NEW YORK — As Fordham conducts its coaching search via the Parker Executive Search firm in Atlanta, star freshman guard Eric Paschall is considering taking visits to Villanova and Providence, his father told SNY.tv Tuesday.
“Looking at schools in the area that might be a good fit, of course Providence and Villanova would fall into that category,” Juan Paschall told SNY.tv by phone.
“But have we set up an official visit to any of them? As of this moment right now, no. Will we be in the near future? Most probably, yes.”
Former Fordham coach Tom Pecora was an assistant to Villanova coach Jay Wright at Hofstra.
The 6-foot-6 Paschall, the reigning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, announced via Twitter on Monday that his recruitment “is now open,” although his father stressed that they had not obtained a release from Fordham.
“Some people are getting it wrong, it’s not a release” the elder Paschall said. “I didn’t even ask for a release but I wanted to have permission to find out what options we have.”
Meantime, Parker is holding interviews this week with candidates in Atlanta. Among those expected to interview are Albany head coach Will Brown and Rider head coach Kevin Baggett, sources told SNY.tv.
Steve Pikiell of Stony Brook and Rob Jones of Norfolk State have also been linked to the job, per sources, but it’s not immediately clear if they will interview.
Parker is also handling the George Mason coaching search, and some candidates will interview for both positions in Atlanta.
“I have no idea who they’re interviewing, nor do I think that they would even let me know that type of information and I don’t think that they should,” Juan Paschall said. “Fordham has to do what’s best for the program and nothing relies on Eric. It’s really independent of what Eric or myself think.
“Obviously, we’re waiting to see who they’re going to hire and we’re going to sit down with them and discuss what their future plans are as far as Fordham basketball is concerned and at that time we’re going to make a decision.”
