McNaull Rejects Talk of Transfer : San Diego State: Father contacted three other colleges without his knowledge, the sophomore center says.

Joe McNaull, San Diego State sophomore center, discounted a radio report Wednesday intimating that he is seriously considering transferring at season’s end. He also said he was surprised to learn his father has contacted other universities regarding the possibility of McNaull finishing his college basketball career elsewhere.

“I didn’t know anything about it,” McNaull said. “My dad did everything. I haven’t contacted anybody.”

Paul McNaull, Joe’s father, said he contacted three universities--North Carolina, Kentucky and Arizona State--but added that he has not spoken with any coach. Paul McNaull said that, at this point, he has only left messages with all three schools’ basketball office.

Jim Harrick Jr., SDSU interim coach, said he was surprised to hear of Paul McNaull’s contacts with other universities.

“I will talk to Joe and we will discuss it at length,” Harrick said.

Apparently, Harrick quickly caught up with McNaull. Reached 1 1/2 hours later, McNaull said he doubts that he will transfer.

“Right now, I’m playing here,” Joe McNaull said. “This is where I’m at. I’m going to see what happens with the coaching change.

“But I talked to Coach Harrick and he thought it would be in my best interest to stay. I trust him. I’ll talk to him some more and if he thinks I should stay, I will probably end up staying.”

Before choosing SDSU two years ago, McNaull took an official visit to Arizona State. He also canceled visits to Nevada Las Vegas, Utah and DePaul.

McNaull, who averages 13 points and eight rebounds per game, has been SDSU’s best player this season, although he has struggled lately. He was second in the Western Athletic Conference in both scoring and rebounding early in the season but, in conference games only, he ranks fourth in rebounding (6.77 per game) and is not among the top 15 in scoring.

Paul McNaull said that with SDSU’s Feb. 11 firing of Coach Jim Brandenburg, he is only looking out for his son’s best interests.

“With the coaching changes and uncertainty of the situation at San Diego State, we’re just checking out and seeing what options are open to us,” Paul McNaull said. “It’s something anybody with any prudence is going to do.

“I want to know how to advise my son and see what is in his best interest. I don’t think any parent would do any less for their child.”