Report: Texas Tech Wants Bobby Knight

L U B B O C K, Texas, March 8 -- Texas Tech coach James Dickey says he willcontinue focusing on his team, its players and winning gamesdespite reports that school administrators have talked with formerIndiana coach Bobby Knight about his job.

"My focus is on having our team prepared as well as we possiblycan and making sure these players are given every opportunity tohave every chance they can to succeed," Dickey told The AssociatedPress early today from his hotel room in Kansas City.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported in today's editionsthat Texas Tech administrators have approached Knight about takingover.

A former college coach, who is close to Knight but asked not tobe identified, told the newspaper that Tech president DavidSchmidly and athletic director Gerald Myers traveled to Naples,Fla., earlier this week to discuss with Knight the possibility ofreplacing Dickey.

"I've heard the same reports but I have not had any informationat all from our administration," Dickey said.

Mum’s The World At Tech

Dickey's team is in Kansas City for the Big 12 Tournament, whichstarts today and lasts through Sunday. Tech first faces OklahomaState at 2:20 p.m.

Tech sports information director Chris Cook said Myers would notdiscuss the report.

"Gerald will not comment," Cook said.

Myers also declined comment to the newspaper, saying he wouldnot make any statements until after he has a chance to talk withDickey following the Red Raiders' final game of the tournament.

Knight was fired from Indiana last fall after violating ano-tolerance policy. He violated the policy when he grabbed an IUstudent by the arm.

Knight indicated at the time he wanted to coach again.

Dickey Was Hand-Picked

Tech spokeswoman Cindy Rugeley said Chancellor John Montfordspent Wednesday in Washington, D.C., and President David Schmidlywas en route to Kansas City.

"All I know is we still have a coach," she said. "I cannotimagine them doing anything while our team is still playing."