The Morning Dish – Wednesday, April 13th
VMI Hires Division II Rising Star: Virginia Military Institute officials found their next coach in nearby Greenville, Tenn., at Tusculum College. They hired Duggar Baucom, who has a 37-19 record at Tusculum in only two seasons. He led the team to the Division II NCAA Tournament in his second season. Now, VMI officials hope Baucom can work the same magic. He replaces Bart Bellairs, who resigned in February with a 116-191 career record. For more information about teams with new coaches, check out Hoopville’s feature about this season’s Coaching Changes .
Krauser to Gauge Draft Interest: Pittsburgh junior point guard Carl Krauser announced that he will enter the NBA Draft but will not hire an agent. Without an agent, he maintains his amateur status and could return to school for his senior year. But that seems unlikely because Krauser said he would like to return to Pitt to win with the same team and coaches. With sophomore center Chris Taft entering the draft and several other players graduating, the Panthers would feature a different look next season. And Krauser is already 24, which seemingly makes him older than half of the NBA’s players already.
Tar Heel News Conference Set for Today: North Carolina officials have scheduled a news conference for later today that may shed some light about which of the Tar Heels’ underclassmen will enter the NBA Draft. The word on the street is that the news conference will at least feature the announcement of junior guard Rashad McCants. Fellow juniors Raymond Felton and Sean May and freshman forward Marvin Williams may also enter the draft in coming weeks. If all four declare for the draft, North Carolina will lose its top seven players on the depth chart to either graduation or the draft.
Georgia Tech Guard Bails Out: Georgia Tech freshman guard Zam Fredrick requested and received permission to transfer to another school after receiving little playing time this past season. Fredrick averaged only 1.6 points and 0.8 assists in 19 games for Georgia Tech. But his playing time was scarce because the Yellow Jackets had a full backcourt with Jarrett Jack, Will Bynum and B.J. Elder. All three could be gone next season, however, if Jack jumps to the NBA. Fredrick’s decision to leave Georgia Tech may be premature because he could have received many more minutes next season.
Kellogg in Big Trouble: Connecticut freshman guard Antonio Kellogg was arrested for the second time in two weeks after refusing to leave a dorm and resisting arrest. Kellogg was arrested in late March for marijuana possession, and coach Jim Calhoun suspended him for violating team rules. He had been banned from a dorm on campus, and he recently argued with police when an officer told him to leave the dorm. Kellogg was Connecticut’s primary backup point guard, averaging 3.1 points and two assists per game.
Odom Appears to Close the Door on Virginia: The center of speculation in the lengthy Virginia coach search, South Carolina coach Dave Odom said he would like to finish his career as the Gamecocks’ coach. Odom has been less than forthcoming about the nature of discussions between the school and himself. It remains unclear who is at the top of the Virginia list for Pete Gillen’s replacement. School officials interviewed DePaul coach Dave Leitao Friday, but no decision has been announced about his status in the search.
Valpo Center in Hospital: Valparaiso sophomore center Kenny Harris is in critical condition after collapsing while lifting weights in the team’s training room. His family has requested that no information be published. Harris has a history of health concerns, including a weight problem that caused him to tip the scales at 400 pounds before his freshman year. He also has had surgery on his gall bladder and a herniated disc. Harris averaged nine points and five rebounds in 11 games last season.
Tennessee Tech Coach in Critical Condition: Tennessee Tech coach Mike Sutton is in critical condition at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center after contracting Miller Fisher syndrome, which attacks the immune system. Sutton is nearly motionless and cannot talk, needing the assistance of a ventilator and feeding tube. Doctors do not anticipate a quick recovery. During Sutton’s absence, associate coach Steve Payne will take over Sutton’s daily duties.
