Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011
ATLANTA — Georgia Tech hired Dayton coach Brian Gregory on Monday to rebuild its program, which fell on hard times after reaching the national championship game in 2004.
"Brian Gregory is not only an outstanding basketball coach, but he is a tireless worker and recruiter who cares deeply about his players," Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich said. "There is no question that he will succeed as basketball coach at Georgia Tech, and he will win by doing things the right way."
Paul Hewitt was fired after his fourth losing season in six years.
Gregory received a six-year, $6 million contract. He said all the tools are in place to restore the Yellow Jackets to national prominence, including a strong recruiting base, membership in the ACC and a prominent history that he plans to tap into.
"We need to reconnect and re-engage with our former players," he said. "Their blood, sweat and tears made our program what it is today."
In the middle of Gregory's introductory news conference, Iman Shumpert, the team's leading scorer, tweeted that he would test his NBA options. He hasn't hired an agent, meaning he could return for his final year. Shumpert later said he didn't know the players would be meeting Gregory and that he had reached his decision before Gregory was hired.
Gregory, 44, coached Dayton for eight seasons, going 172-94 with two NCAA appearances, reaching the second round in 2009 with an upset of West Virginia. Dayton had one losing season and won at least 20 games five times.
Michigan: Guard Darius Morris asked the NBA to assess where he would be selected and tell him by April 18, a week before the deadline for underclassmen to declare themselves eligible for the draft. The 6-foot-4 sophomore led Michigan last season with 15 points and 6.7 assists.
Michigan State: Center Garrick Sherman is transferring, saying he needs a fresh start. The sometimes-starter averaged three points and 2.6 rebounds last season as a sophomore.
Tennessee: Cuonzo Martin was introduced as coach, saying he weighed the Vols' possible NCAA punishment against "a great opportunity," and said he had no reservations. School officials will go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions on June 10-11. Martin gets a five-year deal guaranteeing $1.3 million plus bonuses.
UCLA: The Bruins lost forward Tyler Honeycutt but gained point guard Larry Drew. Honeycutt plans to sign with an agent and enter the NBA draft, giving up his final two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-8, 188-pounder averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds this season. Drew enrolled at UCLA after leaving North Carolina last month. The junior has to sit out next season and will have one season of eligibility remaining.
Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/georgia-tech-hires-daytons-gregory-as-coach/1160284
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