KU hoops adds Hinson to staff / LJWorld.com

Archive for Thursday, October 9, 2008

October 9, 2008

Former Missouri State head basketball coach Barry Hinson will join Kansas University's staff as an administrative assistant, KU coach Bill Self confirmed Wednesday.

Hinson, who was fired last March after nine seasons at the Springfield, Mo., school, was an assistant under Self for three years at Oral Roberts.

Self said Hinson's post would include administrative work as well as fundraising duties. He'll be able to attend practice and games, but not be allowed to coach players in accordance with NCAA rules.

"He will definitely come up (to KU) and help out with the program, but also do some things that would be an asset to administrators in the athletic department," Self said. "He will have responsibilities which could entail fundraising."

Hinson is expected to begin his new duties Wednesday.

"I not only consider it a privilege, but an honor to become part of a storied and traditioned university as Kansas and to go back to work with my old friend, Bill Self," Hinson told the Springfield News-Leader. "I'd like to say thank you to Springfield and 'Go Bears.' I leave with no animosity whatsoever," added Hinson, who will move to Lawrence with his wife, Angie. Hinson said he wants to be a Div. I coach again someday, but could remain in athletic administration if he enjoys his new duties.

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Simien to Spain: Former KU forward Wayne Simien has signed a contract with a team based in Caceres, Spain. The team plays in Spain's basketball league, Liga EspaÃ±ola de Baloncesto, known as LEB.

Simien, who played for the Miami Heat two seasons, sat out last season rehabbing from knee surgery.

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Recruiting: Dominic Cheek, a 6-5 senior from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., will visit KU for the Oct. 17 Late Night, Villanova on Oct. 24 and Memphis on Oct. 31. He has yet to set dates for trips to Indiana and Pittsburgh, Zagsblog.net reports. ... Elijah Johnson, 6-2 senior from Cheyenne High in Las Vegas, has narrowed his list to KU, Texas and Oklahoma, according to Rivals.com. Johnson will visit KU for Late Night.