Marshall Basketball: Chris Duhon Added to Staff

Reaching back to his NBA roots, Marshall basketball coach Dan D'Antoni will reportedly add former Duke standout Chris Duhon to the Thundering Herd's coaching staff.

Over a nine year NBA career Duhon averaged 25.6 minutes, 6.5 points, and 4.4 rebounds per game with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Los Angeles Lakers. Duhon played under D'Antoni and his brother, former NBA head coach Mike D'Antoni, in New York and L.A.

A Duke alum, Duhon ended his Blue Devils career as the schools all time leader in steals and minutes played. He is also the second winningest player in program and Atlantic Coast Conference history.

Duhon has never severed as a coach, much less at the college level. His exact title and role with Marshall's coaching staff has not been announced.

WSAZ sports reporter Rich Donnelly caught up with Duhon in Huntington, watch the interview by clicking here.

Marshall Basketball: Brantley and Uwadiae Headed Elsewhere

They might not have played a game for Marshall, but Jaylen Brantley and Henry Uwadiae made a impact on the Thundering Herd's basketball program today.

Formerly one of the top 100 basketball recruits in the country, Brantley will transfer from Marshall after sitting out the 2013-2014 season as a academic non-qualifier. A 5-foot-10 point guard from Springfield, Mass., Brantley is leaving the Herd for a junior college in Texas. 

Former Marshall G Jaylen Brantley is transferring to Odessa College (JUCO). (HT @TheRecruitScoop) @Jaybrant2 http://t.co/UlIefMB6JF
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) April 30, 2014

Marshall also lost the tallest member of its recruiting class as Uwadiae, 6-foot-10 center, was granted a release from his letter of intent. Uwadiae spent last season at Kirkwood Community College where he averaged 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Henry Uwadiae from Kirkwood CC has been granted his release from Marshall, per a source
— Brad Winton (@JucoRecruiting) April 30, 2014

Counting those players returning to Marshall and incoming recruits Shane Hall and Jay Johnson, recently hired basketball coach Dan D'Antoni is one scholarship below the NCAA limit of 13.

Marshall Football: Green & White Game Ends Spring Practice

Marshall wrapped up spring football practice yesterday with the annual green and white game. This years edition had a special twist as former Thundering Herd quarterbacks Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich picked each team.

As with the rest of spring practice, yesterdays game was highlighted by the backup quarterback battle. Redshirt sophomore Gunnar Holcombe lead the way, completing 11 of 18 attempts for 220 yards, three touchdowns, and a interception. Holcombe's favorite target was wide receiver Justin Hunt, who finished his day with two touchdowns on three receptions and 153 yards.

Participating in his first spring game, freshman Cole Garvin tossed a touchdown and two interceptions while converting 10 of 17 passes for 109 yards. Kevin Anderson received the least amount of playing time between the three backup quarterbacks. He only attempted four passes, completing none while throwing a interception.

A former quarterback at Huntington High School, walk-on defensive back Mark Shaver had a big day for the defense. He lead the team with two interceptions and also recorded two tackles. In total, the defense allowed 224 rushing yards on 51 attempts and 431 passing yards on 24 completions.

Stats

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Hunt makes plays in front of his idol

Players of the past like present

White tops Green 30-13

Herd backup QBs in the spotlight

Charleston Daily Mail

The spring season ends

Pennington to Moss

Charleston Gazette

Cato's understudies have strong moments in Herd's spring ending workout

Mitch Vingle: Despite performance, MU is Rakeem Cato

HerdZone

BOGACZYK: Backup QB Battle Plays on into August

Marshall Football: Herd Adds Birdsong to QB Mix

Marshall's search to find an eventual replacement for star quarterback Rakeem Cato added another member today. While visiting campus during the annual green and white game Michael Birdsong gave a verbal commitment to the Thundering Herd.

#WeAre ...#Marshall
— Michael Birdsong (@Birdsong_M) April 27, 2014

Birdsong comes to Marshall from James Madison University. The sophomore quarterback started every game for the Dukes last year, completing 227 of 376 pass attempts for 2,278 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. An occasional rushing threat, he also ran for three scores and 310 yards.

Then a assistant coach at JMU, Marshall defensive line coach J.C. Price recruited Birdsong to the Dukes. A Virginia native, Birdsong decided to leave James Madison after losing the starting quarterback job to Vlad Lee during spring practice.

Birdsong is a sizable quarterback, standing 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. Before committing to Marshall, he also had a official visit scheduled at Old Dominion. Per NCAA transfer rules, Birdsong will sit out the upcoming season. Once eligible, he will have two years left to play.

Marshall Basketball: Dan D'Antoni Introductory News Conference

Did you miss today's press conference with Coach Dan D'Antoni? Watch it here! http://t.co/EOROymgwJQ
— Marshall Athletics (@HerdZone) April 25, 2014

Marshall Basketball: Dan D'Antoni Named Head Coach

After an exhaustive search that lasted over 40 days, Marshall University finally has a new men’s basketball coach. Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick announced the hire of Los Angeles Lakers assistant Dan D’Antoni earlier today.

I am proud to announce that Dan D'Antoni will be the next head basketball coach at Marshall University. #THEHERD pic.twitter.com/LxpD13FFnR
— Mike Hamrick (@TheHerdAD) April 24, 2014

Dan is the older brother of Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni, who Hamrick heavily pursued during Marshall’s coaching search. Since 2005 Dan has served as an assistant under his younger sibling with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles. Prior to his time in the NBA, D'Antoni spent 30 years as the head coach at Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he won over 500 games.

A Marshall grad and Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, D'Antoni played basketball for the Thundering Herd from 1966 to 1970, leading the team in scoring (17.5 ppg) during his junior season. He was also named 1st Team All Mid-American Conference in 1969. After graduating D'Antoni was appointed head coach of the Herd’s freshman basketball team where he coached his younger brother Mike. One year later Dan was promoted to a assistant coach position with the varsity squad. Following his time on Marshall’s coaching staff, he had a brief stint with the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets before becoming the head coach at Socastee in 1975. 

Hamrick will formally introduce D'Antoni during a press conference tomorrow afternoon. 

Marshall Basketball: D'Antoni to Remain with Lakers

Despite a full court press from Marshall athletic director Mike Hamrick, Mike D'Antoni won't return to the Thundering Herd as head basketball coach. Citing sources, Chuck McGill of the Charleston Daily Mail has learned that D'Antoni will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to McGill, Hamrick offered D'Antoni a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract and spent four days in Los Angeles courting the former Marshall point guard.

D'Antoni has one season remaining on a three year, $12 dollar contract with the Lakers. Los Angeles just finish a 27-55 campaign that landed them in last place of the Pacific Division.

 McGill expects Marshall to name a new basketball coach within the next 48 hours or early next week. Names mentioned for the opening include Stephen F. Austin coach Brad Underwood, Eastern Kentucky's Jeff Neubauer, and West Virginia assistant Ron Everhart. Also, multiple outlets reported that North Carolina Central head coach Levelle Moton interviewed for the job.

In slightly related news, fellow Conference USA member Southern Miss lost basketball coach Donnie Tyndall to Tennessee. Reports indicate that Tyndall's contract with the Volunteers is worth $8 million over five years.

Two C-USA schools have already found new men's basketball coaches. In April FAU signed former Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry to a six year contract. After firing Ben Braun at the seasons conclusion, Rice brought in VCU assistant Mike Rhoades as his replacement.

Marshall Football: Delvin Weems Commits to Herd

Marshall reached down south for another football prospect this evening, securing a verbal commitment from Delvin Weems.

Im committed to #Marshall!!! #Herdnatiin #thunderingherd
— Delvin Weems™ (@OMG_DWeems) April 15, 2014

Earlier today the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Weems one of the top 10 high school running backs in Georgia. Last year he rushed for 1,233 yards and 21 touchdowns at Sandy Creek High School. Weems' Sandy Creek team also featured current Marshall quarterback Cole Garvin. 

Delvin Weems highlight video

247 Sports ranks Weems a three star recruit and the nations 15th best all-purpose back. He also had a scholarship offer from Cincinnati. 

Marshall Basketball: Canty Wins Appeal, Will Transfer

After having his original transfer request denied, Marshall basketball player Kareem Canty was granted his release by a appeals committee earlier today.

The Thundering Herds leading scorer this season, Canty averaged 16.3 points and 5.5 assist per game. He was named to Conference USA's All-Freshman and All Third teams.

Canty first requested his release shortly after the dismissal of former head coach Tom Herrion. When that request was denied, Canty sought a  hearing by the Student Athlete Appeals Committee to reverse the original decision. Per NCAA rules, appeals committees consist of three parties, the Director of Admissions, the Facualty Athletics representative, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.

A rising sophomore, Canty spent two years on Marshall's campus. The first as a partial qualifier which allowed him to be placed on scholarship and practice with the team but not participate in games.

Huntington Herald Dispatch columnist Chuck Landon is reporting that Canty will likely file a hardship waiver in order to play at his new school immediately. Under normal circumstances, transfers are required to sit out one year.

Besides winning his appeal and getting released by Marshall look for Canty to file hardship and be eligible immediately
— Chuck Landon (@Chuckonsports) April 11, 2014

Marshall Football: Herd Schedules Series with ECU

Marshall and East Carolina won't let a silly thing like conference affiliation stand in the way of their football rivalry. Today both schools announced a home-and-home football series to take place during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Marking the 50th anniversary season of Marshall's tragic plane crash that took the lives of 75 individuals on Southern Airways Flight 932, the Herd will travel to ECU on September 5th 2020.

The Pirates make a return trip to Joan C. Edwards Stadium September 11th 2021. 

As members of Conference USA the Pirates and Herd have met on the football field nine times since 2004. The annual match-up is ending with ECU's move to the American Conference this July.

Future Marshall Out of Conference Schedules

2014
08/30 - at Miami (OH)
09/06 - Rhode Island
09/13 - Ohio
09/20 - at Akron

2015
09/05 - Purdue
09/12 - at Ohio
TBA - at Kent State
TBA - Norfolk State

2016
09/17 - Akron
09/24 - Louisville

2017
09/17 - Akron
09/24 - Louisville

2018
09/01 - at Miami (OH)

2019
TBA

2020
09/05 - at East Carolina

2021
09/04 - at Navy
09/11 - East Carolina

2022
09/03 - Navy