The big news of the day is Tim Floyd's hiring as UTEP basketball coach.
A news conference is expected to begin in two hours to make the announcement.
Floyd would take over a team returning a talented bevy of juniors. But one, Derrick Caracter, is testing the NBA Draft waters. And it looks like there will be no hope of him returning. CBS Sports reports that Caracter has signed with agent Happy Walters.
Fox Sports reports that another UTEP player is looking for a pro career as well.
FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman, in a story posted earlier this afternoon, says Arnett Moultrie is leaving for the NBA.
Wouldn't seem to be a smart move for the 6-foot-11 sophomore, whom draft experts had high expectations for when the season began. But many say his stock has dropped and would be better served playing another year of college basketball. Interesting development, if there's any truth to it.
Sorry to see Caracter leave; he would have benefited his game with Floyd at the helm vs Barbee. And Moultrie? What is he thinking? He was just above terrible this year. These guys aren't looking at the big picture. But, great to have Floyd back and hope he's able to retain the recruits and possibly Dickey.
Posted by: Moose Knuckle | March 30, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Caracter leaving I understand...But Moultrie??? I hate to break the news to the guy, but he sucked this year. He neeeds another year.
Posted by: miner student | March 30, 2010 at 02:48 PM
Moultrie's stock dropped because of DC. He has a lot of potential and can develop into a very good NBA 3 or 4, but right now he needs to put on some weight and focus on being more aggressive. IF he stays, which I hope he realizes is the best decision for him, he will be way better off. Especially with Tim Floyd at the helm
Posted by: bsquared82 | March 30, 2010 at 02:59 PM
Moultrie would be making a huge, huge mistake.
He is nowhere near ready for the NBA, Europe, or even a semi-pro team.
Posted by: Max | March 30, 2010 at 02:59 PM
i'm pretty sure goodman meant to say randy culpepper, not arnett moultrie...
Posted by: chief | March 30, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Good Luck to DC if thats what he wants he'll be fine in the NBA. Arnett...... he has no inside game vs college kids, no jump shot... all he has is potential which needs somemore time to grow as a player. He'll get eaten for breakfast in the NBA right now. What a knucklehead if he does it.
Posted by: RoOsTeR | March 30, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Shouldn't these roosters wait till they've been recruited before jumping ship? They need to finish their education somewhere, anywhere instead of trying to go pro then getting dropped before they have seasoned their talent.
Posted by: no one hit wonders | March 30, 2010 at 08:16 PM
Hard to believe these young kids think they're NBA talent. Caracter has been told he's an all-world megastar since he was 13, yet he still has glaring weaknesses in his game: he has no mid-range shooting touch, NEVER passes out of a double- or even triple-team, and won't always be able to get the put-back when he misses those bunnies right underneath when he's banging with guys even bigger than he is (which most NBA centers will be). As for Moultrie, he's been reading too much of his old press. He looked absolutely lost out there this year, and would likely end up in Europe if he goes pro. I'd hate to see him throw away his future and that of the team by thinking he's ready to leave right now...
Posted by: Emjay | March 31, 2010 at 12:03 AM
everyone especially knew that barbee was leaving and the plan was get the ball into character and make him look good. too bad he was triple teamed amd did not know what to do with the ball. Welcome home Tim. you belong, barbee good-bye and go the way of past utep coaches who did not make it
Posted by: Mick Martinez | March 31, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Neither one of them are NBA material at present.
Posted by: joe fan | April 02, 2010 at 02:02 PM
everyone SHUT UP! Moultrie IS NOT LEAVING. Moultrie was a good contribute to this Miners team and it's sad to see you guys speak negative things about him
Posted by: Sarah | April 05, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Moultrie is not leaving. He is staying for another year. They have the wrong info here. He has great potential and will be ready for the NBA after his junior year.
Posted by: Sarah | April 05, 2010 at 10:35 PM
All yall is some moron's. The NBA draft on potential. Only a few players are NBA ready when they leave College. Arnett Moultire is 19 years old and has very good skills for a 6'11 player. Good things you guys opinion dont mean @$%&
Posted by: vtime24virgo@yahoo.com | April 11, 2010 at 09:04 PM
thank vtime24virgo
Posted by: sarah | April 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Looks like Moultrie is dumb. Better get educated before he does anything life changing.
Posted by: Mr Hate | April 14, 2010 at 04:03 PM