KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Marshall Focusing on Wichita State
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Statement from Wichita State Head Coach Gregg Marshall:
"Through nine seasons at Winthrop I've learned that you can't control rumor and speculation from the media and other sources, so I felt I needed to make a statement.
"My total focus is on building the Wichita State basketball program toward excellence. I have not been contacted by, nor have I contacted the University of South Carolina or any school, for that matter, for any position. Period.
"Going forward, I do not plan to discuss any other job, position, or situation other than the one I have, Head Basketball Coach at Wichita State University. I will be happy to discuss our program at any opportunity.
"I hope that you will respect this position and my priority in helping Shocker basketball be the best it can be. I have a very good job at Wichita State and despite the fact that we have not had the type of season any of us have wanted to this point, there is still plenty of fight to this team and promise in the future.
"There is certainly work to be done to rebuild this program to the level of excellence we all desire. I can assure everyone that all our energy - mine as well as my staff's - is being spent to try and win games and recruit future Shockers.
"We appreciate everyone's patience and support."
--Wichita State University--
by Richard Smith
Every time it seems like things can't get worse for Wichita State, things somehow find a way. The already-reeling Shockers, losers in six of their last seven, now have to deal with the reported possibility that their coach will be poached by South Carolina.
Gamecocks coach Dave Odom announced his retirement Friday afternoon, and first-year Shocker coach Gregg Marshall has already been installed as a leading candidate to replace him in several media reports.
Marshall says he doesn't intend to comment on the subject until today, after he's had a chance to confer with his family and Wichita State athletic director Jim Schaus.
Sources close to the situation tell Eyewitness Sports director Bruce Haertl that Marshall has received scores of phone calls from curious parties since Odom's announcment, but so far none have been from South Carolina officials.
Marshall's ties to the state and to the university run deep. Marshall is a native of Greenwood, SC. and prior to Wichita State enjoyed nine very successful years coaching at Winthrop, which is located in Rock Hill, SC. Before leaving that state, Marshall and his family were longtime season ticket holders for Gamecock football, and Marshall counts South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier as a friend.
Stay tuned to Eyewitness Sports for updates on this developing story.
