Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020007
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A coaching acquaintance of Green's said Green has told him he plans to visit Tech on Wednesday and Thursday. Kansas athletic director Bob Frederick said he wasn't aware of Green's specific plans but said he expects Green to tour Blacksburg and Virginia Tech's campus.
"I understand it was his general idea that he would visit there after this is all over," Frederick said Monday, several hours before Kansas played Duke in the NCAA Tournament championship game.
"He definitely is going to check it out," another coaching friend of Green's said Monday, who said he did not know when Green plans to visit Tech.
Frederick said he didn't know if Green and Tech had been negotiating during Kansas' run through the tournament, but Frederick said it was his assumption the talks have been on hold at Green's request. It could not be determined whether Green will meet with Tech's screening committee during his visit.
Green has refused public comment on the Tech opening.
While Green apparently has drawn most of Tech's attention, the Hokies may have eyes for former UNC Charlotte, Clemson and Miami head coach Bill Foster, who left Miami after the 1989-90 season and last year was a television color commentator on basketball broadcasts for Raycom Sports. Foster, who turned 55 Monday, said Tech has used him as a sounding board for prospective candidates and said Tech has asked if he is interested in pursuing the Tech job.
"I would definitely talk with them," said Foster, Clemson's top winning coach with a 156-106 record between 1976-84. "You spend nine years in the ACC, and you're pretty familiar with the state of Virginia. I have a pretty good feel for the Metro, even though it's going to change."
Foster was a color commentator for two Tech games last season - at Florida State and in Blacksburg against Cincinnati. His TV career began after his five-year stint at Miami, which resurrected its basketball program after a 13-year absence. The Hurricanes were 78-71 during his tenure, winning 17 games in 1987-88 and 19 in '88-89. His contract expired after a 13-15 year in '89-90, and Miami did not renew it.
Foster, who said he has had contacts from other colleges, said he last spoke to Tech officials about a week ago and said he expects to hear from them again. He said he has been talking to an NBA team about a scouting job and said he may have a coaching offer from a team in the new Global Basketball League.
"I know I need to get busy again," Foster said. "[Virginia Tech] has an interest for me. That's one I would take a hard look at."
Foster's tenure at Clemson included three 20-victory seasons, one trip to the NCAA Tournament and three National Invitation Tournament bids. His 1980 Clemson team went to the quarterfinals of the NCAA before losing to UCLA. His overall record is 431-247 in 24 years.
The Hokies have contacted Portland Trail Blazers assistant John Wetzel about the job and reportedly have spoken with Division II Virginia Union head coach Dave Robbins. Both have expressed interest in the opening.
There are conflicting opinions among coaching friends of Green's as to whether Green would accept the Tech job if it is offered. Some say the former North Carolina-Asheville head coach has strong interest in the Hokies' job and a strong desire to be a head coach again. Others say the 47-year-old South Carolina native wants to succeed Roy Williams as Kansas' head coach if Williams succeeds Dean Smith at North Carolina and might be willing to pass up a head coaching job elsewhere.
by CNB