April 2009 | Page 16 of 17 | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Friday / April 26.
  • DETROIT – So much for Tim Floyd going to Arizona.

    Or Memphis.

    The USC coach said he’s staying put at Southern Cal.

    Floyd, 55, interviewed with Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. The meeting came a day after Floyd asked Trojans players at the team’s banquet — including freshman forward DeMar DeRozan — to wait on the NBA draft and remain at USC.

    “I listened, I heard what they had to say,” Floyd told the Times. “But there is something really special about building your own traditions and your own history.”

    UPDATE: Bob Hurley wants Fontan to stay at Fordham.

    DETROIT – Fordham point guard Jio Fontan is seeking his release from the school, but has been denied by the program, according to a source with knowledge.

    Half a dozen schools from the SEC, ACC and Big East — including both New Jersey programs — would be interested in landing the 6-foot-1 Fontan.

    Fontan, who starred for Bob Hurley at St. Anthony in Jersey City, averaged 15.3 points and 4.7 assists for a Fordham team that finished 3-25, 1-15 in the A-10.

    DETROIT – Memphis AD R.C. Johnson has not yet asked for permission to speak with Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl about the coaching opening at Memphis.

    “We have not asked for permission from Tennessee to speak with its basketball coach,” Memphis spokesman Lamar Chance wrote in an email.

    Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com reported that Johnson was “expected to ask for permission” to speak with Pearl on Thursday.

    Memphis television station WMC reported that Pearl has been offered a seven-year, $21 million contract to take over for John Calipari, who left Memphis for an eight-year, $32 million deal at Kentucky, but Tennessee officials say Pearl isn’t leaving.

    DETROIT – The coaching turnstile is spinning rapidly and bodies are starting to fly.

    Tim Floyd is reportedly considering heading to Arizona from USC and that move could have fallout on coaches and recruits across the nation.

    Pitt coach Jamie Dixon, who was born in Burbank, Calif., could opt to take the USC job, although one source close to the Pitt program called that possibility “doubtful.”

    But if Dixon were to leave,  Sean Miller, a Pittsburgh graduate whose team lost to the Panthers in the Sweet 16, could move to Pitt from Xavier.

    Floyd could also bring some of his recruits to Arizona from USC with him.

    Solomon Hill, who first chose Arizona and then committed to the Trojans after Lute Olson retired, told the Tucson Citizen he would “weigh his options” if Floyd goes to Arizona.

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