ron hunter: "...on second thought..."

I just received this from a representative of the IUPUI Jaguars Athletics Department:

IUPUI’S RON HUNTER WITHDRAWS NAME FROM BALL STATE COACHING SEARCH

INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI head basketball coach Ron Hunter has withdrawn his name from the Ball State head coaching candidate search. Hunter, IUPUI’s all-time leader in wins (207) and career winning percentage (.545), is entering his 14th season with the university.

The Ball State job became vacant when Ronny Thompson resigned after one season.

“I was flattered to be in consideration, but I want to be at IUPUI. We look forward to preparing our squad for the 2007-08 season and competing for a Summit League championship.

“I took the opportunity to explore another professional opportunity, but have ultimately decided that I’m happy at IUPUI.”

Hunter has no further comments on the matter at this time.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! RON HUNTER LEAVING FOR BALL STATE

ESPN.com is reporting Ron Hunter is set to take over as head coach of Ball State University.

See for yourself:

IUPUI's Hunter expected to replace Thompson at Ball State

By Andy Katz

Barring an unexpected impasse, Ball State and IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter are expected to agree on a contract that would make him the new Cardinals coach.

Hunter is the top candidate to replace Ronny Thompson, multiple sources said over the weekend. Thompson abruptly resigned July 13 after one season as Ball State coach after an internal investigation found that he and his staff violated NCAA rules in 2006 and last May by attending voluntary offseason team workouts. The coaches lied about their involvement in the May infraction, the school has said. Read more.

Stay tuned.