Patton will step down as coach after season

Ricardo Patton is through waiting for a contract extension.

“Today I am announcing that this is my last year as head coach,” the University of Colorado men’s basketball coach said Wednesday at the beginning of the team’s annual media day. “I will neither seek nor accept an extension of my contract.”

Patton, whose deal expires on July 1, said he was doing this for his players.

“We have a large, outstanding freshman class and a talented team this year. Our players need to focus on adjusting to the rigor of academics at CU and the level of competition in the Big 12 without being distracted by speculation regarding my contract,” he said.

Patton is 177-140 in 10 years at Colorado. He guided the team to two NCAA tournament berths, in 1996-97 with Chauncey Billups and again in 2002-03.

Patton, who took over the program on Jan. 16, 1996, after several years as an assistant, said he informed his players of his decision in the morning but hadn’t talked to athletic director Mike Bohn before notifying the media.

Later, Bohn said Patton’s announcement blind-sided him.

“This came as a big surprise to me. I’m also disappointed, we’ve had weekly meetings that have been constructive and positive,” Bohn said. “His concern for his players was foremost on his mind, and I applaud him for that.”

Bohn, who met with the team before their afternoon practice, said he has no timetable for selecting a replacement and doesn’t have even a list of potential candidates.

“I’m really not prepared for this because it was a complete surprise,” Bohn said.

Patton said he never considered stepping down immediately.

“No. We don’t teach our guys to quit. This is not quitting,” Patton said. “This is just knowing when it is time to move on. We talk to our guys about life every day. I think there is certainly a life lesson in this moment.”

Junior star Richard Roby said the team was taken aback by Patton’s announcement.

“Hasheem Thabeet, a 7-foot-3 center from Tanzania, will play for Connecticut this season after the NCAA declared him eligible.

Thabeet attended Cyprus Community Christian School in Houston last year.

College football

FSU’s Fagg will miss game with Maryland

Florida State’s top receiver, De’Cody Fagg, will not play Saturday at Maryland because of a sprained ankle.

Fagg had hoped to return to practice Wednesday, but team doctors ruled out the possibility of playing this weekend after examining his ankle.

Fagg leads the Seminoles (4-3, 2-3 ACC) with 25 catches.

Pro Basketball

Hornets pick up option on Paul’s contract

The New Orleans Hornets picked up an option on Chris Paul’s contract, keeping the reigning rookie of the year with the Hornets for at least two more seasons.

Paul, the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s NBA draft, averaged 16.1 points and 7.8 assists last season to lead all rookies, and his 175 steals were the most in the NBA.

“John Whisenant resigned as coach of the Sacramento Monarchs but will remain the WNBA franchise’s general manager.

Miscellany

South Africa makes World Cup a priority

The South African government plans to spend $1.9 billion on new stadiums and related infrastructure for the 2010 World Cup.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel told parliament that preparations for the tournament – the first to be held in Africa – were one of the country’s top spending priorities for the next three years.

A FIFA delegation was in the gallery.