SB Nation - High Point Panthers

Mid-Major Coach Sit Down: Kevin Easley - High Point University

aGent37 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:11:50 -0000

Mid Major Madness sits down with Kevin Easley, one of the top mid major assistants in the country and North Carolina coaching veteran.

MMM: What do you plan to bring to High Point this season?

Kevin: Soon after joining the High Point family, I was overwhelmed by the growth and vision of the University. The vision starts internally from the leadership of Dr. Nido Qubein, the President of High Point University. He and his staff have done a wonderful job of providing an ideal environment for the student athlete of the University. HPU was recently voted by News and Report as the "#1 Up and Coming School in the South." Craig Keilitz, Director of Athletics, also has a strategic plan to take HPU Athletics to the next level. I knew with Mr. Kelietz's plan, I would have an opportunity to bring energy, enthusiasm, and a winning attitude to a distinguished and notable University. There is no doubt to me that the men's basketball program has a lot to uphold at HPU therefore, I try to be better than I was the previous day. This is truly a promising situation for me because this is the first time I have been on a new staff. I believe that finding a niche' and blending in with the rest of the staff is key.

MMM: Everyday coaches are learning from one another, what do you hope to learn from Coach Cherry?

Kevin: It was an honor for Coach Cherry to ask me to be a part of his staff for his first head coaching job. I have known Coach Cherry for a few years, and have always respected his knowledge and passion for the game of basketball. He has been a part of a National Championship team as a player, helped lead a mid-major program to a final four and sweet sixteen. He has been around a numerous amount of quality coaches (Dean Smith, Jim Larranaga, Darrin Horn). With that being said, I knew that High Point University would be an opportunity to advance my knowledge of the game and take another step as a coach.

MMM: What has been the most life changing experience in your time so far as a coach?

Kevin: I wouldn't say I have had a life changing experience yet, but I have had very fulfilling moments. It's great to know that the knowledge that you have passed on to another student athlete has been taken in. You work every day to instill lifelong lessons to your players, in hopes that they listen. To me the most fulfilling aspect is receiving feedback from former players, telling you thanks for the lessons you tried to provide over the years. I still talk to many of my former players and try to serve as a strong role.

MMM: What do you think is the most important value you can pass on to a player?

Kevin: I firmly believe that there is nothing better than being a student athlete, especially at the Division I level. You have the opportunity to build lifelong relationships, travel to different cities, and most importantly receive a free education. I have been blessed to have many opportunities that I contribute to the game of basketball. Basketball enabled me to earn two degrees, build relationships with life-long friends, and meet my wife. However, you have to make the most of your experience and not take it for granted. Many young players want to play professional basketball. I applaud the work ethic and aspirations for achieving goals but if you look at the percentage of athletes that actually make it to a professional league it is unlikely that it will actually happen. My advice to young players that I took from a mentor is to "use the game, don't let the game use you.) Meaning earn your degree and take your education seriously without doing just enough to pass. Collegiate basketball can last a maximum of fivr years but education will last a life time.

MMM: What do you do when you are not working hard at coaching?

Kevin: Believe it or not, I am a big DIY(do-it-yourself) guy. My wife and I recently purchased a home, so I love finding new projects to do around the house. They always don't turn out like I want but I really love to put together different things. When I'm not using my drill or hammer, I'm spending time with my family. Family is very important to me. We have a 3 year old, and a two month old, so they keep me very busy. My wife is a warrior because she holds down the fort for months while I'm chasing my dream.

Wake Forest vs. High Point recap

MRickman84 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:16 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

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Despite their incredibly slow start and the hot shooting of High Point early on, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons were able to take over in the second half, winning by a final score of 83-60.

The Deacs were plagued with High Point's hot shooting from the perimeter in the first half as the Panthers went 7 for 16 from deep. Wake Forest roared back, taking the lead with just under 2 minutes left. After that, Wake never looked back, outscoring High Point by 20 in the second half.

The big key was defense once again. This is not you old Skip Prosser-led defense; these guys lock down. While High Point was driving and kicking in the first half, the Demon Deacons stopped sagging and played closer to their man, holding the Panthers to 24% in the second half.

Al-Farouq Aminu continued his specatular play with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The All-American candidate is quickly showing his dominance, shooting 8-10 from the floor, making 6 of 7 free throws and adding 3 assists.

Chas McFarland had a good game as well, collecting 12 rebounds to add to his 11 points. Freshman C.J. Harris impressed again, finishing with 12 points despite fouling out. Ish Smith seems to have figured out his short slump, scoring 13, along with 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Wake returns to action on November 24, taking on cross-town foe Winston-Salem State at the Joel.

Deacon Dump 11/19: Grinding it out

MRickman84 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:24:27 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

26 days ago: Wake Forest players Al-Farouq Aminu, top left, Ishmael Smith, lower left, and David Weaver, right, react during the second half of Wake Forest's 83-60 win over High Point in an NCAA college basketball game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Wake gave quite a scare in the first half. Not a ton of links today unfortunately, but it is Thursday. Is everyone excited about the Lions-Browns game Sunday!?!

Demon Deacons grind past High Point | high, bodycopy, past - Sports - Burlington Times News
"I think we did a great job of weathering the storm," Wake Forest guard Ishmael Smith said. "I know everybody was probably thinking, ‘What are the Deacs doing?’ "

Hip 2 Da Game: NCAA Basketball Weekly: Al-Farouq Aminu & Other Sophomore Studs, Rotnei Clarke, Ashton Gibbs, UConn, Tyler Roche, Gerard Anderson, & More
Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest: Keep a close eye on Aminu this year, because he’s probably one of the best freshmen from last season who didn’t jump to the NBA. He’s projected to be a Top 5 pick this year and is averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds through two games so far. Expect him to continue to put up numbers like that even once the ACC conference games begin.

Rough night for USF women in loss at Wake
USF's women's basketball team went nearly 12 minutes without scoring its first points Wednesday night, falling behind 24-0 on the way to a 62-45 loss at Wake Forest.

Duke football, Wake Forest basketball lead ACC men’s sports in graduation rates - Triangle Business Journal:
Duke University football players lead the Atlantic Coast Conference in graduation rates, but Wake Forest University took the top spot in men’s basketball, according to the latest figures from the NCAA.

PGATOUR.COM - One surprise of '09? Rookies shut out in win department
Webb Simpson started fast when he came out of the chute with two top-10s. But the former Wake Forest star lost his way in the middle of the season until a late-season rally enabled him to compete in the first three rounds of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Because of his ability on the greens, Simpson is a low round waiting to happen, which could potentially make him the best threat among this year's rookies to win. His rookie results: No. 70 in earnings, $1.24 million.

Game Preview: Wake Forest vs. High Point

MRickman84 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:30:11 -0000

Wake Forest (2-0) vs.
High Point (1-0)
8 p.m.
Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum
ISP Sports(Wake crew)/98.3 FM (High Point crew)

The Deacs are home at the Joel to take on the High Point Panthers. The Panthers are led by UNC alum and first-year head coach Scott Cherry. High Point did not exactly set the world on fire last year, (9-21, 4-14), and finished with a 325 RPI/305 KenPom.

Scott Cherry will be putting a lot of emphasis on recruting, but he isn't going to see a lot of that success for a couple years. The Panthers do return three starters--6-2 sophomore Nick Barbour (14.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg), 6-2 senior Eugene Harris (12.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg) and David Singleton (5.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.8 apg).

Barbour is their best player. He put up 38 in their win over UNC-Pembroke last week and is not afraid to jack it up. He was 13-16 and 10-11 from 3. That is actually incredible when I look at it on the screen. Wow. So obviously, somebody's gotta pick him up and I expect L.D. Williams to draw him.

High Point is not a very big team at all, but they'll play a quick tempo and some trap defense, so expect a high scoring game for the Deacs. I fully expect the bigs to have a great game--I look for Tony Woods to possibly have a double-double, Chas McFarland to have a better game and Al-Farouq Aminu to be Al-Farouq Aminu and put up 20 and 10.

This is another good opportunity for the freshmen to get some good minutes and tune up their game. C.J. Harris has been money so far and Ari Stewart and Konner Tucker have looked good too. This could be a big game for Stewart.

High Point might improve this year over their 9 wins a year ago, and Cherry was a coveted coach (you'll also remember Pat Kelsey's name was thrown in the High Point coaching rumors), but this team has a long ways to go. That said, I would not be surprised to see them finish in the top half of the Big South as long as their starters can lead the way and they can get quality minutes out of newcomers Tehran Cox and Jairus Simms.

Wake 93, High Point 70

BtB 2009-10 Big South Preview

Chris Dobbertean — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:39:42 -0000

It was a relatively quiet offseason in the Big South. High Point and Liberty were the only two schools to change coaches. Scott Cherry replaced the fired Bart Lundy as the head coach of the Panthers, while former Colorado State head coach Dale Layer (who was actually working as a Marquette assistant) replaced another former Ram head coach, Ritchie McKay, as the leader of the Flames.

The other big news of the offseason is the decision of several promising youngsters to try their luck out of the league. The most famous case is that of Seth Curry, who left Liberty for the big time, Duke. Brolin Floyd also left, though he has yet to decide on a destination. Steadman Short left High Point for Marshall. Omar Carter, formerly of Charleston Southern, will suit up for Appalachian State next year. Tovi Bailey also left the Bucs and will play at Division II Lander. And that's just a start, as several other key performers went looking for greener pastures this offseason.

The Big South teams has several incoming transfers eligible this season. More on them and their impacts on their new teams after the jump.

Let's first take a look at what last season's Big South standings looked like.

Big South Conference Standings

(updated 3.24.2009 at 12:08 AM EDT)

	Conf		Overall
	W	L	W	L
Radford Highlanders	15	3	21	12
Virginia Military Keydets	13	5	24	8
Liberty Flames	12	6	23	12
UNC-Asheville Bulldogs	10	8	15	16
Gardner-Webb Bulldogs	9	9	13	17
Winthrop Eagles	9	9	11	19
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers	5	13	11	20
Charleston Southern Buccaneers	4	14	9	20
High Point Panthers	4	14	9	21

Now, here are my picks for the 2009-10 Big South campaign, presented in reverse order.

Presbyterian (last NCAA: None) The Blue Hose didn't fare too badly in 2009-08, their first season playing a Big South schedule. However, they'll be hard-pressed to repeat their 9-9 league record this time around. With an eye on gaining the automatic bid in their first season of eligibility in 2011-12, head coach Gregg Nibert is going to redshirt his core players this season. Center Al'Lonzo Coleman and guards Josh Johnson and Pierre Miller will sit and come back next season with two years of eligibility left. In the meantime, the Blue Hose will be the youngest team in the league, so expect them to take their fair share of lumps.

Liberty (last NCAA: 2004) The Flames did a nice job last year, winning 23 games overall and acting as a factor in the conference race. However, the coach of that team and three starters are gone, as Curry and Floyd transferred and F Anthony Smith (17.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg) graduated. Dale Layer's team is now woefully short on experience. 6-4 guard Kyle Ohman is the leading returning scorer (13.9 ppg), but no other returnee averaged more than 6.9 ppg. The Flames' two 6-9 forwards, Tyler Baker and Austin Smith will be expected to boost their output, and Layer will also lean heavily on his crop newcomers, led by 6-2 guard Evan Gordon, brother of LA Clipper Eric.

Charleston Southern (last NCAA: 1997) The Buccaneers looked like they were going to be a serious contender for their second-ever NCAA bid. That was until Bailey and Carter decided to leave. The good news for CSU is that Jamarco Warren (17.8 ppg, 2.8 apg) is back to run the show and that forward Kelvin Martin is due to improve on his averages of 9 points and 7 boards per game as he returns from a knee injury. 6-10 C Billy Blackmon also returns after breaking his forearm early last season. However, the transfers will really affect the depth of Barclay Radebaugh's squad.

VMI (last NCAA: 1977) The big question in Lexington, VA this year is can Duggar Baucom's system be just as effective when three key pieces move on. The Keydets will be without the Holmes twins, Chavis and Travis, who averaged more than 41 points combined, and Willie Bell who accounted for nearly 9 points and 6 boards a game. Guards Austin Kenon (16.3 ppg) and Keith Gabriel (13 ppg) are back, so they'll continue to do their part. How well last year's bench players and newcomers Joe Carr, a 6-2 guard, and Stan Okoye, a 6-5 swingman, fit into their new roles in Baucom's offense will dictate whether the Keydets can rise above this prediction.

High Point (last NCAA: None) The Panthers actually return four starters, but losing Steadman leaves a substantial hole in the frontcourt. 6-7 junior forward Jourdan Morris could be an adequate replacement as he averaged nearly 7 points and 3 rebounds per contest. 6-11 C Cruz Daniels will have to improve his offense this season. Last year, he averaged nearly 8 points a game, to go along with 8 boards. The backcourt is in good shape, however, as double digit scorers Nick Barbour and Eugene Harris return and sophomore PG David Singleton (4.8 apg) is back to run the offense.

Winthrop (last NCAA: 2008) The Eagles, dynasty of the Big South, thanks to 7 NCAA appearances in this decade, fell hard last season. The 9-9 Big South record wasn't too bad, but recording only 2 wins in 12 non-conference games hurt. It's miraculous that the Eagles managed to win as many games as they did, as no one averaged in double figures in scoring. 6-7 F/C Charles Corbin was the team's leading scorer, averaging 9.5 points a game to go along with almost 6 rebounds. Randy Peele's team will have to find some scoring punch, otherwise they will sink further down the standings. 6-9 F Matt Morgan, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, should be a helpful addition.

Gardner-Webb (last NCAA: None) Rick Scruggs' backcourt could be among the best in this league, if they improve their scoring output. If they do, the Bulldogs should improve on the 9-9 mark earned in their inaugural Big South campaign. Point guard Grayson Flittner (14.5 ppg, 3.8 apg) is a contender for Big South Player of the Year, and his numbers should improve as he suffered from knee issues throughout last season. However, with the graduation of 14 point per game performer Aaron Linn, no returnee other than Flittner cracked double digits last season, though C Auryn MacMillan should increase his production this year. Last year, he averaged only 9.4 ppg while shooting over 61 percent from the floor last year, Flittner's backcourt-mate, Jonathan Moore should also improve on his average of 9.1 ppg in Linn's absence.

UNC Asheville (last NCAA: 2003) The Bulldogs were young last year, but very competitive, winning 10 games in the league. With that year of experience, Eddie Biedenbach's squad should be ready to challenge for a conference title. Senior G Sean Smith (10.8 ppg) will provide leadership, and he'll team with sophomore G Matt Dickey (10.9 ppg) to provide a consistent perimeter threat. Junior F John Williams will provide inside scoring and rebounding (12.9 ppg, 6.6 ppg). while sophomore PG J.P. Primm (9 ppg, 4.5 apg) will run the offense.

Coastal Carolina (last NCAA: 1993) Cliff Ellis has all five starters back, as 6-5 F Joe Harris (15.2 ppg, 11.4 rpg) decided to stick around for his senior year. That means the Chanticleers are the team best equipped to challenge Radford for the league crown. Ellis also gains the services of South Carolina transfer Chad Gray, a 6-7 forward, who will join Harris and 10 point/6 rebound man Anthony Breeze in what could be one of the more formidable frontcourts in the league. The Chants' growth as a team may depend on how well the backcourt of Dexter Moore (7.2 ppg), Mario Edwards (9 ppg), and swingman Logan Johnson (6.9 ppg) builds on some solid performances at the end of last season.

Radford (last NCAA: 2009) The Highlanders already had a frontcourt that is the envy of most teams at this level of Division I, and they likely will be even better down low this year. You already know about 6-11 Art Parakhouski, who averaged better than 16 points and 11 boards last season. You may also have heard of PF Joey Lynch-Flohr, who scored 14 while grabbing almost 6 a contest. Now, you can add Binghamton transfer Lazar Trifunovic (and don't you think he's glad to have left that mess), a 6-8 forward who will likely step right in and contribute for Radford. The Highlanders will likely miss G Kenny Thomas (14.7 ppg, 5.8 ppg) and 6-5 Chris McEachin, who averaged almost 9 points a game in a reserve role left school over the summer (HT to e-mailer Tom Raschke for alerting me to this). He would have slid in beside Amir Johnson (9.6 ppg, 5.2 apg) to form a pretty good backcourt tandem. Now RU has a bit of a hole. In this league, when you can put together as impressive a frontcourt as Brad Greenberg has, you might only need a passable backcourt to cut down the nets in March. (And in selecting Johnson for my preseason All-Big South team, I think they could be really good back there.)

So, thanks to their prospects inside, the Highlanders are my preseason pick to repeat in the Big South. You'll see them in my 2009-10 Final Preseason Bracket on November 9. To wrap up this preview, here is my preseason All-Big South team, featuring the best returning players from last season.

Preseason All-Big South Team

Player of the Year: Artsiom Parakhouski, 6-11 C, Sr. (Radford)

Remainder of the Team
Grayson Flittner, 6-0 G, Sr. (Gardner-Webb)
Joseph Harris, 6-5 F, Sr. (Coastal Carolina)
Amir Johnson, 5-9 G, Sr. (Radford)
Joey Lynch-Flohr, 6-8 F, Sr. (Radford)

Poll

Who is your pick to win the Big South this season? (Note that Presbyterian is not an option as they are ineligible for the postseason.)

Charleston Southern

1 votes

Coastal Carolina

0 votes

Gardner-Webb

1 votes

High Point

0 votes

Liberty

1 votes

Radford

6 votes

UNC Asheville

1 votes

VMI

3 votes

Winthrop

0 votes

13 votes | Poll has closed

The 2009-10 Coaching Carousel Recap

Chris Dobbertean — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:00:23 -0000

More photos » by Dusty Compton - AP

(Yes, it's a column about coaching changes that doesn't feature a picture of either John Calipari, Josh Pastner, or Sean Miller.) Former Florida assistant Anthony Grant left VCU during this offseason to return to the SEC, taking over at Alabama. (AP Photo/Tuscaloosa News, Dusty Compton)

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As I posted last Monday, everyone knows that John Calipari is Billy Gillispie's replacement at Kentucky, and that Josh Pastner now has to try to keep Memphis at the top of Conference USA. It's also no secret that Sean Miller left Xavier to become Lute Olson's permanent replacement at Arizona, and that the Musketeers promoted assistant Chris Mack to the head job.

But there were 24 other coaching changes in Division I after the 2008-09 season. Some of these were the result of the domino effect that happens when a school in a power conference hires someone who was successful at a lower level, a decision that often leads to multiple jobs opening up. Others were cases where athletic directors felt that they needed to make changes, but stayed within the current staff.

This year's coaching carousel was a pretty lengthy one. Proving that the pressure is getting a bit ridiculous, even at lower levels of Division I, John Cooper (No, not THAT John Cooper.) replaces Cy Alexander at Tennessee State, which is a noteworthy story because Alexander was fired back on Feburary 9. Cooper was previously Jeff Lebo's associate head coach at Auburn. The final change of the offseason (I say that now like it's a certainty.) was finalized late Thursday when Cornell assistant Zach Spiker was hired at Army to replace Jim Crews.

While that's a start, it's certainly not everything that happened in the world of coaching during the spring and summer. After the jump, I'll run through the rest of the coaching changes made this offseason.

At one point, Kevin O'Neill was the interim coach in Tucson and the replacement in waiting for Lute Olson. That obviously didn't happen, so now the former Northwestern and Tennessee head coach has replaced Tim Floyd at USC.

Alabama hired Anthony Grant to replace Mark Gottfried. VCU then followed its own playbook by replacing Grant with another Florida assistant, Shaka Smart.

Georgia hired Mark Fox to do what Dennis Felton failed to do, rebuild the program. Nevada promoted assistant David Carter to replace Fox with the hopes he'll have the Wolf Pack ready to challenge Utah State and Idaho at the top of the league this year.

Tony Bennett left Washington State to replace Dave Leitao at Virginia. Former Portland State coach Ken Bone heads to the Palouse to replace him, with Vikings assistant Tyler Geving taking over the head job there.

Buzz Peterson left his job as Director of Player Personnel with the Charlotte Bobcats to return to Appalachian State. He left the Mountaineers to take the Tulsa job in 2000, leaving there for an average four seasons at Tennessee. After being forced out in Knoxville, Peterson coached Coastal Carolina for two years before heading to Charlotte. Elon will also have a new coach. Ernie Nestor was fired, and the school looked to tap into a winning formula in hiring his replacement. The Phoenix will now be led by former Davidson assistant Matt Matheny.

Isiah Thomas will now attempt to not ruin Florida International's program like he ruined the CBA and the New York Knicks. He's off to a great start at earning friends and influencing people.

Holy Cross hired Notre Dame assistant Sean Kearney to replace Ralph Willard, who left to be an assistant for Rick Pitino at Louisville.

Ritchie McKay left Liberty to be one of Bennett's assistants. Another former Colorado State head man, Marquette assistant Dale Layer is his replacement. Former South Carolina assistant Scott Cherry is the other new hire in the Big South, he replaces the fired Bart Lundy at High Point.

Dennis Wolff couldn't bring America East glory to Boston University, so he was fired and replaced with Villanova assistant Patrick Chambers.

Tom Green (not the "funny" Canadian) had significant success at Fairleigh Dickinson, just not over the past couple of years. He was fired and the Knights will be led by his former assistant, Greg Vetrone, at least on an interim basis.

Washington assistant Cameron Dollar, a star player on UCLA's 1995 National Championship team will lead Seattle through their Division I transition period, replacing Joe Callero, who took the job at Cal Poly in the Big West. North Carolina Central is the other Independent with a new coach for 2009-10. Henry Dickerson wasn't rehired, and he will be replaced by one of his assistants, LeVelle Morton.

Kevin Nickelberry resigned at Hampton, where Edward Joyner, Jr., one of Nickelberry's assistants will lead the team on at least an interim basis.

At Grambling, a tragic incident led to the end of Rick Duckett's tenure. Henry White, a transfer from Hill (Tex.) Junior College, died after an offseason workout on a 104 degree day at the Louisiana school. The school says Duckett resigned, but the coach says he was fired via a letter from the school. Assistant Robert Washington, Jr. will be the interim coach.

Tom Schuberth was fired at Texas-Pan American, where winning will always be tough because of the slim chance at making the NCAAs (something that won't change with Great West membership). St. Edward's coach Ryan Marks is the new head man in Edinboro.

There were two other changes in the Ohio Valley this offseason besides the Tennessee State switch I mentioned before the jump. Former Arkansas State head man Dickie Nutt is back in the business, taking over a Southeast Missouri State program that spent most of last season in turmoil after the Scot Edgar regime. Bret Campbell resigned at Tennessee-Martin. His replacement is former assistant Jason James.

At the end of the season, I'll come back and look at how each of these coaches did in filling their new jobs. On Tuesday, however, I turn my attention back to the players with my first ever preseason All-America teams.

Kelsey a leading candidate for High Point job

MRickman84 — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:13:51 -0000

Wake Forest assistant coach Pat Kelsey is one of the leading candidates for the High Point coaching vacancy, sources say.

After speaking with Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports, it is believed that there are four coaches that High Point is interested in, two of which have already interviewed.

The four coaches are G.G. Smith, Ryan Odom, Scott Cherry and Kelsey.

G.G. Smith, son of Minnesota Head Coach Tubby Smith, played for Tubby at Georgia and is an assistant at Loyola (MD). Tubby's alma matter was High Point. At Loyola, his main duty is recruiting

Ryan Odom is in his sixth season as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech. His primary responsibility is scouting. Odom had three years as an assistant under Jeff Jones at American University and has also been an assistant coach at UNC-Asheville, Furman and as an administrative assistant at South Florida under Seth Greenberg.

University of South Carolina assistant Scott Cherry has nine years of assistant coaching experience. In his first year at USC, he also served at Western Kentucky and at George Mason. He formerly played for North Carolina, graduating in 1993.

Coach Pat Kelsey has been on the Wake Forest staff since 2002, as both Director of Basketball Operations (02-04) and Assistant Coach (05-present). He was formerly an assistant coach at the prestigious Elder High School of which he is an alumnus. He played under Skip Prosser at Xaiver from 1995-1998.

Kelsey if taking the job, will provide a breadth of recruiting experience in North Carolina. He is part of the reason that Wake has had such good recruiting efforts, drawing some of the better players in N.C.

High Point Head Coach Bart Lundy was fired after a 9-21 season. He had a roster of 13 freshmen and sophomores. The 37-year-old Lundy's record was 96-87 overall but he did reach the Big South title game after finishing 19-11 in his first season.

What's the appeal for this job? I would imagine that Kelsey would be sought after for bigger positions and the High Point job offers very little room for success. The players often don't stay all four years, and he would need to recruit and bring in JuCo players to even compete.

But there is always the opportunity that the job could be a springboard for a bigger job, but with all the riders on the coaching carousel every season, it might behoove Kelsey to stick around one more season and see what else opens up.

This job might be perfect for G.G. Smith, with his dad as a High Point grad and having little Head Coaching experience. He would get time to formulate his own philosophy and go through the growing pains of a new head coach with hopefully few expectations.

I'll be keeping a close eye on the situation--as both Kelsey and Coach Battle have come up in coaching rumors over the last couple weeks. And with Wake out of the tournament, there is a lot more time for that talk.