Rice coaching search turns to UT hoops assistant

[KFDM COOP]

Rice coaching search turns to UT hoops assistaint

Rice interviewed Texas assistant basketball coach Rodney Terry on Thursday for its vacant coaching position according to an NCAA official.

Rice athletic director Chris Del Conte did not return calls from the Chronicle seeking comment.

Texas is in town to face Stanford in the South Regional of the NCAA Tournament. Terry, who turned 40 on Thursday, joined the Texas staff on June 11, 2002 after spending the previous four seasons coaching under Jerry Wainwright at UNC-Wilmington. The Seahawks made three postseason appearances with Terry on staff.

Texas has appeared in the NCAA Tournament in each of the six seasons Terry has assisted Rick Barnes. This is the Longhorns' fourth Sweet 16 appearance since Terry, an Angleton native and St. Edward's graduate, joined the staff. It's been reported that Terry was a finalist for the Missouri State opening filled by Purdue assistant Cuonzo Martin.

Rice fired Willis Wilson on March 14, two days after the Owls completed a 3-27 season with their 20th consecutive loss.

[Guest DickVitale]

Rodney would be a good choice...Heck, he could find a good player under a ROCK in Anytown, USA!! Great recruiter...Great guy...Don't know about his game time coaching ability, though..Rick Barnes is not really pumping out great head coaches from his staff either...Frank Haith (Miami) learned under Tony Barone at A&M, so he doesn't really count under Barnes' coaching tree.. 8)  Here are some other names that I think could git r done in Owl Land!:

Melvin Harrelson - UH assistant (excellent recruiter)

Danny Kasper - SFA head coach

James Dickey - OSU assistant / former Texas Tech head coach

Kelvin Sampson - JUST KIDDING... (he's available!  )

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

bob knight