The Hawk

Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Sports

Martelli looks to remain on the sidelines at Saint Joseph's for the foreseeable future.

With basketball season over, the time has come to follow the yearly coaching carousel. One person who doesn't figure to be riding it is Saint Joseph's head coach Phil Martelli.

Rumors surfaced last week linking him to interest in the coaching vacancy at Providence College. Thus far, he has categorically denied any connection to that or any other open position.

"I have not approached anyone," said Martelli. "No one has approached me from any of the vacancies. To say you're not interested in a job that's not interested in you would be somewhat arrogant. There has been no contact of any representatives or any family members or anyone."

According to Martelli, there is no basis for the report from any action by him and his representatives.

"That was a rumor driven by the new society of the Internet and chat rooms," said Martelli. "It had no substance and it has no substance."

The vacancy at Providence was left by the departure of Tim Welsh, who accumulated a 160-143 record in 10 years on the job.

But the Friars' opening is not the only vacancy. Other high profile jobs, such as positions at Indiana, Louisiana State, and South Carolina, are also open this season, even before the rush of jobs opening up after postseason play ends.

This is certainly not Martelli's first connection to another school, especially after his exploits in the 2003-04 season.

"I don't think I could've looked any prettier than I did after the perfect season," admitted Martelli.

In the past, Martelli has always characterized the St. Joe's position as his dream job. He still stands by that statement today, and it would take an overwhelming offer to change that stance.

"The only thing that would even make me hesitate for a moment would be a school where everybody at that school wakes up every day and says 'Let's win a National Championship'," said Martelli. "Those are few and far between. And their not knocking on my door."

While that type of college atmosphere may not be present here on Hawk Hill, it is still the place for Martelli.

"There's no sitting here and wondering if someone else's grass is greener than ours," said Martelli. "That's not part of my makeup."

"I think everybody here wakes up and says, 'Let's win the A-10 Championship'," said Martelli. "That's the nature of our community, and I understand that and I respect that."

Even with the upcoming changes on campus, including the Fieldhouse renovations and highly-touted class of incoming recruits, this status is unlikely to change.

"We are who we are and you have to accept that," said Martelli. "I don't think it's necessarily a change of material things, it's actually a philosophical change and it's not necessary here."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools