UAB thrilled to land Davis

Mike Davis was greeted with a lengthy standing ovation from UAB fans in Birmingham, Ala., and even got generous applause when his big salary was announced.

The Blazers landed the high-profile coach they wanted Friday, and Davis got the unconditional embrace from fans he craved but never truly received at Indiana.

It was, he said, “a great fit.”

Davis returns to his home state to lead a program that’s made three consecutive NCAA tournaments, pledging an attention-grabbing non-conference schedule that will help fill Bartow Arena and raise the Blazers’ profile.

“Walking into this room, it was really unbelievable,” Davis said at a news conference. “I didn’t expect this many people to be here. It’s great to be wanted.”

UAB laid out the green-and-gold carpet for the Fayette native and former Alabama player. His five-year deal pays $600,000 a year in guaranteed salary with incentives that could push it up to about $1 million, interim athletic director Richard Margison said.

Gators will stay

Florida celebrated its first national basketball championship with a stunning announcement.

Everyone, aside from senior Adrian Moss, is coming back for another title run.

Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer – three sophomores who had been projected as first-round NBA draft picks this summer – disclosed in a choreographed skit that they will return for another season.

Bonus baby

The success of this year’s Montana team could mean $25,000 in bonuses for coach Larry Krystkowiak and apparently landed him an interview for the head coaching job at Pepperdine.

Krystkowiak wouldn’t confirm the interview at the Malibu, Calif., school, but has said he was among a number of coaches who were contacted on a preliminary basis.

Montana athletic director Jim O’Day said he assumes Krystkowiak is one of five finalists for the Waves’ job.

Gonzalez meets fans

Bobby Gonzalez finally got what he wanted: a chance to coach in the Big East.

Gonzalez was introduced as head coach of Seton Hall, fulfilling a dream he had since he was 18 of taking over a team in the power conference.

Around the country

Purdue extended the contract of coach Matt Painter one year through 2010-11 despite the Boilermakers’ 9-19 record in his first season as Gene Keady’s successor.

•Ed Conroy took over The Citadel program, leaving an assistant coaching job at Coastal Carolina to return to his alma mater.

•Connecticut junior forward Josh Boone said he will make himself eligible for the NBA draft.

•Lehigh will forfeit 13 basketball games from the 2004-05 season because of an ineligible player, the Patriot League said.