Sports briefs

Colonels nab veteran as assistant coach

The Nicholls State Athletics Department announced Thursday that veteran assistant coach Rennie Bailey has joined the men’s basketball staff.

Bailey has 19-years of experience as a coach, including 1988-90 when he was previously an assistant with Nicholls.

“At the end of the day, to have an opportunity to come back and give what I have in terms of 20 years of experience in the business, I think the outcome will be very, very positive for the program, the university and the community,” Bailey said in a statement issued on the Colonels’ website.

In addition to coaching in Thibodaux, the veteran coach has spent time at UL-Lafayette, Stephen F. Austin and Louisiana Tech. He was also a head coach at Panola College in Texas for several seasons.

“I am excited about bringing Rennie into our basketball family,” said Nicholls head men’s basketball coach J.P. Piper. “He is a highly competent coach and recruiter with tremendous experience in both Louisiana and the Southland Conference.”

Larose radio station to remain home for NSU athletics

The Nicholls Athletics Department announced Thursday that 100.3 KLRZ FM will remain the official radio home for Colonels’ athletics.

The deal will mark the third-straight year the Larose-based radio station will be the flagship network for Nicholls events.

“The coverage area, along with the great relationship we have with KLRZ is a win-win situation,” said Nicholls Athletic Director Rob Bernardi.

KLRZ’s owner, state Rep. Jerry Gisclair, agreed and said he hopes to rally support for the team around the community with this deal.

“We are excited to team up with Nicholls State for a third year in a row as the Flagship Station for Nicholls sports. It is always an honor to work with the university and our community,” he said.

Bower, Hornets mutually part ways

Just six days after releasing a statement saying he was dedicated to rebuilding the New Orleans Hornets’ franchise, the team announced it mutually parted ways with the team’s General Manager, Jeff Bower.

Bower had worked for the team for the past 14 seasons, including two stints as general manager.

Immediately after the announcement was made, Hornets’ President Hugh Weber said the team was already active in trying to find a replacement.

Former Trail Blazers GM Tom Pritchard, former Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry, former Warriors GM Chris Mullin and Pistons executive and Louisiana native Joe Dumars are all among those who will reportedly be considered.

Hornets rescind offer to Head

A day after the New Orleans Hornets signed veteran guard Luther Head to a two-year contract, the team rescinded the contract citing a failed physical.

Hornets President Hugh Weber said after being evaluated by doctors, the team decided it was in their best interests to no longer pursue Head.

In five seasons in the NBA, Head has averaged eight points per game and two assists.

It was not specified the type of injury the Hornets’ medical team found.

The guard had originally signed a two-year deal that was reportedly going to be worth $2.5 million.

Saints sign fourth-round pick

The New Orleans Saints announced Thursday afternoon that they have signed fourth-round draft pick Al Woods to a four-year contract.

Woods was taken by the team with the No. 123 selection in 2010 NFL Draft.

The former LSU standout earned his spot in the professional ranks after recording 33 tackles in his final season in Baton Rouge.

Woods is the first of the Saints’ six draftees to ink their new contracts.

With Woods’ contract in place, the Saints now have exactly 80 players on their 80-man roster, which means when the other picks sign, someone will have to be released from the team.

LSU women’s basketball face OSU in home opener

With the team’s full schedule still not fully completed, the LSU women’s basketball team announced the Lady Tigers will host national power Ohio State in their home opener.

The game will take place Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

“Ohio State will be one of the top five teams in the country next season,” LSU head coach Van Chancellor said. “We are excited about going up against a Jim Foster-led team that is always one of the best in the country.”

Ohio State will return all five starters from what was already a 31-win team last season.

The Lady Tigers will also have plenty familiar faces, as well, having to replace just one starter from last year’s team.

“We want our fans to come out and support the Lady Tigers in what will be a great college basketball game,” Chancellor said.

Casey Adams wins professional debut

After a highly-decorated amateur career, South Lafourche’s Casey Adams said he was ready to strut his stuff at the professional level.

Adams proved that prognostication to be true last Saturday when he won his pro boxing debut, scoring a decision victory against LeKirk Pringle.

The “Cajun Bull” won the four-round fight on two separate scorecards. Another judge had the fight scored a draw.

It is not yet known when Adams will make his second professional fight.