In response to reports linking his name to the Philadelphia 76ers vacant head coaching position, Villanova’s Jay Wright said today that although he met with the team’s president and general manager Ed Stefanski last week, he requested that his name be removed from consideration for the position.
“Last week, Ed reached out to me to see if I would be willing to speak to him about the Sixers’ coaching position,” said Wright, who led the ‘Cats to the Final Four in Detroit and has the Big East’s top recruiting class coming in. “He is a longtime friend of mine whom I have great respect for and is someone I talk to often. We had a lively conversation about the vision Ed has for the Sixers organization. As a lifelong Sixers fan, I was honored to be part of the process.
“Following our meeting, I called Ed to thank him and requested that he remove me from consideration. I love Villanova and it is where I want to be. I am grateful to the Sixers for including me in the process. There is a lot to look forward to for Sixer fans like me with the young talent they have put together and the leadership of Ed Stefanski.”
FORDHAM UNDER FIRE
Following my initial story that Jio Fontan will leave Fordham with or without a release from his letter of intent, Jeff Goodman has written a story that hits Fordham pretty hard.
Fontan, the former St. Anthony of Jersey City star, has tried repeatedly to get a release but Fordham won’t let him even though they have already released three other players.
“I appreciate everything the coaching staff has done for me since I’ve been here, but I feel as though it’s in my best interests to explore other opportunities,” Fontan told FOXSports.com. “I just don’t understand why they aren’t letting me leave — especially with three of my teammates being allowed to transfer.”
Jorge Fontan, Jio’s dad, told me his son will leave no matter what.
The problem is that Jio is now in Puerto Rico with their U19 team and will be gone until mid-July, traveling to Puerto Rico, France and New Zealand for the U19 World Championships. Rutgers guard Mike Rosario, presently in Spain with the Scarlet Knights, is also on the team.
Jorge had hoped to get a release and look at schools prior to the overseas trip but that never happened.
Fordham should do the right thing and let Jio go…and let him get on with his life.
BASKIN TO ANNOUCE
Trinity (Conn.) Catholic forward Tevin Baskin will announce Wednesday between Binghamton, Manhattan, New Orleans and Quinnipiac. He has visited every school but Binghamton.
“I’ll be announcing my decision on Wednesday,” he said by phone.
Last season, the 6-7 Baskin averaged 20.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks for Trinity Catholic, which finished 24-4 and lost to Crosby, 82-79, in the state championship game despite 35 points and 12 rebounds from Baskin.
DICKERSON TO HOWARD
Anton Dickerson, a 6-2, 170-pound senior guard from Brooklyn Boys & Girls, has committed to Howard University.
Dickerson will join St. Raymond’s point guard Tyreak Johnson, who earlier chose Howard.
“Anton chose Howard University because of his familiarity with the school,” Boys & Girls coach Elmer Anderson said. “His sister Shyah graduated two years ago from there and he had spent time up there before. Also he likes the coaching staff. Asst Coach [Matt] Collier is a NYC guy and it just seemed like a good fit.
“This kid will go down as one of the best Howard players when it’s all said and done. Many of the schools that rescinded their offers because of impatience or procrastinated with his recruitment will have regret. Everyone talks about his weight but no talks about his heart, skills and him being a winner. Stephen Curry wasn’t exactly a bulky kid when he got in school and he made recruiters look real bad and Davidson great.
“I’m very happy for him and his family. He is a great kid.
(Photos courtesy AP, Rivals, Fordham, Daily News)
