Kerr to Coach Knicks? Sounds Like Lot of Bull(s)

Midweek musings: Now that he is in charge of all things basketball with the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson supposedly will hire Steve Kerr as coach for next season. That would be one former Chicago Bulls player joining his former coach. Just guessing that former Bulls general manager Jerry Krause is not waiting by the phone for Jackson to call.

Nikki du Plessis is part of Playboy.com’s NCAA bracket challenge.

* Congratulations to the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league on bringing back ace pitcher Monica Abbott. It will be her fourth season with the team. Some of us still hold out hope that the team will pair the left-hander with a catcher named Costello so there will be the battery of Abbott and Costello. With, of course, a “Who’s On First” night at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

* Speaking of signings, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms on a one-year deal with defensive end Israel Idonije, who played last season with Detroit. His impact may be greater in the locker room than on the field. In the grand scheme of things, his greatest impact will come through his foundation — israelidonije.org.

* Speaking of the Bears, quarterback Jay Cutler lost one of his favorite receivers when the Bears cut Earl Bennett. He reportedly was asked to take a pay cut for the second straight season — an offer he declined. Can’t blame Bennett for his decision.

* The Chicago Sky of the WNBA will hold an open tryout on April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield. Trying out costs $100 (but participants will receive a Sky practice jersey and water bottle). To be eligible, players must have graduated from college or their class graduated or must be 20 or older and have two years of pro playing experience. Information is available at 866.SKY.WNBA and at www.chicagosky.net.

* As an alumnus of the University of Missouri, I deemed it necessary to view the Tigers’ National Invitation Tournament game against Davidson on television. Missouri won the home contest after trailing for most of the game. It is unclear whether there were more points scored in the contest than there were fans in the stands. No matter how tight ESPN cameras were, empty seats indicated students were more interested in studying on a Tuesday night than attending the game. Well, students were more interested in something other than being at the game. At least Illinois will be spared any such indignity because its NIT game Wednesday night is in Boston.

* Speaking of college basketball (with an Illini connection for those with long memories), Auburn hired Bruce Pearl. The same fellow whom Tennessee fired in March 2011 because of irregularities that prompted an NCAA investigation and led to Pearl being banned from recruiting till Aug. 23, 2014. It’s difficult to understand why the Southeastern Conference would let him coach again in that league. Oh, wait. Maybe he can coach Auburn to an NCAA berth. Meaning more money for the conference and the school. How noble college athletics can be.

* Speaking of Pearl, on the bright side his hiring may mean we may see less of him as an ESPN analyst. It’s difficult to understand why the network would hire a fellow with a track record such as his. OK, not really. ESPN has served as a safe haven for coaches awaiting their next job. No matter how bad their behavior.

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