First semester is already winding down – this season is going fast! Here’s today’s "dirt….

I spoke via email with former Wheelock head coach John Preziosa. What a class guy – obviously his tenure did not end the way he wanted it to at Wheelock. Here’s what he had to say about his resignation….."I’ll miss the relationships I developed with the opposing coaches, especially the guy’s in our league (NECC). Although the timing of my departure is unfortunate, I look forward to spending some time watching my sons play this winter. I appreciate the efforts of all my players, and former assistant coaches that worked so hard to make us a respectable program over the past five years, despite our limited resources”. Wheelock is obviously acting quickly here to replace Preziosa. The part-time job has already been posted: http://hoopdirt.com/job/821ae125/head-coach-wheelock-college…

Also, just wanted to confirm a rumor from last week (http://hoopdirt.com/blog/c7cf2ec5/iupui-rumor/…)….I spoke via email (this new fangled internet is a great invention) to Matt Whinrey who confirmed that he has left the IUPUI staff for a video gig with the Cavs. He did not know what head coach Todd Howard’s plans were as far as a replacement.

Speaking of college guys going to the NBA….I’ve heard that DePaul graduate assistant Brandon Bailey is departing for a video job with the Boston Celtics. Bailey had spent the past two full seasons on the DePaul operations staff, and was a manager for the Blue Demons women’s team before that. His father, Mike, is the long-time head coach at St. Patrick High School on Chicago’s Northside.

I’ve been getting lots of questions about the departure of Mike Smith from the Kennesaw State staff (http://hoopdirt.com/blog/37c9d430/kennesaw-state-rumor/…). I have heard some crazy stuff, but nothing that I can confirm. The only thing that I know is that he is definitely not at Kennesaw any more – he now lists his occupation on Facebook as: College Assistant at Looking for a JOB.