Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 1, 1990 TAG: 9005010153
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PROVIDENCE, R.I. LENGTH: Medium
A month ago, he almost left the Friars for the University of Virginia and was hyped as North Carolina State's replacement for Jim Valvano. He stayed at Providence.
Barnes said he stayed out of loyalty, but critics said he didn't leave for Virginia only because he couldn't get out of the two years remaining on his four-year Providence contract.
He said he never was officially offered a job with the Cavaliers, but after he announced he would stay, Virginia athletic director Jim Copeland said Barnes had accepted the job.
Copeland was accused of sour grapes, but Providence fans also questioned Barnes' commitment and integrity.
That's all over, and Barnes' life is falling back into place.
"People say I lied, that I was a hypocrite, that I was looking to go to Virginia all along" after Terry Holland announced last summer that he was resigning after the season, Barnes said. "If that was the truth, my wife wouldn't have put up new wallpaper and new carpeting in our house."
Barnes, who came to Providence two seasons ago from George Mason University, told The Providence Journal-Bulletin in an interview published Monday that being mentioned for other jobs makes him uneasy, especially when it is assumed he will jump at the chance to head back to the South.
"I don't want people to think I'm unhappy," he said. "I happen to be from south of the Mason-Dixon line, but I haven't lived in North Carolina for 12 years. I have a family here in Providence, too."
The Friars lose six seniors, including four starters, this year, but next year's freshman class is considered the Big East Conference school's best ever.
They include high schoolers Michael Smith, Robert Phelps, Troy Brown and Dickie Simpkins - a group rated among the top five in the country, although Smith and Phelps still are struggling with their entrance exams.
Junior-college players Corey Floyd, Fred Campbell and Kenny McDonald also have committed to Providence, as has 6-foot-8 Australian Alex Morganglowe.
Barnes will sit down soon with athletic director John Marinatto to discuss the coach's future, including a new contract, and the future of the program.
Since the Virginia publicity, a number of agents have tried to recruit Barnes into their stables of talent, but he has resisted.
"I might sound naive, but I prefer to work with a handshake," he said.
by CNB