leroyjenkins
03-27-2007, 03:34 PM
March 27, 2007, 12:54AM
Aggies up ante to try to keep Gillispie
Speculation has Arkansas ready to make its move
By TERRANCE HARRIS
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
A sweetened deal is in the works for Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Gillispie, but if Arkansas has its way, the Aggies' offer might be too little, too late.
As word broke Monday that the A&M Board of Regents prepared an enhanced financial package for Gillispie, scheduled for approval this week, word also quickly spread that Arkansas has Gillispie on its radar.
Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles fired Stan Heath on Monday afternoon, following back-to-back 20-win seasons that included invitations to the NCAA Tournament.
Tournament run
Upon Heath's firing, speculation turned to Gillispie, whose three-year run with the Aggies has taken the program to new heights, including consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in school history.
Some reports had Gillispie meeting in Fayetteville with Arkansas officials Monday, but Gillispie was seen at his office in College Station and around the A&M campus most of the day. Other speculation had Arkansas officials in College Station on the same day they fired Heath.
There appeared to be nothing imminent as of Monday night. Gillispie intends to leave for the Final Four in Atlanta on Wednesday to accompany senior guard Acie Law, who is up for several awards this weekend.
Texas A&M recruit and Hastings standout B.J. Holmes told FOXsports.com that he had talked with Gillispie on Monday, and the A&M coach assured him that the reports were speculation.
But prized 7-0 recruit DeAndre Jordan told the Chronicle on Monday night that he has not heard from Gillispie.
But Jordan also said he is not too concerned about the rumors that Gillispie might leave before Jordan arrives on campus this summer.
"I really haven't paid much attention to it," said Jordan, a senior at Christian Life. "I'm just finishing up my senior year and getting ready to come to school this summer."
No answers from Aggies
Fueling much of the speculation that Gillispie was headed to Arkansas was the silence out of the Texas A&M athletic department.
Neither Gillispie nor athletic director Bill Byrne returned phone calls.
Neither responded to several requests throughout the day for comment.
There also is the possibility Gillispie, whose name is also prominently in the mix for the Kentucky opening, is using the Arkansas opening as leverage to strengthen the Aggies program, particularly in terms of breaking ground on a planned state-of-the-art practice, training and basketball office facility.
The timing of Heath's firing in Fayetteville does appear to substantiate rumors that there is interest in Gillispie within the Arkansas athletic department. The Razorbacks finished their season nearly a week and a half ago, but Broyles, who is retiring in December, waited until Monday to fire Heath.
"The University of Arkansas has a rich tradition of excellence in basketball," Broyles said to the Arkansas media. "We will work diligently to find the best candidate who will not only embrace our winning tradition but enhance it."
The Aggies, who made their first Sweet 16 appearance in 27 years this season, were eliminated by Memphis last Thursday night.
Questions have surfaced on Internet fan boards about whether the Arkansas job indeed would be a better one than A&M.
The Razorbacks program has lost some of its luster in recent years after a messy separation with coach Nolan Richardson five years ago. Though expectations always are high at Arkansas, attendance is down at the 19,200-seat Walton Arena.
The Aggies sold out most of their Big 12 games at the 13,176-seat Reed Arena. Texas A&M also has financial approval to complete the $22 million-plus practice facility that will be connected to Reed. It is scheduled for completion in 2008.
Commitment the key
Both schools can offer Gillispie a rich contract and security, but it could become a matter of which school is showing more of a commitment to the basketball program.
Despite having been approved by the Board of Regents, construction has not started on the A&M basketball facility.
Gillispie, who guided the Aggies to a record 27 wins this season, has a contract that was extended last season to 2012.
Under his current contract, Gillispie makes slightly more than $1 million annually and has a clause for a seven-figure bonus should he remain at the school until the end of the contract.
The Board of Regents will meet Thursday to discuss the contract enhancement and then likely will give its stamp of approval Friday.
[email protected]
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4663911.html
Aggies up ante to try to keep Gillispie
Speculation has Arkansas ready to make its move
By TERRANCE HARRIS
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
A sweetened deal is in the works for Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Gillispie, but if Arkansas has its way, the Aggies' offer might be too little, too late.
As word broke Monday that the A&M Board of Regents prepared an enhanced financial package for Gillispie, scheduled for approval this week, word also quickly spread that Arkansas has Gillispie on its radar.
Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles fired Stan Heath on Monday afternoon, following back-to-back 20-win seasons that included invitations to the NCAA Tournament.
Tournament run
Upon Heath's firing, speculation turned to Gillispie, whose three-year run with the Aggies has taken the program to new heights, including consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in school history.
Some reports had Gillispie meeting in Fayetteville with Arkansas officials Monday, but Gillispie was seen at his office in College Station and around the A&M campus most of the day. Other speculation had Arkansas officials in College Station on the same day they fired Heath.
There appeared to be nothing imminent as of Monday night. Gillispie intends to leave for the Final Four in Atlanta on Wednesday to accompany senior guard Acie Law, who is up for several awards this weekend.
Texas A&M recruit and Hastings standout B.J. Holmes told FOXsports.com that he had talked with Gillispie on Monday, and the A&M coach assured him that the reports were speculation.
But prized 7-0 recruit DeAndre Jordan told the Chronicle on Monday night that he has not heard from Gillispie.
But Jordan also said he is not too concerned about the rumors that Gillispie might leave before Jordan arrives on campus this summer.
"I really haven't paid much attention to it," said Jordan, a senior at Christian Life. "I'm just finishing up my senior year and getting ready to come to school this summer."
No answers from Aggies
Fueling much of the speculation that Gillispie was headed to Arkansas was the silence out of the Texas A&M athletic department.
Neither Gillispie nor athletic director Bill Byrne returned phone calls.
Neither responded to several requests throughout the day for comment.
There also is the possibility Gillispie, whose name is also prominently in the mix for the Kentucky opening, is using the Arkansas opening as leverage to strengthen the Aggies program, particularly in terms of breaking ground on a planned state-of-the-art practice, training and basketball office facility.
The timing of Heath's firing in Fayetteville does appear to substantiate rumors that there is interest in Gillispie within the Arkansas athletic department. The Razorbacks finished their season nearly a week and a half ago, but Broyles, who is retiring in December, waited until Monday to fire Heath.
"The University of Arkansas has a rich tradition of excellence in basketball," Broyles said to the Arkansas media. "We will work diligently to find the best candidate who will not only embrace our winning tradition but enhance it."
The Aggies, who made their first Sweet 16 appearance in 27 years this season, were eliminated by Memphis last Thursday night.
Questions have surfaced on Internet fan boards about whether the Arkansas job indeed would be a better one than A&M.
The Razorbacks program has lost some of its luster in recent years after a messy separation with coach Nolan Richardson five years ago. Though expectations always are high at Arkansas, attendance is down at the 19,200-seat Walton Arena.
The Aggies sold out most of their Big 12 games at the 13,176-seat Reed Arena. Texas A&M also has financial approval to complete the $22 million-plus practice facility that will be connected to Reed. It is scheduled for completion in 2008.
Commitment the key
Both schools can offer Gillispie a rich contract and security, but it could become a matter of which school is showing more of a commitment to the basketball program.
Despite having been approved by the Board of Regents, construction has not started on the A&M basketball facility.
Gillispie, who guided the Aggies to a record 27 wins this season, has a contract that was extended last season to 2012.
Under his current contract, Gillispie makes slightly more than $1 million annually and has a clause for a seven-figure bonus should he remain at the school until the end of the contract.
The Board of Regents will meet Thursday to discuss the contract enhancement and then likely will give its stamp of approval Friday.
[email protected]
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4663911.html