Colorado basketball coach Jeff Bzdelik wasn’t going to allow the Las Vegas rumor mill reach his boss, CU athletic director Mike Bohn, before he did.
So when Bzdelik had a casual conversation with the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this week during the NBA summer league in Las Vegas, he promptly reported the chat to Bohn. The meeting was first reported by the website the Rocky Mountain Independent. Minnesota has had a head coaching vacancy since the end of the season.
The Timberwolves have not called Bohn for permission to talk to his coach, Bohn said Thursday night by phone.
“It is important to us that it was a causal talk and not a formal interview by any means,” Bohn said. “Jeff has been completely transparent with us. He is as excited as ever about Colorado basketball.”
Prior to trying to revive the Buffs program, Bzdelik coached the Nuggets and Air Force. Bohn knew when he hired Bzdelik there would be other interested parties.
“Speculation about interest in Jeff from any NBA team is going to be a constant issue based on his coaching ability, stature and respect, not only at the college level, but at the professional level,” Bohn said.
Bzdelik was in Las Vegas to see some former players before resuming the summer recruiting circuit. Despite the last place Big 12 finish, Bzdelik has said recently he is optimistic about this season and eager to play in a star-studded Maui Tournament. He is 21-42 in two seasons in Boulder.
Besides four returning starters, Bzdelik has a strong incoming recruiting class including 6-11 Australian Shane Harris-Tunks and Indian Hills CC 6-7 multiple threat Marcus Relphorde.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
