FAYETTEVILLE — Former Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson will be announced as the head coach of a potential WNBA franchise in Tulsa, Okla., today.
A news conference introducing Richardson as the coach of the proposed team is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the BOK Center in Tulsa. Richardson will also handle general manager duties of the possible WNBA franchise, according to a report on ESPN.com
Richardson, 67, entered discussions with investors - primarily led by David Box of Cameron-Box Sports - in August, according to the Tulsa World. The investors hoping to secure approval for a WNBAfranchise expect an official decision from the league office in October.
A news release Monday stressed that Richardson's agreement to be coach "does not confirm that Tulsa will secure a WNBA franchise." Officials with the league are expected to be at Richardson's news conference today. If approved, the Tulsa franchise may begin its inaugural season next June.
Richardson did not return a phone call requesting an interview Monday.
Richardson is the only coach to win a junior college, NIT and NCAA championship. He coached Arkansas for 17 seasons, compiling a 389-169 record, three Final Four appearances and a national championship in 1994. He was fired in 2002, but has spent time coaching the Panama and Mexico national teams during his retirement.
Richardson coached the University of Tulsa for five seasons and compiled a record of 119-37 before his hiring at Arkansas in 1985.
Sports, Pages 10 on 09/29/2009