Rutgers has wrapped up its interviews and could have a new coach by the beginning of next week.
ESPN.com reported that former Boston College Al Skinner interviewed Friday with athletic director Tim Pernetti.
“He definitely interviewed [Friday],” a source close to the situation confirmed.
Fran Fraschilla and Mike Rice previously interviewed to replace Fred Hill.
Skinner, 57, was fired after 13 seasons at Boston College in which he went 247-165. He won three Big East crowns and took the Eagles to seven NCAA tournaments.
However, Skinner has no natural connection to the New Jersey area and is not known as workaholic on the recruiting trail.
“Al works Al hours, arriving around noon, playing some pickup ball, and going to a practice that, more than likely, had been planned by an assistant,” wrote Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan.
Ryan added “how infrequently Al is seen on the recruiting trail during the offseason” and “if you hire Al, you must supply him with a first-class recruiting assistant.”
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski reportedly called Pernetti to endorse Skinner, but that may not make the difference at Rutgers.
“For a high-level job like Rutgers, Coach K calling isn’t going to legitimize a candidate. Obama could call on the guy and it wouldn’t matter to the AD,” a second source said.
JIMMY V PAIRINGS ANNOUNCED
Michigan State, Kansas, Memphis and Syracuse will play in the Jimmy V Classic Dec. 7 at Madison Square Garden.
In the opener, Kansas takes on Memphis in a rematch of the 2008 national championship game. Michigan State meets Syracuse in the nightcap.
The women’s Jimmy V Classic will be held at Duke University for the first time, with the Blue Devils playing Texas A&M on Dec. 7.
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**Hurley advising Seton Hall on search
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NYMets9631 / May 1, 2010
Why is Coach K calling to endorse Skinner? Who does he think he is #1 and that is totally random. Al looks like the most unsociable guy before or after a game when the coaches talk and shake hands. It didn’t even seem like they were friends if they are at all
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DiamondbackRuss / May 1, 2010
I’m sorry I can’t stop laughing at: “For a high-level job like Rutgers…”
When I think “high-level” several college basketball programs come to mind and Rutgers ain’t one of them.
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rurahrah / May 1, 2010
I sure hope there’s still someone else in process we have been kept in the dark about, someone who has been quietly getting his ducks lined up at his present job to arrive on the Banks welcomed by all. What we do not need is another short timer, so I hope that part of the equation is being addressed.
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carolina2010 / May 1, 2010
I’ve been following your blog for awhile (given all of the NY/NJ talent that lands south of the Mason-Dixon). With regard to this RU BBall coaching search… I cannot understand the ax you seemingly have to grind with Skinner. Why regurgitate Ryan’s opinion of Skinner. He’s one reporter and only offered these ‘insightful’ comments when Skinner was on his way out of the door. Where were the cries of ‘lazy’ when he was regularly getting the NCAA tourney invites? And the ‘lost lead recruiter’ in Coen argument is crap. BC won 22 games just last year! Coen’s been at Northeastern for FOUR (4) years now.
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rurahrah / May 2, 2010
Bob Cimmino’s comments on Fran Fraschilla’s work ethic in the past are quite impressive. If he can bring that to the Banks, along with the insights he’s honed in recent years, then he could well emerge as the best choice. I’m still wondering if there may be someone else under consideration we haven’t heard about–and what’s the scoop on why there’s been nothing on the early-hyped return to coaching of Jim O’Brien.
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