Washington Talks to Romar

Saint Louis University confirmed Wednesday that Washington Athletic Director Barbara Hedges has had an initial conversation with Billiken Coach Lorenzo Romar about the Huskies’ vacant men’s basketball job.

“They have spoken briefly by phone,” Saint Louis sports information director Doug McIlhagga said.

Neither Romar nor the school’s athletic director, Doug Woolard, was available for comment.

Hedges asked nine-year coach Bob Bender for his resignation last week.

Romar, a starting guard for Washington from 1978-80, could be the most logical person to replace Bender, and perhaps the most interested. Romar, 43, would know what he’s getting into, having played there and having coached against the Huskies while working as an assistant at UCLA from 1992-96.

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The five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award, which will be presented on April 7, were announced. They are: Gonzaga’s Dan Dickau, Maryland’s Juan Dixon, Kansas’ Drew Gooden, Cincinnati’s Steve Logan and Duke’s Jason Williams.

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New Mexico has permission to talk with Oregon State Coach Ritchie McKay about the Lobos’ vacant job, Oregon State Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart said.

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Greg Graham, an assistant coach at Oregon, was hired as head coach at Boise State.... Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski underwent hip replacement surgery and was in good condition after the two-hour operation. The 55-year-old coach had his right hip replaced.... Oregon defeated Houston, 54-52, in Eugene to win the women’s NIT championship.