Another busy week here at the HoopDirt World Headquarters. Here’s what I’ve got so far today…
• The Chris Collins to Northwestern rumors are really heating up. Parker Executive Search has conducted a handful of interviews in their Atlanta office, but it sounds like Collins is now the focus. Some have said that there could be an announcement made within the next few days. We’ll definitely keep an eye on this one.
• Add another name to the list at Ball State…I have heard that Michigan State assistant coach Dane Fife is coming on strong here. He is an Indiana alum and has also been the head coach at IPFW (2005-2011). He has been on Tom Izzo’s staff for the past two seasons. Here’s my original Ball State list: http://hoopdirt.com/blog/c41fe5cf/ball-state-rumors/…
• New Mexico State head coach Marvin Menzies was on campus at Texas Tech yesterday, but he has denied interest in the TTU job. People were reporting yesterday that he was the latest candidate to interview – I’ve heard from great sources that he was only there to meet with Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance who is a friend of his. Hance apparently wanted to pick his brain about the search. Menzies has since denied any interest in the job. Here’s my Texas Tech list from yesterday – I still think it’s pretty solid: http://hoopdirt.com/blog/981e49d5/texas-tech-rumors/…
• There is a press conference scheduled for this afternoon at Memphis to announce an extension for Josh Pastner. No details have been released so far, but it sounds like he will definitely get a bump in his $1.7 million contract. More on that once it is official.
• Carroll College (MT) has parted way with head coach Brandon Veltri. He was 52-63 in his four seasons as the head coach there – he also spent six seasons as an assistant at CC. This past season, his squad went 2-25. A national search is under way.
• Kirkwood CC (IA) head coach Doug Wagemester decided to step away from basketball to focus on his duties as the AD. Assistant coach Bryan Petersen has been named as the interim head coach. Peterson is a KCC alum who also played at Iowa State.
