Fast Break

BASKETBALL

Pioneer Robinson dies at 96

Will Robinson, the first black basketball coach at a Division I school and a Detroit Pistons scout who discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, died Monday at a Detroit hospital. He was 96.

Robinson broke a racial barrier in the 1970s when he coached Illinois State. He joined the Pistons as a scout in 1976, and the additions of Dumars and Rodman were keys to Detroit’s 1989 and 1990 NBA championships. “Will Robinson was truly a legend and will be missed dearly,” Dumars said. “He was a huge inspiration for me and so many others. He was simply the best.”

SOFTBALL

Whitworth hires Abraham

Whitworth has named Joe Abraham to become the university’s new softball coach and director of intramurals.

Abraham takes over for Fuzzy Buckenberger, who has retired after three seasons. He had a 72-39 record, including 16-21 this season.

Abraham comes from the Columbus, Ohio, area where he was a former high school coach and the founder of the Buckeye Heat organization.

BASEBALL

Ward steps down at Whitworth

Longtime coach Keith Ward is stepping down at Whitworth University, the school announced.

In 11 seasons with the Pirates, Ward had a record of 177-252-1, including 13-27 this season.

The Pirates finished second in the Northwest Conference in 2001 and 2002.

BASKETBALL

Hoopfest deadline near

The guaranteed entry deadline for Hoopfest is next Monday. Teams registering by the date will be bracketed in their specified divisions.

Entry forms are avilable at area Yoke’s Fresh Markets and Bruchi’s locations. Online registration is available at spokanehoopfest.net.

The world’s largest 3-on-3 tournament is June 28-29.