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Gillispie Is Prime Target For Vacancy

Last updated Monday, March 26, 2007 10:57 PM CDT
in Razorback Central

By Ryan Malashock
The Morning News

FAYETTEVILLE -- Texas A&M's Billy Gillispie is Arkansas' No. 1 target for its now-vacant coaching position, a source close to the basketball program told The Morning News.

Now, no formal discussions have been held with Gillispie, no formal negotiations have taken place. But talks between Gillispie's friends and those close to the Arkansas program have occurred, the source said. As the situation involving Minnesota coach Tubby Smith proved, informal talks can lead to sudden announcements.

In fact, the source said Gillispie would likely become Arkansas' replacement for Stan Heath, who was fired Monday by the university. If Gillispie didn't become the 14th basketball coach in Arkansas history, the source said Kansas' Bill Self and Southern California's Tim Floyd would be contacted next.

When contacted Monday, the Texas A&M sports information department refused to discuss any rumors about Gillispie, stating "it didn't comment on personnel matters."

Gillispie took Texas A&M to the "Sweet 16" this season. The Aggies lost by one point to Memphis, finishing with a 27-7 overall record and a 13-3 mark in the Big 12 Conference.

He has coached three seasons in College Station and two seasons at Texas-El Paso before that.

Back in Fayetteville, Arkansas' players were left to ponder who their next coach would be.

Junior point guard Gary Ervin responded to a query about Arkansas' future coach by naming no one in particular.

"Being a fan of college basketball, I've been watching the games and been hearing some things about the coaches they are trying to get," Ervin said. "Right now I am just waiting to see what is going on. At the same time, I am still hurting for (Coach Heath)."

Many of the Razorbacks surely shared Ervin's sentiments.

But one emphatically did not. Junior forward Vincent Hunter, likely disgruntled with his decreasing role on the team, didn't hide his feelings.

"For me, I really didn't play as much as I wanted to play," Hunter said. "I deserve more than zero minutes a game, you know. That kind of turned me off a little bit on Coach Heath. When I heard the news, I just thought that I didn't care if he got fired or not."

Hunter, Ervin and junior Cyrus McGowan were the only players who spoke to the media late Monday afternoon. They showed up with freshman Michael Washington for a scheduled team meeting that got moved to Heath's residence.

Ervin, the team's respected leader, did most of the talking. He alluded to how much the rumors and speculation nagged at the Hogs, even as they went on their late-season surge.

"It made it hard as we were playing at the end of the season, but we finally found out what is going on with our coaching staff," Ervin said. "It is a tough feeling."

Patrick Beverley, the Razorbacks' SEC Freshman of the Year, was not in Fayetteville on Monday. Beverley was to sit down with his mother, Lisa, Monday night in Chicago to discuss his future. Beverley hadn't returned to Arkansas from spring break.

Whoever the Razorbacks' next coach is, Gillispie or not, expect him to inherit one of the most ideal situations for a first-year coach.

No one on Arkansas' roster graduates. The Hogs could enter the 2007-08 season as the favorites in the Southeastern Conference Western Division. Even Heath referred to Arkansas' potential next year as he addressed the media a few hours after learning his fate.

As for the players, they'd just like to move on as fast as possible.

"I don't think I am looking for anything except the same kind of things from Coach Heath," Ervin said. "The main thing is whoever is going to be our coach, we need to go out there and win some ballgames. That is the main thing. Just have some fun and just continue to do some things that we did at the end of the season to make us a fun team to watch."

Prep Sports


Reader Comments (61 comment(s))


The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

felicia green wrote on Mar 26, 2007 11:46 PM:

" it is a cold cold sports world up on the hill. The University of arkansas can be so unfair you had a wonderful coach winning, bringing in the fans making the money people could not get enough of Nolan and because broyles could not appolized and squash what was going on with the wrong doing. He fired one of the best coaches arkansas ever had and will problably have. the fair thing to do is get rid of Houston Nutt I don't see anything great he has done and he continues to get a raise he doesn't deserve anything else. "

huh?? wrote on Mar 26, 2007 11:58 PM:

" is your name madduckdog?? "

cynic wrote on Mar 27, 2007 12:39 AM:

" LOL!!! If those named coaches leave the position they are in to coach Arkansas then it must be freezing over down under. I can't stop laughing!! "

Braggadocious wrote on Mar 27, 2007 1:50 AM:

" Too bad we can't fire Hunter too. Maybe he will transfer and open up a scholarship. "

rock chalk wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:13 AM:

" "If Gillispie didn't become the 14th basketball coach in Arkansas history, the source said Kansas' Bill Self and Southern California's Tim Floyd would be contacted next." HAHAHAHAH Sounds like your "source" might be just a wee bit dilusional. So really, do you have to have to have a degree to write for this paper? "

Hog in MO wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:31 AM:

" Don't know what degrees are required to scribe for the MN rock chalk, but you do "have to have to have" a GED to post here. Let's see those credentials. "

Hogsnort wrote on Mar 27, 2007 5:50 AM:

" Can I use your State funded phone, I need to do some texting? Nolan, you need to bring this out in your next interview, and we all know there will be one. "

Tucker Tom wrote on Mar 27, 2007 7:13 AM:

" Go on Frank, hire Gillispie or Self for $2 million and then you can give your boy (as in good ole boy) Houston another raise he doesn't deserve; one he didn't have to do anything to get except be your boy. "

AngelHog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 7:27 AM:

" Tom Tucker is loved even when he is upset. He's cute when he's fired up for a 76 year old. Bet he's still got a few muscles. He's too old for me, but some old lady would run her fingers thru his hair. Now we girls are anxious to see if we can get Gillispie as the new coach. Feel for Heath but he had to go. Any. new coach has a good foundation of players "

Adolph Rupp wrote on Mar 27, 2007 7:44 AM:

" Fired Broyles, Fired Lewis, Fired Heath, Now Fire Nutt and then FIRE White... "

Hog Fan wrote on Mar 27, 2007 7:54 AM:

" All of you act like you weren't at the basketball games this year. You can revise the truth if you like, but fans didn't like Stans style of baskeball and most have been ready for a change for a while. As for footall, most are not ready to fire the SEC coach of the year. Just a few loudmouths with agenda's for their "Good Ole Boy" Gus. Get real. It's laughable. "

Mike G wrote on Mar 27, 2007 8:04 AM:

" I have a feeling Gillespie is just using us to get an extension at A&M. I'd be surprised if we got anyone better than Heath. "

florida Hog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 8:08 AM:

" Personally, I thought Stan Heath had the Hogs going in the right direction. He was building momentum and bringing in better than average players. I believe this move by Broyles will come back and bite Arkansas in the butt. Heath had class, much more class than Richardson ever had.7 "

Tipptoo wrote on Mar 27, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Come on guys! If you want to comment on the article...which is what this is for...then do so. Save the space here for people who can think! Opinions vary...and that's fine...but rabblerousing serves no purpose, unless you're gunning for the Jerry Springer show. Stan Heath was a great asset to Arkansas basketball in a lot of ways. I feel sorry for him and his family. However, he couldn't get over the hump present at this level to move from mediocre. Anyone who knows basketball could see the struggles of a very talented team over the last couple of years...and see the coaching breakdowns. Anyone who knows basketball knows this is the best move for the program...at least in terms of moving back into the elite status from a winning percentage standpoint. Bill Self...probably not likely. Gillispie or Floyd, absolutely possible. My money is on Gillispie taking the job. Too bad we can't get Nolan back...the Nolan that was here during the first 5 years of his tenure...and without the prejudice and attitude he carries. "

Tucker Tom wrote on Mar 27, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Angel Hog, I still do have a few muscles; at least enough to still pick up my coffee cup. I still have the little lady with me I married almost 50 years ago; she is only 70. She is still the girl of my dreams and my favorite girl. We love to watch Razorback basketball. If you think I get upset you should see her.She really gets fired up. She ranted and raved when Heath was fired. After she settled down "some" she just wants another coach with Heath's honesty and intergrity. She would like to see Chris Lowery from Southern Illinois come to Arkansas.I think the A&M board will outbid Arkansas to keep Gillispie. Self & Floyd stand in similar situation. "

Springdale Resident wrote on Mar 27, 2007 9:20 AM:

" I believe that if Frank Broyles wasn't here we could go out and get Gus to coach both the football and basketball teams. If we could get Damien Williams father to referee the basketball games we might go undefeated! "

Springdale Guy wrote on Mar 27, 2007 9:35 AM:

" When Frank leaves, Gus take back the team, then he'll take the athletic department, the entire University and then he'll take over the WHITE HOUSE AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! "

Beachhog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 10:03 AM:

" The Hogs will be used by Gillespie, Self, Floyd and anybody else of merit to get a better deal where they are currently employed. I see us getting a good mid major like the coach from Air Force or Winthrop. We did Stan so wrong that we may have to go to the high school ranks. "

paron wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:03 AM:

" PLEASE hire Self. Then you will have fired a coach who lost in the opening round to Bucknell... for a coach who lost in the opening round to Bucknell. Delicious. "

OMG wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:03 AM:

" michael jordan has just been named head coach at ARKANSAW and larry bird has been named asst head coach! go wazorbaks "

ILoveARKANSAW wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:08 AM:

" why dont all u wazorbaks quit buying up all the hateraid at walmart and same some for kentucky "

OMG wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Phil jackson just boarded a jet in LA and is headed to arkansaw to jump onboard the wazorbak bandwagon with michael jordan! LOOK OUT SEC THERE'S A NEW SHERRIFF IN TOWN WOOOOOOHOOOOOO! "

Texags poster wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Dream on Piggies "

RazorFan wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Basketball Tradition, let's see...Arkansas or the other Texas school (Texas A&M). I can't imagine a coach leaving the other Texas school (Texas A&M)in the big12 for Arkansas in the SEC. My bet is Gillispie may not be at AR next year...but he for sure won't be @ A&M. "

Texas Hog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:06 PM:

" A couple of Razorback basketball players have said they may move on. Let them go.Here is a fine place to quote the has-been Houston Nutt: we only want those who want to be Razorbacks. Or words to that effect. "

Southern Hog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Gillispie is coming. Like it or not, Texans, he's going to be a Hog in the SEC. It's just not fun when you are not in control, is it? I hate it that we're doing this at your expense. NOT............... "

Hairy Swinefeld wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:43 PM:

" If Gillispie, Self, and Floyd all decline (a real possibility), I would like to see Tony Bennett (Wash St) or John Pelphrey (S. Ala) get a shot. Pelphrey would probably be a better fit in that he can recruit the south and is a Rick Pitino disciple (see up-tempo style of play). "

Tucker Tom wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:48 PM:

" Here's the real scoop. Donovan is being courted by NBA. That leaves UF open. And UK is open. UA is open. TA&M will be open when Gillispie goes to either UK or UF. Pearl will be at either UK or UF. So that leaves UA and TA&M open. Why should we care about TA&M because we don't give a dang about the whole state of Texas. Guess what we get at UA (now remember Nolan says Frank ought to coach the Hogs BB) some hapless high school coach.How do I come up with this mess? I am retired and have all day long to dream this up during my nap time. I just had to joke about this sad situation.Don't get mad at me AngelHog.I need you in my corner. "

Stuffed Pig wrote on Mar 27, 2007 2:53 PM:

" I always wanted to be an Aggie and I think having Gillispie here in AR will really bring me closer to that. I applied to Texas A&M, but I didn't get in. My back up school was AR, and it was a fantastic experience, but nothing compared to bein an Aggie or so I here. "

BurtBoarcharach wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:02 PM:

" Gillespie will be the next coach of the Hogs. Texass A&M??? Are you kidding me? If you texans really think he wants to coach in an extremely underacheiving conference every year then he might stay...But he doesnt. And as far as longhorn fans. We have almost identical records in the tournament so dont think your program is dominant. Just continue to look up to Kansas in the Big Easy 12 and the SEC will continue to dominate all sports. Go Hogs! "

celery wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:17 PM:

" Gillespie will be the next U of A coach. Why? Well first and foremost he would inherit a final four talented team, that is just in need of a good coach. Second, he would be coaching in the toughest conference in the nation, Florida come to mind? Third he comes to the U of A which is rich in tradition, low crime rate, when compared to the big Texas cities. Fourth he can become a national legend in coaching in the SEC. Fifth the money is there. And finally "Its Arkansas Baby" Its the piggies, its the days of rollin with nolan reborn, its the cream of the cream, its Razorback Mania Baby, any body want some? "

hogfan01 wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:17 PM:

" What I find so funny, is that I am 21 years old, and I am astonstished at the way these adults are acting on these messages. It is no one's decision but Gillespie's and his families. Leave it up to them. If they want to come to Arkansas, that is great! If they don't, oh well. We will find someone who does. I know that Arkansas is just in the SEC, but to someone who has grown up here in NW Arkansas, that is everything! We live and breathe our college sports. Call me crazy, but maybe someone sees the way we Arkansans live, and they might want to live like us too. No offense, but our opinions are not going to make them stay or leave, so let's just keep the Arkansas-Texas rivalry to a minimum. It really is ridiculous! "

Flash News wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:19 PM:

" I got it from an inside source that... My cousin's, brother's, uncle's, nephew's, sister's, former room mate works as a night janitor at the athletic department at Arkansas. He's usually pretty realiable with his inside information. Anyway he was taking out the trash last night and overheard two security guards talking about Bill Clinton being the next Arkansas basketball coach! The former president agree in principle to a contract that includes millions of dollars, use of a car, and all the interns he wants. "

Spokeman for these adults wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:23 PM:

" hogfan01-let us have our fun. In all this sadness that UA sports has become we have to have some outlet or we will blow a fuse. Thanks for being concerned about us though. "

hognoxious wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:28 PM:

" One of the reasons why Gillespie may not want to come to Arkansas, is because if he stays at A&M, he would get to keep his handicapped parking sticker! "

BurtBoarcharach wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:28 PM:

" hogfan01..If you dont like the Arkansas-Texas argument, then dont read it and more importantly, dont post about it. If you personally want to let Texass trash talk smack about our program on this board or in any event then feel free, but that doesnt mean that we all have to. "

hogfan01 wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:33 PM:

" It's not that I want Texas to trash talk us, it's that we are all supposed to be adults and more importantly set an example for everyone else. It was more for Texas, and I was just hoping that we would be the bigger person and not stoop to their level. But obviously getting even is more important to you. Have your fun, you just look like an idiot while doing it. :o) "

Tucker Tom wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:40 PM:

" Almost all of BCG's contacts are in Texas. His roots are here. His mom lives close by. He's got the AD and all the fans thinking he's the best thing since sliced bread. He's got everything he could possibly want and if he doesn't have it, all he has to do is ask and he'll get it.Why would he bolt for Arkansas? "

BurtBoarcharach wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:45 PM:

" An oppurtunity to win a National Championship. "

Deep in the heart of NW Texas wrote on Mar 27, 2007 3:52 PM:

" OK group...I have been reticent to do this...but...I called a guy that I know in Ark who is a "relative" insider...here's his take...take it for what is cost you...he said that Broyles and BCG had a hanshake agreement prior to the firing of Stan Heath for 10 years at $18MM. He further said that they have heard that A&M is going to be in the 10 years $25MM range. he and I agreed that number sounds impossible, but that's what is being talked about. He also said that it boils down to the fact that if A&M wants to keep him that they can because our pockets are as deep as any in the country. He also said that he has not heard any timeline for inking the deal which makes him believe that it's much less than a done deal. he said he would call me if he hears anything more. "

SeattleNCAAHoopsFan wrote on Mar 27, 2007 4:02 PM:

" Gillespie is too smart to make a lateral move from A&M to Arkansas. Most Arkansas fans don't realize how basketball fans in the other 49 states view their program. UA is a fine hoops program but not elite. UA is on the same level with 50 other D-1 programs. The only Div-1 jobs that might entice Gillespie away from A&M are the elite programs: Kansas, Kentucky, Florida, North Carolina, Duke, and UCLA. Those are the only six programs capable of luring him away. And frankly, there is enough top talent in Texas for the Texas-born-and-raised Gillespie to build A&M into an elite program, if he chooses to remain at A&M. Krewzyski did it at Duke, Woden did it at UCLA, so there is no reason why A&M with its huge fan base, wealthy alumni, and close proximity to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio cannot reach the same level if Gillespie is a good enough coach and recruiter to take them there. "

NWA Hawg wrote on Mar 27, 2007 4:06 PM:

" I hate it when people write so sensible SeattleNCAAHoopsFan. It tears up our dreams. But you are right and so is Tucker Tom. The others wishful thinkers. "

Super Hawg wrote on Mar 27, 2007 4:57 PM:

" I just ofended by all the trash talking about arkansas. we really have a great progrma and i even got my masters form there. rolan with nolan is coming back baby...! so bring on Coach G and let here some PIGGGG SOOOOOOOWWWWWWIIIIEEE! can i get a amen here, hog brothers! "

Tbone wrote on Mar 27, 2007 5:03 PM:

" Gillespie grew up in small town Texas. Gillespie played ball in Texas. Gillespie coached H.S. ball in Texas. Gillespie's mom lives/works in small town Texas. Gillespie's Sister coaches H.S. ball in Texas. Gillespie has an outstanding relationship with H.S. coaches in Texas. Gillespie has secured A&M's pledge to build up basketball facilities in the coming year ($25 Mil) Gillespie has a loaded recruiting class coming in and looks to add an equally impressive class in the coming year. Now why would he bolt for Arkansas, again? "

AngelHog wrote on Mar 27, 2007 6:11 PM:

" It seems to me that Tucker Tom is writing some good thoughts about what we all dream about in our new coach. He knows how to dream big, and I'm going to encourage him. Let's don't give up on Gillespie until it's final one way or the other. Then Tucker Tom will dream up some more terrific coaches for Broyles to consider. This is enjoyable speculation. Go Hogs, go get our man! "

gigem aggs wrote on Mar 27, 2007 6:18 PM:

" dang it i messed up at the top, i said gogem aggs not gigem aggs well at least i correct my mistakes if when I make them "

Aggie fan wrote on Mar 27, 2007 8:37 PM:

" Moved to college station in june form bentonville, the way arkansas treats its coachs why would any body go there. The hogs pockest run deep no doubt but they have no idea of the depth of A&Ms. "

Pignatious wrote on Mar 27, 2007 9:18 PM:

" Frank finally did what needed to be done. Heath just wasn't getting it done at the level this program should be at right now. Progress was extremely slow to non-existant. If A&M fans believe their program is anywhere close to the level of Arkansas, they are delusional. If a coach truly wants to win a national title and coach on a huge stage, then Arkansas is a great place to be. Not as much pressure as Kentucky, but the ability to compete as a top 10 program. Sorry, Aggies, you will never be at that level. "

Aggie Love wrote on Mar 27, 2007 11:07 PM:

" Gillispie won't leave A&M because he can win in the Big 12. Why would he walk away from big money and take the risk. The Hogs need a proven winner that can compete at a higher level. I think Broyles is moving away from Little Billie and looking for a coach with that can play with the big dogs. But it was fun being able to "gig-em" on the internet boards for a couple of days. "

Tucker Tom wrote on Mar 28, 2007 6:12 AM:

" Yeah, it ws fun. One thing to hogfan01 you weren't around when Arkansas was in the SWC and we were the only school outside of Texas. It was great to hate them. It was fun. We had a little song we sang tht went: "we don't give a damn about the whole state of Texas, we're from Arkansas." Oh, it was wonderful. We had great rivalries. Now we just play mediocre football and basketball, still play great baseball and track. We're from Arkansas/ GO HOGS "

Ponder wrote on Mar 28, 2007 8:20 AM:

" This is not a RACE issue, so get off of the race card!!! I am so sick of hearing this everytime a man or woman of color is fired. IT NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE COLOR OF A PERSONS SKIN!!!! Stan is a good guy but couldn't coach himself out of a paper bag. He lacked the skill to coach at this level, in time, he might become a very good coach and would make some college a great coach with a great team. 5 years should have been enough to see great improvement, with the players he had it should have been an outstanding year, but if you don't know how to coach it is time to walk... "

Sooner Fan wrote on Mar 28, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Would Hog fans like to see Mike Anderson of Missouri? His team at Mizzou created alot of problems for several Big 12 teams in his first year there. "

hogfan wrote on Mar 28, 2007 11:08 AM:

" so many people think AR is not an elite program??? out of 300 BB schools we are 8th in final four appearances and from 1990-1995 we were the winningest program in the country. this would be a great job for any top coach. "

jhog wrote on Mar 28, 2007 11:23 AM:

" If you aggies are so confident that Coach G. is not leaving then why are you posting on the great Razorbacks' message board??? The Razorback basketball program is a top 10-15 program and if Coach G. decides to go somewhere other than Arkansas then we will get a top notch coach. Face the facts Ags your basketball program is by far inferior to that of the Hogs. Good luck with your new coach next year because you will have one. "

You Lose wrote on Mar 28, 2007 11:28 AM:

" It's official, BCG isn't going anywhere. Take your rumors somewhere else, piggies. http://www.chron.com/sports/ "

E.P. AG wrote on Mar 28, 2007 3:57 PM:

" I apologize if I got your hopes up Hogs. That middle school girls' coach just took the vacant position at the local high school. Don't worry, you'll find someone soon I'm sure. I hear the rumor around your circles is that Red Auerbach is coming back from the dead to take over your program (only if Bill Self, Tim Floyd, and Jesus say no first). "

Egg on Face!! wrote on Mar 28, 2007 5:41 PM:

" Well Frank and the boys on the hill really goofed this hire up. What happened to "this is the last hire he will make and he won't mess this one up". What happened to "we better have a coaching hire with a pop in our pocket" if we're gonna let Stan go. They look like a bunch monkies sitting in a circle picking bugs out of each others hair!! "

AG MAN wrote on Mar 29, 2007 12:05 AM:

" It's ok Hogs. Bill Self is a sure thing right? If not, I've heard that John Wooden really wants the job. I think you all might have a slightly inflated opinion of your school. "

AG MAN wrote on Mar 29, 2007 12:09 AM:

" Hey RazorFan: Gillespie for sure won't be at A&M next year???? Care to amend that statement now? "

RazorFan wrote on Mar 29, 2007 6:55 AM:

" Has "HE" said he would be there...sources close, don't count. Why doesn't "HE" appear personnally to state he is not leaving? Reporters sources had him in Ar the other day, when he was at work. "

What's up with Doc wrote on Mar 30, 2007 2:18 AM:

" If we so much as put Doc Sadler as a blip on the radar I will start pulling for Texas. The guy really hasn't done anything without other's recruits and his is a cocky little fart, about 4-8 with short man's disease. Let hime come back to wash our players' jock straps like he once did, but that's it. "


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