Lots of speculation, no substance yet

The coaching carousel continues to go around, and so far it hasn't stopped to pick up Rams coach Anthony Grant.

Despite persistent speculation linking Grant to just about every major job that has come open, VCU Athletic Director Norwood Teague said no school has contacted him requesting permission to talk to Grant.

At this point, Teague said, Grant "is out recruiting and we are moving forward with plans for next season." Teague also is moving forward on a substantial pay increase for Grant.

By early next week, VCU and Grant could finalize a one-year contract extension (through 2013-14) that would pay Grant $650,000 annually with an annuity of $100,000. Perks and incentives could push Grant's paycheck into the $800-900,000 range, Teague has said.

Grant currently has a $400,000 base salary and a $100,000 annuity.

He has been among the trendy picks to land at any of several schools: Louisiana State, South Carolina, Indiana and others. While back-channel contact to gauge interest is the preferred way of doing business in the coaching world these days, those lists seem to be more speculation than substance.

The South Carolina and Indiana jobs have been filled. The Louisiana Gannett News quoted LSU Chancellor William Jenkins as saying the Tigers were using a search firm and waiting to hire an athletic director before hiring a coach. LSU hired Duke Athletic Director Joe Alleva on Friday.

Grant continues to have no comment.

Maynor still undecided about entering draft

Junior guard Eric Maynor said earlier this week that he hasn't decided if he will declare for the NBA draft.

"Still thinking," he said.

As an underclassman, Maynor has until April 27 to declare himself eligible. As long as he doesn't hire an agent, Maynor can withdraw from the draft by June 16 and return to VCU for his senior season. The draft is June 26.

Various internet sites project Maynor, 6-2, as a late first-round or early second-round pick, although this is a draft that could be deep in point guards.

"I'll take all the time I can take," he said. -- Tim Pearrell