That seems obvious, of course, but check out the article in the Post today.
Also see the Enquirer article:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...20391/1064
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...7/1035/SPT
Players want Kennedy
Coach's focus is on Villanova
By C. Trent Rosecrans
Post staff reporter
Before last week's game at Syracuse, University of Cincinnati senior Eric Hicks told interim head coach Andy Kennedy that he wanted to get the coach "some job security."
It wasn't just motivation to beat the Orange, but it's been motivation all season, Hicks said, to see the interim tag taken off Kennedy's title.
"The situation he's in, everyone wants to win, so he can get the job here or a better job," Hicks said. "Through all the stuff I've been through since I've been here, if it weren't for Andy, I wouldn't be sitting here today. He's just been there for me my whole time here. If someone keeps looking out for you, you're going to care for them."
UC athletic director Mike Thomas has kept mum on the proceedings, only releasing a statement last week saying Kennedy was "a legitimate candidate." Thomas declined further comment on Tuesday.
"Mike has come out and said he's got a timetable and a process he wants to occur, and I respect that," Kennedy said on Tuesday. "He's got a job to do and I've got a job to do. I don't sit around thinking is today the day he's going to make a decision. That's not going to happen. He's going to make a decision at the end of the year. We've still got a lot of basketball between now and then, so I'm going to continue to do what I can do to help these guys."
Some of his players believe Kennedy has done enough to warrant his hiring. The Bearcats are down to just eight scholarship players and are 18-9 overall and 7-6 in the Big East.
"I think they need to go ahead and give it to him, just for recruiting," said freshman Devan Downey. "What are we playing, besides me, we have four seniors playing 20-plus minutes. And then there's me and (junior Cedric McGowan). You have to look to the future."
As far as his future, Downey said he isn't thinking about whether he would transfer after this season.
"Right now I'm just living on this," said Downey, who is second among Big East freshmen in scoring with 12.6 points per game. "After the season, whatever happens, happens. Right now I'm not even thinking about it, I'm concerned about this team."
Downey was then asked if his decision would be easier if Kennedy were named the Bearcats' permanent head coach.
"Yes sir, it would," he responded.
The Bearcat players aren't the only ones hoping for Kennedy to stay on. There was a "Hire Andy" sign at Friday's game against Providence and there was also a "We want Andy" chant at the game.
Following the Bearcat victory, a group of about 50 fans stuck around to listen to Kennedy's post-game radio show and then gave him an ovation when he finished.
But Kennedy said he's not thinking about it and was non-committal when asked if he wanted the job.
"I don't really come out and say that, one way or the other," Kennedy said. "Honestly, I'm trying not to live in that speculative world. I've got enough to worry about. We've got the No. 2 ranked team in the country coming into this building Thursday night. That's enough to keep me occupied."
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The UC players want Andy as coach
