HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said Thursday he plans to return for a 24th season at the school.
Calhoun’s Huskies finished the season 31-5, losing in the national semifinals to Michigan State. Several off-the-court issues had prompted questions about Calhoun’s future, including an investigation into UConn’s recruitment of former player Nate Miles.
Calhoun has acknowledged that he or his staff may have made mistakes in recruiting Miles.
The coach also has been treated for cancer three times during his UConn career, including last summer when he successfully battled skin cancer.
Calhoun also had a well-publicized heated exchange with a freelance journalist this season after being repeatedly asked questions about collecting his $1.6 million salary in tough economic times.
“In many ways, the journey of this past season has made me realize how much I love coaching this game, how much I love my kids and how much I enjoy being at Connecticut,” Calhoun said in a statement released by the school.
Curry still undecided
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Davidson guard Stephen Curry, the nation’s leading scorer, is still undecided on whether to leave school for the NBA.
His father, former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, says Thursday that his son is in “pause mode.” He indicated a decision could come next week. The deadline to declare for the draft is April 26.
Curry averaged 28.6 points for the Wildcats.
NAU’s Adras gets extension
FLAGSTAFF – Northern Arizona has given men’s basketball coach Mike Adras a three-year contract extension through 2012.
Adras has been at the school for 17 years, seven as an assistant and the past 10 as head coach of the Lumberjacks. His record is 158-136 overall, 82-68 in the Big Sky Conference.
Adras gets an annual salary of $120,000 plus incentives tied to academic achievement, winning the conference title in the regular season or Big Sky tournament and advancing to the postseason.
Wake’s Johnson leaving?
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest sophomore forward James Johnson has declared for the NBA draft and hired an agent.
A spokesman for Wasserman Media Group said Thursday that Johnson has signed with their agency and will be represented by Dan Tobin.
That means Johnson will not be able to return to play for the school.
The 6-foot-9 Johnson was the top rebounder with 8.5 per game and second on the team in scoring at 15.8 points. He’s been projected to be a first-round pick in most mock drafts.