Calhoun staying at UConn
STORRS, Conn. — Connecticut men’s basketball coach Jim Calhoun says he plans to return for a 24th season at the school.
Calhoun’s Huskies finished the season 31-5, losing in the national semifinals to Michigan State.
Several off-the-court issues had prompted questions about Calhoun’s future, including an investigation into UConn’s recruitment of former player Nate Miles. The coach also has been treated for cancer three times during his UConn career, including last summer when he successfully battled skin cancer.
In a statement released by the school Thursday, Calhoun said the “journey” of the past season has made him realize how much he enjoys being at Connecticut. He enters his 38th season as a head coach.
Grand Canyon hires Pennell
PHOENIX — Former Arizona coach Russ Pennell has been hired as the men’s basketball coach at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
Pennell led the Wildcats to a 21-14 record and their 25th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance while serving as interim coach this season. He took over just before the season began when Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson retired for health reasons.
Grand Canyon University announced Pennell’s hiring on Thursday. The private Christian university competes at the NCAA Division II level but has plans to build a 6,000-seat arena and move up to Division I in basketball.
Davidson’s Curry still undecided
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Davidson guard Stephen Curry, the nation’s leading scorer, is still undecided on whether to leave school for the NBA.
His father, former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, says Thursday that his son is in “pause mode.” He indicated a decision could come next week. The deadline to declare for the draft is April 26.
Curry averaged 28.6 points for the Wildcats. A year earlier, he led Davidson within a missed 3-pointer of the Final Four.
The 6-foot-3 Curry is projected as a first-round pick.
If Curry returns for his senior season, he’d have an outside shot at eclipsing Pete Maravich’s NCAA Division I career scoring record.
Wake’s Johnson entering draft
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest sophomore forward James Johnson has declared for the NBA draft and hired an agent.
A spokesman for Wasserman Media Group says Thursday that Johnson has signed with their agency and will be represented by Dan Tobin. That means Johnson will not be able to return to play for the school.
The 6-foot-9 Johnson was the top rebounder with 8.5 per game and second on the team in scoring at 15.8 points. He’s been projected to be a first-round pick in most mock drafts.
Associated Press
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