The 2026 Candid Coaches feature wraps up with a critical look at power dynamics in college basketball. Insiders Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander surveyed nearly 100 men's Division I coaches, asking them a pivotal question: Who is the most powerful person in college basketball?

The results reveal a landscape marked by chaos and uncertainty:

• Greg Sankey (SEC commissioner) leads with 25% of the votes.
• Agents follow closely at 23%, showing their significant influence on player movements and market dynamics.
• Other notable mentions include lawyers (9%), judges (8%), and various coaches like John Calipari and Jon Scheyer.

Coaches express frustration over the current state of the game, where:

• Agents dictate player decisions, impacting team dynamics and financial negotiations.
• Lawyers and judges influence eligibility and transfer rules, often operating outside the sport's traditional governance.

Greg Sankey garners praise for his influence on college athletics, particularly regarding NIL rules and tournament expansion. Coaches note that the SEC remains a dominant force, yet even Sankey faces challenges within his own ranks.

Conversely, the absence of votes for NCAA president Charlie Baker highlights a significant shift in authority, reflecting a broader concern about who truly holds power in the evolving landscape of college sports.

As the new season approaches, uncertainty looms for rosters and eligibility, leaving coaches questioning who they can turn to for clarity in these tumultuous times.