April 2010 | 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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Thursday / April 18.
  • INDIANAPOLIS — Dan Hurley is headed back to college and his older brother, Bobby, could be coming with him.

    Dan Hurley, 37, accepted the Wagner head coaching opening Monday morning and will leave Newark (N.J.) St. Benedict’s Prep after nine seasons during which he compiled a 223-21 record.

    A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Staten Island school, which is 40 minutes from Hurley’s home in Freehold, N.J.

    “I just think at the age I’m at, if there was ever a time for me to make the move back to college, this is obviously the time,” Hurley said in his first interview since accepting the job. “It wasn’t easy for me to decide to get myself involved there because I have such a great connection to St. Benedict’s. Getting involved in any college job when you work at St. Benedict’s is not a no-brainer because of the school itself and because of what we’ve created.”

    Hurley replaces Mike Deane, who was fired after seven seasons. He went 5-26 this  past year.

    A source with knowledge said Hurley’s deal is for longer than one year, but couldn’t provide specifics.

    INDIANAPOLIS –If there is anyone who can relate to new Kentucky recruit Enes Kanter, it is West Virginia freshman Deniz Kilicli.

    Both are from Turkey.

    Both played with professional teams in their home country.

    And both came to the U.S. seeking a better life and the experience of NCAA basketball.

    “I played with him two years ago. He’s a pretty good guy,” the 6-foot-9, 265-pound Kilicli said Friday at the Final Four.

    “He’s good, a real good player. From high school to college basketball, it’s going to be hard for him. I don’t know how long it’s going to take but he’s a great player, a great person.”

    INDIANAPOLIS — At long last, Bob Hurley is headed to the Naismith Hall of Fame.

    The Jersey Journal reported Friday on its Website that Hurley, 62, will be inducted Aug. 13 along with the 1992 Dream Team members Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.

    The legendary Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony coach failed to gain admission into the Hall three previous times, but was reportedly notified of the honor and an official announcement will be made here Monday.

    Hurley is here in Indianapolis and appeared in a celebratory mood when I just saw him with his wife, Chris, but politely declined to comment.

    “It would be the pinnacle of my coaching career if that happened,” Hurley, who has led St. Anthony to more than 950 victories, 24 state championships and  nine New Jersey Tournament of Champions titles, told SNY.tv  in 2009.” “I’m loving going to practice. Coaching games has nothing to do with any individual aspirations anybody has. We just love to do this.”

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