Search Continues Despite Player Defections

The search for a new men's basketball coach continued by the Oregon Ducks despite news that three players have either left or are looking for other alternatives. The Eugene Register-Guard is reporting that two more players from the roster have indicated they will move on as the powers in charge of searching for Ernie Kent's replacement continue seeking a new man.

According to a report by the Eugene Register-Guard newspaper, juniors Matthew Humphrey and Josh Crittle will exercise their option of leaving the program. A third player, Drew Wiley has already been released and accepted to Boise State according to the Eugene newspaper.

Former Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny, who is also a major donor to the University has headed a search team looking for Kent's replacement has met with Missouri coach Mike Anderson, but despite reports of a deal that would pay between $2-3 million a year, Anderson has told his team that he is staying put with the Tigers.

Sources tell eDuck.com that now the likely candidate for the Oregon job is former Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks headman, Terry Porter. Porter played the bulk of his career for the Portland Trail Blazers and currently lives in Portland. The sources also tell eDuck that former University of Portland coach and Trail Blazer, Michael Holton would be hired to assist Porter. Kenny Payne, who was on Kent's staff and still on the Oregon payroll would also be retained by Oregon.

Holton currently is a television analyst for Comcast Sports net covering the Trail Blazers. While at the University of Portland, Holton was 54-91 in his six years with the Pilots.