Truth & Rumors: March 20, 2007

Tommy Amaker's firing at Michigan could mean Nevada Las Vegas' Lon Kruger, ends up in Ann Arbor rather than Minneapolis. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press

George Tech's Paul Hewitt has been mentioned as a candidate, but word is it would take $1.5 million a year to lure him to Minnesota. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press

South Alabama coach John Pelphrey became the second candidate to interview with South Florida athletic director Doug Woolard about the Bulls' coaching position. UMass AD John McCutcheon would not confirm if Woolard sought permission to speak with the UMass coach Travis Ford. -- Tampa Tribune

Tennessee's run to the Sweet Sixteen will mean more money for coach Bruce Pearl and his staff in the form of bonuses, but UT athletics director Mike Hamilton doesn't foresee Pearl getting a new contract. -- The Tennessean

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge should be back even sooner than expected after undergoing surgery on his right knee. head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh reported that the torn meniscus cartilage was removed instead of repaired, and McVeigh expects Ainge to make a recovery to full activity within three to six weeks. -- The Tennessean

One minute, Randolph Morris was saying that the only way he'd leave Kentucky is if his eligibility expired. The next minute, the Wildcats' center spoke about his time at UK in the past tense. In short, Morris sounded uncertain about his future. Morris said he'll discuss his options with his parents - if he chooses to explore the NBA at all. -- Cincinnati Enquirer

Denver Mullen strong safety Nolan Brewster said he has orally committed to Texas. Brewster has ties to the Texas program. His father, Tim Brewster, is a former UT assistant under Mack Brown who was named the head coach at Minnesota in mid-January. -- Dallas Morning News

There were no promises at the season-ending news conference, but Arizona coach Lute Olson feels his team will be "really good" next season. Expect some differences next season. The obvious will be a commitment to becoming tougher. -- Arizona Republic

Darelle Revis, projected to be one of the first cornerbacks selected in the NFL draft in April, will be missed, but Panthers coaches have said sophomore Aaron Berry has the tools, the motivation and the talent necessary to fill that role. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It would be hard to imagine a better fit of personalities between player and coach than Florida State wide receiver Rod Owens and his new position mentor, Lawrence Dawsey. There don't appear to be any lingering questions about Owens' return to full health. He's already ditched the bulky knee brace and will compete in the 110- and 400-meter hurdles for FSU's track team this weekend. -- Florida Times-Union