The Morning Dish – Thursday, April 14th
UNC’s McCants to Enter NBA Draft:
Saying he achieved all he wanted in college, North Carolina’s Rashad McCants has declared for the NBA Draft. The 6-4 junior was the Tar Heels’ second leading scorer. He raised his scoring average from 16 points per game in the regular season to 17 points per game during the NCAA Tournament, scoring 14 points in the Tar Heels’ national championship victory over Illinois. Coach Roy Williams indicated McCants discussed his intentions with him in January. Tar Heel fans will be on pins and needles to see what the other Carolina star players will do. Juniors Sean May and Raymond Felton and freshman Marvin Williams are all pondering entering the NBA Draft. May was the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
Bracey Wright Leaving Bloomington:
Indiana guard Bracey Wright has announced that he will skip his senior year to enter the NBA Draft. The 6-3 junior led the Big Ten in scoring, posting 18.3 points per game. After he completes his course work through the end of this semester, Wright said, he would hire an agent. Wright finished last season as first team all Big Ten and scored at least 20 points in 10 games. His season high of 32 came in IU’s upset against Michigan State. The scoring title was the first by a Hoosier since A.J. Guyton accomplished the feat in 2000. Indiana should be able to compensate with an excellent returning sophomore class and a highly ranked incoming freshman class.
Former Xavier Point Guard Odia Heading West:
Unhappy after being demoted to third string, Churchill Odia has decided to transfer from Xavier to Oregon. Odia cited Oregon coach Ernie Kent’s style of play and the Ducks’ team chemistry as the reasons for attending Oregon. In 8.8 minutes per game, Odia posted 1.6 points per game and 1.1 assists per game. Under NCAA transfer rules, he will have to sit out the 2005-06 season and will regain his eligibility as a sophomore in 2006-07.
Chicago State’s Akindele to Leave Early:
Deji Akindele a 7-1 center from Chicago State has decided to forego his final two years of eligibility to enter the NBA Draft. Akindele was the Mid-Continent Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, finishing first in blocked shots and third in rebounding. He also was the Mid-Con’s third most efficient shooter. Akindele has not hired an agent, and coach Kevin Jones is hopeful he will return to the South Side for his junior year.
Former Vol Boss Peterson to Front Coastal Carolina:
Former Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson has agreed in principle to a deal to lead the program at Coastal Carolina. Peterson visited the Conway, S.C., campus last Friday, and the indication was the job was his if he wanted it. He was also being sought to coach at Florida Atlantic. Peterson is expected to receive an annual salary of $125,000 with perks including cars, golf club memberships and raises for his assistant coaches. Peterson will be able to build the Chanticleers with 2005 Big South Player of the Year Pete Paelay, the conference’s leading scorer, and guard Jack Leasure, Big South Freshman of the Year.
Mississippi State’s Ervin Considering Transfer:
Mississippi State point guard Gary Ervin has asked for and received permission from Mississippi State’s compliance office to speak with other schools about the possibility of transferring. As the starting point guard, Ervin averaged 7.4 points per game and 4.7 assists per game. Ervin and coach Rick Stansbury didn’t always see eye to eye on the Bulldogs’ style of play. Ervin prefers a high-octane style, while Stansbury was unhappy with Ervin’s penchant for turnovers. Ervin said he has not made a final decision. Mississippi State has a top 10 recruiting class for next season, but Ervin would be the Bulldogs’ only returning starter if he stays.
BYU Assistant Toolson Moving On:
After four years as an assistant coach at his alma mater under Steve Cleveland, Andy Toolson has decided to leave BYU. His next venture is a career is investment and estate planning. The timing coincides with Cleveland leaving Provo to accept the Fresno State job. Assistant Dave Rose was promoted to head coach. Toolson’s primary responsibilities at BYU were recruiting, academics and offensive skill development. Toolson holds several BYU school records and averaged 18.3 points per game as a senior in 1990 to lead the Cougars to the WAC title. He was inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame in 2001.
Utah Loses Three Underclassman:
The exodus common under former coach Rick Majerus is continuing under coach Ray Giacoletti with the departure of three players from Utah. Reserves Jermaine Calvin and Jake Schmidt and starter Justin Hawkins have announced their intentions to leave the program. Hawkins and Giacoletti reportedly have irreconcilable differences. The 6-5 sophomore posted 8.5 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game. He started 27 of the Utes’ 33 games. He may transfer closer to his Anaheim, Calif., home. Schmidt, from Thermopolis, Wyo., often seemed overmatched and was passed in playing time by walk-ons. Calvin played 8.9 minutes per game and posted averages of 1.0 points per game and 1.2 assists per game. During the Majerus era, the Utes lost more than 40 scholarship players before their eligibility was up.
