Men’s coach could be chosen this week

The University of Hawaii could have a new men’s basketball coach selected as soon as this week, sources told the Star-Advertiser.

"(We’re) optimistic," said one person briefed on the process.

Another said hour-long interviews have been conducted with at least a half-dozen candidates since Friday, the earliest date that incoming athletic director David Matlin could begin the process.

Matlin, who has been attending the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis, did not immediately respond to phone and text messages seeking comment. He is scheduled to return to Hawaii on Tuesday.

In addition to Matlin, short-list candidates were simultaneously interviewed by his four-member search advisory committee.

Matlin is charged with making a recommendation to Manoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman.

The short-list candidates are said to include at least one sitting Division I head coach and several assistant coaches from high- and mid-major level teams.

Two candidates believe to have been interviewed, Saint Mary’s assistant Eran Ganot and Columbia head coach Kyle Smith, did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.

With the April 15 beginning of the spring signing period approaching, UH officials have sought to fast-track the selection process.

The opening was officially posted March 25, the day Matlin’s hiring was announced.

UH has been without a long-term head coach since Oct. 28, when Gib Arnold was dismissed "without cause." Associate head coach Benjy Taylor subsequently replaced Arnold on an interim basis. His appointment is due to expire in June.

Taylor turned down the offer of a one-year extension in January but has applied for the permanent position after leading the Rainbow Warriors to a 22-13 record. That included a fifth-place showing in the Big West Conference regular season (8-8) but a spirited run to the BWC tournament championship game.

Taylor, who has been at the Final Four to work on scheduling for next season, declined comment Monday when asked if he’d been interviewed by Matlin and the search committee.

"I have no comment about the search. I’m just letting the process play out," Taylor said.