By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Northern Kentucky University, down to four finalists for its men's basketball coaching position, will involve its staff and students in its interview process the next two weeks.

Best to get plenty of input, as the school expects word soon on funding for a proposed $53 million arena - to have 8,000-10,000 seats - and the athletic program is weighing a corresponding leap to Division I.

"It's a key hire for our campus," athletic director Jane Meier said.

Dave Bezold, top assistant to retiring coach Ken Shields the past 14 years, will be granted the final interview April 20.

Bill Brown, head coach of Division II California (Pa.), will interview Tuesday. John Brannen, a Newport Central Catholic grad and assistant coach at Division I St. Bonaventure, will interview April 15.

At 10:30 a.m. on those dates, the candidates will field questions from faculty and students.

Greg Kamansky, head coach of Division II Cal Poly Pomona, was to interview Friday but canceled his trip because of a family emergency. He said he still hopes to be interviewed. Meier said Wednesday night, "I can't yet commit to whether we'll reschedule."

Newport native Dave Cowens, an NBA Hall of Famer and former NBA coach who applied for the job, said he withdrew his name recently.

"I was very interested in the job, but something else has come up that I'm pursuing," Cowens said. "But whoever gets that job is going to get a great job."

Bezold, a Holy Cross High School grad who played at Viterbo (Wis.) College, seemingly has been groomed for the post. When Shields had back surgery in January 2001, Bezold filled in as head coach and went 3-2, losing only tough road games at Southern Indiana and St. Joseph's (Ind.).

Brown is 176-59 in eight seasons at California (Pa.), including an upset of the host Norse in the 1997 John L. Griffin Lions Club Classic. Brown formerly was top assistant to Eddie Sutton at Arkansas (1980-85) and twice was named by Basketball Times as one of the top five assistant coaches and recruiters in the nation.

"They want to compete at the highest level on an annual basis," Brown said of the Norse. "That's what has me excited about the opportunity."

Brannen, who played at Marshall and assisted at Eastern Kentucky, just finished his first season at St. Bonaventure. He did not return a phone message Wednesday seeking comment.

Bezold, who declined comment on the coaching search, said the timetable hasn't hurt recruiting. "We've been up front and factual about where we're at, and (recruits) are all fine with it," he said.

Should funding come through, the new Regional Special Events Center could open as early as the 2007-08 season. Should NKU choose to jump to Division I, there's a four-year provisional period during which it would be ineligible for postseason competition.

NKU's finalists

 Dave Bezold, 38, NKU assistant coach. Team's only full-time assistant has been with the program 14 years. Has done the majority of NKU's recruiting and handled its defensive schemes.

 John Brannen, 30, St. Bonaventure assistant coach. Alexandria, Ky., native completed first season with Bonnies after previously assisting at Eastern Kentucky and Charleston. Played at Marshall.

 Bill Brown, 52, head coach at Division II California (Pa.). Has 296-175 career record at three schools. The Toledo native and former Ohio University star spent five years as the top assistant to Eddie Sutton at Arkansas.

 Greg Kamansky, 38, head coach at Division II Cal Poly Pomona. Status is uncertain because he had to cancel an interview scheduled for Friday. His 79-33 mark in four seasons is the best winning percentage (.705) in school history. Led team to 2003 Elite Eight finish.

E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com