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Date Posted: 09:52:12 04/03/02 Wed
Author: Jon Ralston
Subject: Thomason to speak with OSU

Originally Published Wednesday, April 3, 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------

OSU to speak to Pacific coach

By Bob Highfill

Record Staff Writer

University of the Pacific men's basketball coach Bob Thomason has been granted permission to interview for the same job at Oregon State.

Pacific athletic director Lynn King said he was contacted Tuesday afternoon by an official from the Pac-10 school, who asked if it could pursue the Tigers' 14th-year head coach and alum.

''I was contacted by someone in their atheletic department,'' King said. ''I don't remember who it was, but it wasn't (athletic director Mitch Barnhart).''

King said Thomason has earned the right to explore other opportunities.

''It's the same as with any of our coaches who've done a great job, and Bob's done a great job here,'' said King, Pacific's athletic director since March 2000. ''I would never not grant permission for any coach who's done a great job.''

Thomason couldn't be reached for comment on Tuesday.

The Oregon State job became available on March 28 when Ritchie McKay resigned after two seasons to replace Fran Fraschilla at New Mexico. According to The Sporting News, McKay earned $300,000 per year at Oregon State and will make $500,000 per year at New Mexico.

Possible replacements, according to published reports, include Metro State head coach Mike Dunlap, Oklahoma assistant Jim Shaw, Oregon State alum and current Boston Celtics assistant Lester Conner, Arizona assistant Jay John, Gonzaga head coach Mark Few and former Wisconsin head coach Dick Bennett. Few and Bennett reportedly have removed their names from consideration, and Oklahoma assistant Ray Lopes, who also was contacted by Oregon State, will replace Jerry Tarkanian at Fresno State today.

Thomason's name surfaced in the rumor mill over the weekend, though the school's interest in him wasn't confirmed until Tuesday.

Barnhart reportedly spoke to several candidates over the weekend at the Final Four in Atlanta, but he said he is in no hurry.

''We're not going to rush into it and make a decision that's not well thought-out,'' Barnhart told The Sporting News.

Thomason has one year remaining on his contract with Pacific. King wouldn't comment about an extension, but he said, ''I hope he's coaching our basketball team next season.''

Thomason is 222-185 at Pacific. He guided the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in 1997 and the NIT in 1998. Pacific went 20-10 this season and advanced to the semifinals of the Big West Tournament.

The Tigers will lose eight seniors, including three starters, but will return guard Demetrius Jackson, forward Eli Nolan, center Tim Johnson, and swingmen Tom Cockle and Jasko Korajkic. Redshirt freshmen Miguel Flores and Christian Maraker, and Stanislaus State transfer Miah Davis will join an

incoming recruiting class that includes guard Myree Bowden from Cabrillo College and 6-foot-10 center Tyler Newton from Shasta College.

If Thomason does end up in Corvallis, he'll be united with former Galt High and Delta College standout Philip Ricci, who chose Oregon State over Pacific primarily because of McKay and his strong religious conviction. Ricci, a 6-7 forward, was named the Beavers most valuable player this season after averaging a team-best 16.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. He also blocked 41 shots, the fifth most in one season in school history.

''It really surprised me,'' Ricci said of McKay's departure. ''It was hard because I came up here just for Coach. I really liked him and put all my trust in him. When he decided to leave, it was really tough.''

Ricci said Barnhart met with the team on Tuesday.

''He said he has talked to about 15 guys and that they're going to pick the best guy for the job,'' Ricci said. ''Whoever they hire is who I'll respect and honor.''

King said he hopes to soon begin interviewing candidates to replace Sherri Murrell as Pacific's women's basketball head coach.

''I think it's a tremendous pool (of candidates),'' said King, who hopes to narrow the field between three and five later this week. ''We're hoping to begin interviewing next week.''

Murrell resigned on March 19 after four years to take over at Washington State.

* To reach reporter Bob Highfill, phone 546-8299 or e-mail bhighfil@recordnet.com


_____

Well, at least we know now that he is officially a candidate for the job. We also know now that Tyler Newton is officially a part of the Tigers incoming recruiting class. I wonder why David Doubley wasn't mentioned however.

This should be interesting. I sincerely hope Coach T doesn't leave, and I wouldn't blame him if he wanted to further his career at OSU. We'll all just have to wait and see.

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