Thursday, April 01, 2004
Comings and Goings, Rumor Mill Style
--Indiana recruit and Oak Hill Academy star Josh Smith is NBA bound, if the AP's speculation is correct. Smith played in last night's McDonald's All-American game, his third all-star game after completing his high school season. The NCAA prohibits players from participating in more than two such games, and those who do risk losing a year of collegiate eligibility. With Mike Davis inching towards the hot seat, he can't afford to sign and lose impact recruits such as Smith.--Former Dukie Bobby Hurley has expressed interest in the head coaching job at Marist. Hurley, a talent scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, doesn't have head coaching experience, though he has worked as an assistant under his father, the renowned coach of St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, N.J. An intriguing story, but not much else. If I were the athletic director at Marist, I wouldn't give Hurley a second look. If he was a current assistant coach, yes. Otherwise no.
--Stanford standout Josh Childress will declare for the NBA Draft, but not hire an agent ("right now") as to leave himself the option of returning for his senior season. Mike Montgomery had said after the Cardinal's NCAA Tournament loss that he expected his leading scorer to return. For the Pac-10's sake, come back Josh. Come back. Montgomery, among the most underrated coaches in college basketball, would love to have you next year.
