Geriot hobbling with knee issue

Dan Geriot, the University of Richmond's leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and rebounder (5.5 rpg) last season, sprained the anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees and is prohibited from basketball activity for about a month.

"He hurt himself in one of our small-group workouts," UR coach Chris Mooney said of the 6-9 rising junior from Springfield, Pa., who was third-team all-Atlantic 10 Conference. "The doctors, because of the time of year, they're going to be cautious."

Geriot is heavily involved in rehabilitation. Mooney said he forecasts no lingering problem with the knee.

Spiders guard leaving program

Chris Richard asked for his release from his Richmond scholarship. His request was granted.

Richard, a 6-3 freshman from Portland, did not play this season because of a knee issue. "Opportunity to play and closer to home," Mooney said of Richard's reasons for leaving.

That gives UR a scholarship opening for 2008-09. A transfer? "If a very good player and good person and good student became available, then we would be interested. But we're not beating the bushes trying to find someone," Mooney said.

UR in tourney; Mooney contract talk

The Spiders will play in November's College Basketball Experience (former Guardians Classic), and could meet Syracuse. UR is already scheduled to play regular-season games against Wake Forest and Virginia Tech.

Mooney has worked three years of his five-year contract. Asked about a possible extension, he said, "We're working toward that."

At 35, Mooney is no longer the youngest A-10 coach. That honor belongs to new Massachusetts coach Derek Kellogg, 34. - John O'Connor