winning the national title for the sake of being the champs, itÕs a matter of respect. DonÕt be fooled, says Richardson, this is a good team.

Really?

Sunday, Richardson sat before the media and ripped ESPNÕs Mitch Albom because Albom said Duke would win since the Blue Devils were the smarter team.

ÒYou know that the most intelligent team is not these guys,Ó said Richard-son, referring to his team. ÒThese reporters on television sitting around a ~jump~

~mid~ table are so smart, the smartest people I know. They were four guys who probably have never put on a jock strap. I have a problem with perceptions.Ó

I canÕt dunk. On a good day, I can hit 4 of 10 free throws. And donÕt ask me to run up and down a court for 30 minutes Ñ my sto-mach canÕt handle it. But because a reporter is neither a coach nor a player on a Final Four team, it does not mean they do not understand the game.

AlbomÕs point is valid. When playing for a champ-ionship, fundamentals and composure usually win out. Ask Michigan, the team Albom covers for the Detroit Free Press.

Albom didnÕt say the Razorbacks were stupid players, stupid people or even an undisciplined team. But when comparing two teams or two anything, one must be better than the other. The Blue Devils possessed the championship game experience and a sounder fundamental game. The Razorbacks were often erratic.

Look at the stats. Through 33 games (last nightÕs not included), Duke had 69 fewer turnovers, a higher free-throw percentage by 20 points and a stifling defense which allowed only 67.3 points per game, while Arkansas had a slightly higher field-goal percentage.

Statistics can be deceiving. Arkansas was loaded. It showed last night as Richardson led the Razorbacks past Duke, 76-72, for the national championship.

Did Arkansas finally reach its desired level of respect? Who will ever know?

No one ever said Richardson couldnÕt coach. Read Next Article