The Aly Way: Duquesne Releases Head Coach Ron Everhart

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- After a rough couple of days for the Duquesne men's basketball program, head coach Ron Everhart has been released after six seasons and a 99-89 record.

"I appreciate all Ron has done for our men's basketball program," said Greg Amodio, Duquesne Univerity Director of Athletics.  "He stepped into a difficult situation six years ago and was able to make Duquesne competitive in the Atlantic 10 Conference.  Although the program has improved, our goal has always been to compete for the A-10 championship and consistently be in the hunt for high-level postseason play.  I feel the change in leadership is necessary to help us refocus on that goal."

This news came after sophomore point guard, and third team All-A-10 selection, T.J. McConnell asked for and was granted release from his scholarship.  McConnell, who is the closest thing to a player/coach that there is in this game, was going to be an integral part of the team's future success. The 2011 A-10 Rookie of the Year averaged 11.4 points per game, 5.5 assists, 2.8 steals and 4.4 rebounds this season.  He is ultimately looking to play at a bigger school.

Sophomore guard Mike Talley as well as freshman forward Danny Herrera have also asked to be let out of their scholarships. Talley averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 assists, while Herrera averaged 1.7 points in just six games.

Everhart was named the Dukes' head coach on March 29, 2006 and took Duquesne to the NIT in 2009, their first post-season appearance since 1994.

"I want to thank Duquesne University for a great opportunity," said Everhart.  I am very proud of the significant improvements the program made in the past six years.  I am also very proud of those who played for me-- both for the awards and honors they were able to achieve and for the way they represented the University."

This past season the Dukes hit their slump at the wrong time, struggling to be effective down the stretch.  They finished in ninth place in the Altantic 10 with a 16-15 overall record, and a 7-9 conference record.  They didn't make it past the first round of the conference tournament, losing on the road to Massachusetts.  Everhart's Duquesne teams went 3-6 in A-10 Championship play.  All three wins came in 2009 before they lost to Temple in the title game.

Coach Everhart had two years remaining on his contract.

Aly Cohen
The Aly Way