http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/108515670532720.xml Fratello, Hill could be next Hornets to resume candidate interviews Friday, May 21, 2004 By Jimmy Smith and John Reid Staff writers The Hornets didn't conduct interviews with head coaching candidates Thursday, but things could heat up this weekend if certain scheduling hurdles can be overcome. Team officials are waiting to visit with TNT TV analyst Mike Fratello to talk about the coaching vacancy, as well as New Jersey Nets assistant coach Brian Hill. Fratello is in Minneapolis to broadcast the Western Conference finals. League sources said Thursday it's possible Hornets majority owner George Shinn, who apparently was ill Wednesday, could travel to meet with Fratello. Hill could be available for an interview if the Nets don't make the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. That series begins in Indianapolis on Saturday. Sources indicated that no contract offer has been made to former Nets coach Byron Scott, who was interviewed Monday and toured additional team facilities Tuesday. Scott's agent, Brian McInery, continued his tour of New Orleans on Thursday and again met with Shinn and other team officials, according to assistant general manager Allan Bristow. McInery indicated that he had never visited New Orleans before and wanted to get a feel for the city. The Hornets have been searching for a head coach since firing Tim Floyd on May 7. The team is expected to interview Fratello, Hill and former Seattle and Milwaukee head coach George Karl, now an analyst for ESPN. All three fit the team's stated goal of hiring a former NBA head coach who has experienced success. League sources have said that the Hornets also could talk with former Lakers player Michael Cooper, currently the head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. The WNBA season began Thursday. . . . . . . . Jimmy Smith can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3814. John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or (504) 826-3787. --

※ 发信站: 批踢踢实业坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 218.166.82.32