Yahoo! Sports first reported, and I can now confirm, that Marist head coach Jeff Bower is close to finalizing a deal to become the GM of the Detroit Pistons. Bower took over at Marist last spring, and guided his squad to a 12-19 record. He had previously worked in the NBA as the head coach, GM, and scout for the New Orleans Hornets. Before his time in the NBA, Bower was an assistant at Marist (1986-1995). More on this as it becomes official.