I know I said I didn't think this would drag on into June, but here we are, May 31 and no assistant in place. I can confirm that Duane Simpkins is no longer a candidate and I got mixed info from Day 1 on Kenya Hunter. With regards to Hunter, I'm fairly certain he wanted to return to the area, but Hurley wasn't prepared to lose him after one season and after he caught wind, he did whatever was necessary to make sure he didn't lose him.
With regards to Kenny Johnson, I wouldn't think Turgeon would have met with Johnson on a formal basis unless higher ups had ok'd it. But it appears that might be what happened and Johnson was nixed late in the process. Obviously Johnson's name was involved with the Louisville scandal, although he was cleared of any wrongdoing and is currently working as an assistant at LaSalle.
So where does this leave Maryland?
I keep hearing that Turgeon has been impressed with the job Manning Jr. has done in the interim and maybe he gets bumped up to third chair. Manning Jr. has plenty of experience on the bench and out recruiting, having served under Patsos at both Loyola and Siena, and of course he's familiar with the local landscape as well. And he has ties to the program with his father having played here under Lefty.
Maybe Turgeon interviews a few more people, but I'm yet to hear any other truly viable names. If I do hear any, you all will be the first to know. But we are getting down to the time where you'd think Turgeon would want someone permanent in place by the end of next week.
With regards to Kenny Johnson, I wouldn't think Turgeon would have met with Johnson on a formal basis unless higher ups had ok'd it. But it appears that might be what happened and Johnson was nixed late in the process. Obviously Johnson's name was involved with the Louisville scandal, although he was cleared of any wrongdoing and is currently working as an assistant at LaSalle.
So where does this leave Maryland?
I keep hearing that Turgeon has been impressed with the job Manning Jr. has done in the interim and maybe he gets bumped up to third chair. Manning Jr. has plenty of experience on the bench and out recruiting, having served under Patsos at both Loyola and Siena, and of course he's familiar with the local landscape as well. And he has ties to the program with his father having played here under Lefty.
Maybe Turgeon interviews a few more people, but I'm yet to hear any other truly viable names. If I do hear any, you all will be the first to know. But we are getting down to the time where you'd think Turgeon would want someone permanent in place by the end of next week.
