College Basketball: Wagner's Hurley takes over at R.I.
Rhode Island has hired Wagner's Dan Hurley to rebuild its struggling Atlantic Ten program, which finished 7-24 this season. Hurley, who spent two years as the State Island school's basketball coach, agreed to a six-year deal. In his second season at Wagner, Hurley led the Seahawks, who play in the Northeast Conference, to a 25-6 record.
Rhode Island has hired Wagner's Dan Hurley to rebuild its struggling Atlantic Ten program, which finished 7-24 this season.
Hurley, who spent two years as the State Island school's basketball coach, agreed to a six-year deal. In his second season at Wagner, Hurley led the Seahawks, who play in the Northeast Conference, to a 25-6 record.
The former star guard at Seton Hall - and son of Hall of Famer Bob Hurley - also coached nine seasons at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, N.J.
"Dan is a proven winner at every level and I am looking forward to partnering with him to build on the solid foundation we have in place," Rhode Island athletic director Thorr Bjorn said. "Our goals are to compete for - and win - A-10 championships and advance to play in NCAA tournaments."
Hurley, 39, replaces Jim Baron, 57, who had two years remaining on his contract but could only muster a 4-12 record in the A-10 this season. Baron had coached the Rams since 2001, and made five NIT appearances, but none in the NCAA. He was fired on March 4.
Pep ban in trouble
The University of Southern Mississippi has revoked the scholarships of five members of its pep band who took part in the racial taunting of a Kansas State basketball player in last Thursday's NCAA tournament game.
The school announced Tuesday that the five students, who were not named, also were removed from the band and will be required to complete a two-hour cultural sensitivity training course this week.
Last week, the university issued an apology to Kansas State freshman point guard Angel Rodriguez after he was the target of chants during the Wildcats' 70-64 second-round victory.
While Rodriguez attempted a free throw, the pep band greeted him with: "Where's your green card?"
"The students have been forthcoming, cooperative, contrite and sincerely remorseful. They acted rashly and inappropriately, and now see the gravity of their words and actions," university vice president for student affairs Joe Paul said in a statement.
Marquette players cited
Six Marquette players have been ticketed for being in a bar earlier this year despite being not old enough to drink. Coach Buzz Williams confirmed the report and said he handled the situation when it happened in January.
He did not disclose details of any discipline.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Tuesday that they players were ticketed for being in a Milwaukee nightclub on Jan. 29. There was no indication they were drinking.
The players were freshman guard Todd Mayo, sophomore guard Vander Blue, sophomore forward Jamail Jones, freshman, forward Juan Anderson, freshman guard Derrick Wilson, and junior guard Jake Thomas.
Xavier's Wells ailing
Xavier freshman forward Dez Wells has a sprained big toe and won't practice leading up to Xavier's NCAA tournament game on Friday against Baylor in Atlanta.
College Basketball:
NCAA: Hurley named men's basketball coach at Rhode Island. C5.