The NCAA has re-interviewed two former University of Hawaii men’s basketball staff members in the past several days — a sign its three-month inquiry into the program may not conclude this month after all.
Former assistant coach Scott Fisher and former director of operations Chris McMillian were interviewed by phone since last week, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser was told.
Meanwhile, the UH Board of Regents Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics has postponed its scheduled briefing on "NCAA compliance matters relating to UH-Manoa athletics." The briefing was to have taken place Thursday in executive session.
It will be rescheduled for "late July or August," a spokesman said.
Two weeks ago UH officials said they believed the interview phase had been completed following a third round with head coach Gib Arnold and were expecting a letter from the NCAA this month regarding the result of the inquiry. NCAA investigators have been in town twice since March and interviewed more than 20 UH players, coaches and staffers.
But Fisher, who has since become head coach at Ohlone (Calif.) College, and McMillian, an assistant at the College of Southern Idaho, were re-interviewed.
Both left UH last month.
It is believed the interviews included questions surrounding the director of operations position and other administrative roles on the coaching staff under Arnold.
When asked about his interview, McMillian said only: "Per NCAA rules I am not allowed to talk about the investigation, I hope it’s all over with soon, though."
Fisher could not be reached for comment.
UH said it self-reported a potential violation to the NCAA on March 9, 2012, according to documents obtained under the state’s open records law. That case involved the UH director of basketball operations coaching during the WAC championships, UH said. Rules education was given to the incoming director of basketball operations.
By rule, the director of operations — a position a notch below full assistant coach — cannot coach players during games or interact with players while on the court during practices.
McMillian became director of operations in May 2012, replacing Kerry Rupp, who left for a coaching position at Montana after one season at UH. Rupp came to UH from Louisiana Tech, where he had been head coach.
UH also reported a possible rules violation in January, saying "a men’s basketball coach submitted an altered document that was essential for admissions purposes."
The NCAA has declined comment on the investigation. UH has acknowledged an "ongoing NCAA investigation of potential rules violations" and pledged to "fully cooperate with the NCAA."