Okay, once you start paying attention, the basketball world can be as itty bitty as a yellow polka dot bikini. (Or, if you 're Jason Giambi, a golden thong.)

If you were reading the blog during the championship part of this past college season, you might recall my post on Monroe College, who won the Division III Junior College tournament (even though they, as an institution are no longer a JC... just converting the program to an NCAA beast is a bear).

You might also remember that I mentioned I got the nicest thank you note from Monroe's PR person. What I don't believe I mentioned is that on the flight down to Tampa for the Final Four, I noticed a gentleman walking down the aisle wearing a Monre shirt. Unable to resist my pathological need to strike up a conversation with total strangers, I popped up from my seat and asked if he was the coach.

"Yes," he said.

"Congrats on your championship," I told him.

"Are you a coach?" he asked, slightly surprised.

"Nope, just a multi-division fan."

Well, more cool news out of Monroe. That same coach, Seth Goodman, has been named a court coach for the 2008 USABasketball U18 National team trials.

"This is definitely the thrill of my coaching career," Goodman said. "I hope my knowledge and experience helps these girls, and the entire program, improve. It will be an incredible chance to work with world class athletes, some incredible coaches and the premiere basketball organization in the world in USA Basketball."

He will be joined by Kris Huffman, who coached DePauw University to a D-III national championship. (Remember? They were the answer to the 2007 Champions Quiz: "Only good enunciation and better hearing separates this first-time winner from Doug Bruno's team.)

The all-time winningest coach in DePauw women's basketball history, under Huffman's guidance the Tigers have reached nine NCAA Division III Tournaments, including five consecutive trips since 2004.

By the way, if you're wondering about USA BBall coaches and their selection process, take a gander here....