Here’s an update on the Winthrop search….
It sounds like AD Tom Hickman has hired Todd Turner’s search firm to help with the process. Turner, the former AD at NC State met with Hickman earlier in the week to discuss the search. According to people close to the situation, former Wake Forest and South Carolina head coach Dave Odom is close to Turner, and often gives him names when asked. This should be an interesting process. Here are some of the names that have surfaced so far:
Earl Grant – Assistant Coach Clemson. He is a former Winthrop assistant. Worked under Gregg Marshall when they had it rolling at Winthrop – won three straight Big South Championships before moving on to Wichita State with Marshall. We was also an assistant at The Citadel from 2002-04.
Rick Ray – Associate Head Coach Clemson. Yes, another Clemson assistant in the mix. Word is that Ray may have already been contacted by Winthrop. Prior to his two years at Clemson, he spent four years as an assistant at Purdue. He has also been an assistant at Northern Illinois and Indiana State.
Barclay Radebaugh – Head Coach Charleston Southern. Another former Winthrop assistant. Very familiar with the basketball in the state of South Carolina. Has been at CSU for the past five seasons. Worked as an assistant at the University of South Carolina for seven seasons, and also spent time at SC school Wofford and Furman.
Jeff Meyer – Assistant Coach Michigan. Served as the associate head coach at Winthrop from 1998-2001. Has been at Michigan since 2008. Has also worked at Indiana, Missouri, Butler, Purdue, and South Florida. Brings a ton of experience to the table.
Sean Woods – Head Coach Mississippi Valley State. Led the Delta Devils to a 21-win season and an NCAA Tournament bid this season. Is a former standout at Kentucky. Also worked at TCU and Texas A&M-CC. Is a very “hot” name right now.
Dino Gaudio – Former Head Coach Wake Forest. Went 61-31 in three seasons at Wake. Has also been the head coach at Army and Loyola (MD).
Rusty LaRue – Assistant Coach Wake Forest. Is a Wake alum who has been on staff for the past three seasons. Played in the NBA for the Bulls, Jazz, and Warriors. Won an NBA title in 1998. Played for Dave Odom at Wake.
Paul Biancardi – Former Wright State Head Coach. Was also an assistant at Boston College and Ohio State. Now works as ESPN.com’s director of basketball recruiting. Lives in the Charlotte area.
