Husky Men's Basketball Blog

Some news today about New Jersey Tech, the team the Huskies will play Tuesday in the first round of the NIT.

Here it is, straight from the school.

New Jersey Institute of Technology athletics director Lenny Kaplan announced tonight that head men's basketball coach Jim Casciano has requested and will take a temporary leave of absence for personal health reasons.

At the same time, Kaplan announced that assistant coach Wendell Alexis will serve as NJIT's interim head coach in Casciano's absence. Casciano was beginning his seventh season as head coach of the Highlanders.

"We are behind Jim 100 percent," said Kaplan. "The most important thing is that he can take care of himself and get through this difficult time. We are looking forward to having him return to our sidelines as soon as he is able."

Alexis, who will handle Casciano's duties during the leave of absence, joined the NJIT staff as an assistant coach in August 2005. Prior to becoming a coach, Alexis was a star player, spending close to 20 seasons in Europe's top professional leagues.

"I am confident in Wendell's ability to lead the program," said Kaplan. "He has special insight into the game having played so many years as a great player. And he has earned everyone's respect as a first-class person."

A product of Queens, NY, Alexis amassed more than 1,200 points and over 400 rebounds in his career as a star at Syracuse University. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1986, he was Most Valuable Player of the top professional leagues in Italy, Israel and Germany (three times). In 1998, he played for Team USA in the World Basketball Championships.

NJIT, which opened the season on Saturday, November 10, is next scheduled to play on Tuesday at the University of Washington in the opening round of the 2007 Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off tournament. That game is scheduled for an 8 pm (PST) start in Seattle.