Rick Adelman possible candidate for Head Coach position at University of Oregon

http://www.sacramentopress.com/head...r_Head_Coach_position_at_University_of_Oregon

On Monday, April 12th, while at Arco Arena, when asked about rumors that former Sacramento Kings Head Coach, and current Houston Rockets Head Coach, Rick Adelman, had been mentioned as a candidate for the University of Oregon Men's Basketball Head Coach position, Rockets Assistant Coach, R.J. Adelman, seemed to brush off the question and the rumor by saying "yeah, I heard about that. Who hasn't been named?" However, a source has indicated that the senior Adelman may in fact not only be a candidate, but that an announcement may come in the next several days. Again, the Rockets/Adelman camp seems to dismiss the possibility.

The 63 year old coach was a 7th round selection of what was then the San Diego Rockets in the 1968 NBA draft. He played for several teams in the league, including the Kansas City - Omaha Kings, who moved to Sacramento in 1985. Adelman was the Head Coach of the Portland Trailblazers from 1989 to 1994. He was the Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors for two years beginning in 1995. He then became the Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings in 1998, and remained in Sacramento until 2006. He has been the Head Coach of the Houston Rockets since 2007, where, incidentally, he coaches former Oregon point guard, Aaron Brooks, who is a leading contender for the NBA's 2010 Most Improved Player award.

Indeed, the Adelmans are not strangers to Oregon. Before coaching the Trailblazers, Rick Adelman coached at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. His son, current Houston Rockets Assistant Coach, R.J. Adelman, played college basketball at Salem-based Willamette University. He was a four year letterman in basketball. In fact, before his NBA career, which includes advance scouting work with the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) and the Sacramento Kings. R.J. attended the University of Oregon School of Law and practiced law in Portland before joining Maloof Sports and Entertainment, and eventually joining his father in Houston.

Make no mistake, R.J Adelman's response when questioned was not at all inaccurate or misleading. He is an amazingly intelligent and likeable man. Many names have been mentioned in connection with the Oregon vacancy over the past month. Tom Izzo, Tubby Smith, Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan, Jamie Dixon, Mark Turgeon, Brad Stevens and Mike Anderson round out the major college coaches who have been rumored to be in the mix. From professional ranks, there has been mention of P.J. Carlesimo, Rick Adelman, Terry Porter and Fred Jones. Who hasn't been named is more than a fair response.

Simple fairness of the response, however, does not mean there is no truth to the rumor. Perhaps we'll know with more certainty within a few days. Not only would that be news for University of Oregon fans, but it certainly would be news for the NBA, and especially the Western Conference. If Adelman does indeed step into the Head Coach role at Oregon, the Western Conference will change. Since his departure from Sacramento, the Kings have not returned to the NBA playoffs. A departure from Houston, together with the uncertainty surrounding Rockets star, Yao Ming, may actually signal middle tier breakdown that may be just the opportunity Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal and company need - in addition to another top draft pick - to accelerate a return to the playoffs.

One thing is certain. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Whether leaving the Southwest, or returning to the Pacific Northwest, opinions are sure to be mixed. Rick Adelman is an excellent coach. It was a privilege to see him coach the Sacramento Kings, it has been exciting to watch him coach the Houston Rockets, and it would be great to have a coach of his caliber and experience lead the Oregon Ducks.