Douglass Says He’ll Stay at Bakersfield

Pat Douglass, who was considered a strong candidate for the Cal State Fullerton basketball coaching job, announced Wednesday that he will remain at Cal State Bakersfield.

Douglass, who guided Bakersfield to a 26-7 record and the semifinals of the NCAA Division II tournament, met with Titan Athletic Director Bill Shumard two weeks ago to discuss the job. Douglass also was a finalist at San Diego State, which hired UCLA assistant Tony Fuller.

“Two or three years from now maybe I would take another job, but there are other considerations in my life right now,” Douglass said at a press conference. “Right now, my efforts will go into recruiting.”

Fullerton hopes to narrow its list of candidates to five finalists by this weekend and begin the interview process next week. At least four are still considered strong candidates, UCLA assistant Brad Holland, UC Riverside Coach John Masi, Utah assistant Donny Daniels and Mater Dei High School Coach Gary McKnight.

Biola University Coach Dave Holmquist also has applied. Among the other Division I assistants who have applied are Cincinnati’s Steve Moeller, who recruited several Southern California players to the Bearcats’ Final Four team, Colorado’s Dereck Whittenburg, a former North Carolina State player, Arizona’s Tony McAndrews, DePaul’s Ken Burmeister and Villanova’s John Olive.