UConn coach Jim Calhoun put to rest any thoughts of retiring.
Calhoun, 66, said he would return for at least one more season.
“It is my full intention to return for the 2009-10 season,” Calhoun said in a statement. “I look forward to coaching next season and to continuing as the head coach at Connecticut into the future. In many ways, the journey of this past season has made me realize how much I love coaching this game, how much I love my kids and how much I enjoy being at Connecticut.”
Calhoun led the Huskies to the Final Four, where they lost to Michigan State in a national semifinal. He said he was tired of dealing with the non-basketball aspects of the job — including the recent NCAA review of the UConn’s recruitment of guard Nate Miles — and would consider his future options during the offseason, but apparently decided fairly quickly to return.
“I am very excited that Coach Calhoun will continue as our head men’s basketball coach,” said UConn Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway. “We look forward to continued success in our men’s basketball program for years to come under the leadership of our Hall of Fame coach.”
Calhoun is No. 6 all-time among active coaches with 805 victories, and was a 2005 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
THOMAS, APPLETON TO TRANSFER FROM KU
Quintrell Thomas and Tyrone Appleton are both transferring from Kansas.
Thomas, a 6-8 freshman forward from St. Patrick in Elizabeth, spent one year at Kansas in which he averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds. Appleton is a 6-2 junior guard.
“During our season-ending meetings, Tyrone and Quintrell discussed their roles with me and have expressed their interest to transfer,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “They have chosen to attend a university where they can have expanded roles.”
It remains to be seen where Thomas will end up, but you have to wonder if he’ll come back to be near home.
“Kansas has been great with the fans, my teammates and the tradition,” Thomas said. “I think by transferring, I can find an expanded role elsewhere. I want to thank the basketball staff and administration for the opportunity to play at Kansas and have no ill feelings toward the program.”
SweedishHamma / April 9, 2009
Adam, I know it is still very soon after the official announcement, but do you have any indication of where these players might end up? As a KU fan, I can only wish these two players the best as they move forward. Do you feel that Appleton will sit out a year to play DI or do you see him dropping down a level to finish out his final year, keeping his eligibility? The general consensus around KU has been that Quintrell would transfer after the season, but do you think he will return to the Tri-City area? Maybe a program like Rutgers or Providence? I think Quintrell has a good future at a slightly smaller DI program, and if he was 2 inches taller he would have been a starter this year at KU. I really think he’s going to make a difference for another team. Just hoping to get your thoughts on this whole matter, and figured you might have a little more insight than most about Thomas because he is a local kid for you.
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Necrosaro420 / April 9, 2009
Looks like the rumors are true that Kansas has been talking to Orton from Kentucky illegally. Why do you think KU is making room?
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CDugan / April 9, 2009
I don’t know, maybe KU is making room because they’re already one over on scholarships (before this announcement), and are heavily involved in the recruitment of three of the best athletes still on the board in Xavier Henry, Lance Stephenson and John Wall.
KU passed on Orton when they signed Thomas Robinson. Stop making baseless accusations.
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oregoncatfan / April 10, 2009
KU is making room for Xavier Henry and CJ Henry (older brother)….Lance won’t be going to Kansas unless the Henry brothers surprise and pick Kentucky…Orton is staying at UK…Wall is the wild card…UK and Duke are the only “major programs” that really need a PG….
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Gohard / April 10, 2009
I’m sure Bil Self coud care less , now he has room to offer Lance AND X. I don’t think Lance will be playing huge minutes @ KU anyway, that’s not what they’re about. They play team ball.
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