Amid probe, UConn fires Ollie
UConn fired coach Kevin Ollie on Saturday with the team under NCAA investigation and the Huskies having completed their second straight losing season.
The university said in a statement it has “initiated disciplinary procedures” to dismiss him for “just cause.” The school says it would have no further comment until its disciplinary process and the ongoing NCAA inquiry are complete. The scope of the investigation is not clear.
“Our goal, above all, is to ensure we have a program that UConn Nation can be proud of, including our students, alumni, fans and all our committed supporters,” said Susan Herbst, the university president.
The dismissal comes four years after Ollie led the Huskies to the NCAA title. Athletic director David Benedict said it was “unfortunate that this decision became necessary.” He added that the team must be held to the “highest standards” and a search for a new coach begins immediately.
Ollie was in the second year of a five-year deal valued at $17.9 million.
The team went 14-18 this season, including 7-11 in the American Athletic Conference. Ollie was 127-79 over six seasons at UConn.
Jairus Myles hit a long 3-pointer with less than a second left, lifting UMBC (23-10) over top-seeded Vermont 65-62 to win the America East championship in Burlington, Vt . ... Pablo Rivas scored 22 points as North Carolina Central (19-15) pulled away late to beat Hampton 71-63 in the MEAC title game in Norfolk, Va . ... Trayvon Reed had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Demontrae Jefferson added 15 points as Texas Southern (15-19) defeated top-seeded Arkansas-Pine Bluff 84-69 to win the SWAC championship and advance to its second straight NCAA tournament.
Missouri senior forward Jordan Barnett was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated early Saturday. Barnett is second on the team in scoring (13.7 ppg) and rebounding (5.9) . ... Georgia fired coach Mark Fox after leading the Bulldogs to just two NCAA tournaments in nine seasons. Fox was 163133 at Georgia, including 18-15 this season. AP