President's absence stalls search

With interim University President Kern Alexander reportedly out of the country, the search for the new men's basketball coach remains in limbo.

The search committee will meet Monday morning after Alexander's return to campus. Alexander must approve any committee suggestions.

Former Head Coach Mick Cronin confirmed other sources' reports that Alexander was in England this week.

Cronin said the players are the ones suffering without a coach.

"My concern's definitely with the current players," he said. "There is no one there to watch over them."

Executive Secretary in the President's office Jill Hunt-Lovett said Alexander was on an unpaid leave of absence until Monday at 8 a.m. when he will return to campus. No one in the office or on campus would confirm Alexander's whereabouts.

At 6 p.m. Thursday, a person, who did not wish to be identified, answered the phone at Oakhurst.

"(Alexander being in London) is ludicrous," she said. "I don't know where you all got that information. I believe he's in Louisville."

Athletics Director Allen Ward heads the committee and spent time in Indianapolis at the Final Four to interview head coach candidates.

"I'm looking for the entire package," Ward said in a press release. "We need a great basketball mind who is very good at Xs and Os. We want a coach that has had success on the recruiting trail, someone who knows how to do the right things and someone who is worthy of the job."

While Ward has not revealed names of any candidates or finalists, several have popped up since Cronin took over at Cincinnati March 24.

The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., reported Tigers Assistant Coach Tony Barbee met with Murray State officials at the Final Four. Florida assistant Anthony Grant, fresh off a national title, also was reported to have met with officials.

Other names being mentioned are Ohio State assistant John Groce, Alabama assistant Phillip Pearson, Louisville assistant Kevin Willard and Miami (Fla.) assistant Billy Kennedy.

Kentucky assistant Reggie Hanson also was said to have interviewed in Indianapolis, and Head Coach Tubby Smith said he hoped Hanson would get a second interview.

Former Athletics Director E.W. Dennison was responsible for bringing in former coaches Tevester Anderson and Cronin.

He said as the search keeps dragging on the perception becomes a problem.

"Regardless of how you do it, you have to do it quickly," Dennison said. "If you don't move quickly you send the wrong message that maybe you don't care as much about men's basketball."

Ward was unavailable to comment on Alexander's whereabouts.

Efforts to reach Alexander on his cell phone and in Louisville were unsuccessful as of press time.

Visit thenews.org for updates on the head coaching search.