The Florida Times-Union
April 5, 2005

UF assistant has interest in JU post

By ALEX ABRAMS
The Times-Union

Florida assistant men's basketball coach Donnie Jones has expressed interest in replacing Hugh Durham as Jacksonville University's coach, JU athletic director Alan Verlander confirmed Monday.

Jones, 38, is a longtime member of Billy Donovan's staff. They coached two years together at Marshall and the last nine at UF. His responsibilities with the Gators include recruiting and scouting opponents.

"There was an interest there, and he's a pretty good name in town, and being associated with coach Donovan is always not a bad thing," Verlander said.

Verlander returned Sunday after spending several days in St. Louis for the Final Four. While there, he met with several potential candidates, including Valdosta State coach Jim Yarbrough Jr. and Mississippi State assistant Phil Cunningham.

Though JU is still receiving resumes, Verlander said he anticipates having a list of semifinalists within the next 8 to10 days.

"I don't think it's unreasonable within the next three weeks to have someone hired," Verlander said. "If we get into the end of April, then we may face some issues there. I don't anticipate that."