OMAHA — Iowa State’s Greg McDermott is leaving the Big 12 to become the men’s basketball coach at Creighton.
Creighton announced the hiring Monday, less than an hour after Oregon introduced former Bluejays coach Dana Altman as its coach.
“I’m disappointed to leave, but excited about what’s ahead for me,” McDermott said.
McDermott, who will get a 10-year contract, led Northern Iowa to the NCAA Tournament three consecutive years before leaving for Iowa State in 2006. He went 59-68 with the Cyclones.
Altman signed a seven-year deal worth $1.8 million annually with the Ducks. Altman, 51, spent 16 seasons at Creighton, finishing with a 327-176 record. He replaces Ernie Kent, who was dismissed after 13 seasons at his alma mater.
The hiring ends more than a month-long search during which several high-profile names — including Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Minnesota’s Tubby Smith — where rumored to be on Oregon’s wish list.
“You look at my wife, you look at me, I wasn’t her first choice either,” Altman said.
Rule out of Kentucky Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rule is out and the filly Devil May Care and Jackson Bend are in the Kentucky Derby.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said he wasn’t pleased with the way Rule worked at Churchill Downs. Pletcher instead will point the 3-year-old colt to the Preakness on May 15.
Pletcher gained another Derby starter when owner John Greathouse said he’s entering Devil May Care in the Derby.
Rule’s defection opened the door for Jackson Bend, who finished second to Eskendereya in the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby. Eskendereya was removed from Derby consideration Sunday because of a leg injury.
• Former horse of the year Point Given joined jockeys Randy Romero and Alex Solis among the 10 finalists nominated for election to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The other nominees are Azeri, Best Pal, Open Mind, Safely Kept and Sky Beauty, and trainers Gary Jones and Robert Wheeler.
Results of the vote will be announced May 28.
Footnotes.
Former Milwaukee Bucks power forward Kevin Restani died of undisclosed reasons in San Francisco. He was 58.
• Franklin Mieuli, whose deerstalker cap, substantial beard and casual style made him one of the NBA’s most colorful figures in his 24 years as owner of the Golden State Warriors, died of natural causes Sunday. He was 89.
• University of Pennsylvania football team captain Owen Thomas, a junior, was found dead in his off-campus residence. University spokeswoman Lori Doyle said the cause of death has not been determined but “no foul play is suspected.”
• Former heavyweight champion John Ruiz, 38, announced his retirement from boxing after an 18-year career and a record of 44-9-1, including 30 knockouts.
• Houston Dynamo midfielder Geoff Cameron needs season-ending surgery to repair a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The Associated Press
