As first reported here last week, Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard is considering taking a position as an assistant under Louisville coach Rick Pitino.
“I’m just trying to weigh everything,” Willard told the Worcester (Mass.) Telegram Monday night after meeting with his players. “I’m trying to make the best decision for Holy Cross, for our kids, for the University of Louisville, and for Rick Pitino.
“I think that every one of those considerations will provide a very invigorating and challenging outcome for Ralph Willard. I’m trying to weigh all those things.”
Willard is due to decide this week.
Willard and Pitino attended St. Dominic’s High School on Long Island and Willard later coached under Pitino with the Knicks and at Kentucky.
“The fire is still burning,” said the 63-year-old Willard, a 1967 Holy Cross graduate. “Having the opportunity to coach with someone who’s my best friend and obviously get energized that way would be very appealing at this point in my career.
“But it’s never easy to leave your alma mater or the kids we have in this program. I love them all.”
WILLIAMS SAYS VIRGINIA TOPS LIST Derrick Williams visited Virginia over the weekend and now says it ranks at the top of his list. “It was incredible,” said the 6-foot-7, 250-pound rising senior forward out of St. Anthony in Jersey City. “I like the whole thing, everything about that school. The coaching staff, the location of the school.” He added: “As of right now, they are [my leader].” Richmond, Penn State, Maryland, Providence, Fordham, George Mason and VCU are also involved. Williams transferred into St. Anthony last season where he joined legendary coach Bob Hurley’s program. “Derrick is just a physical presence around the basket,” Hurley said. “He can score inside against an individual player. He can score in double-teams. He’s very hard to keep off the offensive boards. And he’s a willing passer, so when he draws double-teams, he willingly kicks to people for shots…He’s the physically strongest kid I’ve ever coached.” BARTON TO BREWSTER Memphis commit Will Barton will attend Brewster (N.H.) Academy next year and play for coach Jason Smith. His brother, Antonio Barton, who also committed to Memphis, could play for Notre Dame Prep. The news was first reported by FoxSports.com
