April 11, 2008

PITTSBURGH - Head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart announced today that assistant coach Greg Gary has resigned to accept the head coach position at Centenary College in Shreveport, La.

"I really want to thank Greg for his effort as an assistant coach," said Everhart. "I was lucky enough to be able to recruit Greg as a player when I was at Tulane and I've closely followed his progress as a coach. He has a tremendous work ethic, is an outstanding teacher and has a great understanding of the game. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be highly successful at Centenary."

Gary, 38, who was recruited as a player to Tulane by Everhart in the early 1990s, was part of the Duquesne staff for one year, during which he helped the Dukes post their first winning season since 1993-94. He has also coached at his alma mater in addition to McNeese State (under Everhart), Miami, Fla. and South Florida.

Gary is the second former Everhart assistant to accept a Division I head coaching position joining Kansas State's Frank Martin who was part of Everhart's staff at Northeastern.

WOOD TO TRANSFER

Everhart also announced that sophomore guard/forward Stephen Wood (South Jamaica Queens, N.Y./Monsignor McClancy) has received his release from Duquesne University, clearing the way for his transfer to another school.

"Stephen has asked for his release and we have granted it," said Everhart. "We will do all we can to help Stephen find a school that is the right fit for him. He's a great kid and we wish him the very best."

Wood played in 28 of a possible 60 games with 12 starts in his two seasons at Duquesne. He saw three minutes of action in three games in 2007-08. The 6-4, 185-pounder averaged 15.3 minutes per game in 25 games played as a freshman. Wood, who averaged 4.0 ppg. in 2006-07, scored in double digits twice in his first six games including a career-high 12 in a loss at then-No. 2 (AP) Pitt.

Wood finished his Duquesne career averaging 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He shot .296 from the field and .258 (17-of-66) from the 3-point arc.