OVC teams make off-season changes

Though the Eastern men’s basketball team just hired a new head coach, the Panthers aren’t the only team making noise in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Prohm extended, Canaan staying

According to ESPN, Murray State head coach Steve Prohm’s contract was extended one year, with his salary being increased from $195,000 to $270,000. With television and radio contracts, Prohm’s total earnings are pushed to $300,000, not including incentives.

Along with Prohm, OVC Player of the Year Isaiah Canaan will also be staying for his senior season, electing not to enter the NBA draft, according to ESPN. Canaan was also a second-team Associated Press All-American, helping the Racers finish with a record of 31-2.

Canaan was also named the CollegeInsider.com National Most Valuable Player.

Eastern Kentucky assistant leaving team

According to AllKyHoops.com, Eastern Kentucky assistant Richie Riley will coach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham on head coach Jarrod Haase’s staff. Riley spent the previous season at Eastern Kentucky, after coaching two seasons at Coastal Carolina the previous two years.

Tennessee State head coach leaving for Miami (Ohio)

John Cooper accepted the head coaching job at Miami (Ohio), according to The Tennesseean. Cooper led Tennessee State to a record of 20-13, losing in the OVC championship to Murray State. Cooper will replace Charlie Coles, who retired at the end of the season.

Southeast Missouri loses two assistants

According to the Southeast Missourian, Redhawk assistant coaches Kyle Gerdeman and Jeremy Case will not return to the team next season. Both assistants have been at Southeast Missouri for three years with head coach Dickie Nutt.

Two players leave Tennessee-Martin, Smith to return

Head coach Jason James told WPSD in Paducah, Ky., that sophomore Chris Richardson and freshman Martez Harris each plan to transfer to new schools. James also confirmed that sophomore guard Terence Smith will return to the team next season after being out all last season with a heart ailment.

 Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or at dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.