Card Chronicle has learned that former U of L star Reece Gaines is in line to be named Scotty Davenport's new assistant basketball coach at Bellarmine University.
The hire will be formally announced once Gaines passes the standard university screening process.
Gaines will replace Carl White on the Bellarmine coaching staff. White served as an assistant under Davenport for three season before accepting the Shawnee High School boys' basketball head coaching position earlier this month.
The 2011 Division II national champions, Bellarmine returns several key players from last year's team, which was stunned by Montevallo in the Final Four. Former Eastern High star Chris Dowe and 2011 GLVC Player of the Year Jeremy Kendle headline the returnees.
A third team AP All-America selection in his senior season, Gaines left U of L ranked fourth on the school's all-time scoring list. He ranks in Louisville's all-time top five in the categories of made three-point goals (225), free-throws made (456), and assists (475).
Gaines was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 15th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and spent three seasons in the NBA with the Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks. He then played professionally in Italy, France and, most recently, Austria.
This marks the continuance of a big news week for the Bellarmine basketball program, which was named as the host of the 2013 Division II Elite 8 on Wednesday. Those games will be played on March 28 and 30 inside Freedom Hall.
Everyone I've spoken with about this hire says that all the people involved couldn't be more excited. It's great for Bellarmine, it's great for Reece, and it's great for basketball in the city of Louisville in general.
Once again, it's going to be a very exciting seven months around here.
Had to happen.