Van Breda Kolff, Armstrong Considering Major Decisions

Two key figures in Pepperdine’s back-to-back 20-victory seasons are poised to bolt Malibu.

Coach Jan van Breda Kolff, who led the Waves to a record of 47-18 in two seasons, is taking the weekend to decide whether to accept the position at St. Bonaventure, an Atlantic 10 Conference school in Olean, N.Y.

Junior guard Brandon Armstrong, the Waves’ leading scorer the last two seasons, made himself available for the NBA draft and will fill his calendar with individual workouts with pro teams until the Chicago pre-draft camp in early June.

Armstrong arrived at his decision after he and his parents spoke with numerous people in NBA circles.

“With this being a slim year for shooting guards, I felt it was a good time to test the waters,” he said.

Armstrong benefited from the pressing defense and up-tempo style employed by Van Breda Kolff, who rehabilitated his reputation after being fired by Vanderbilt in 1999. Van Breda Kolff, 49, led Pepperdine to a first-round NCAA tournament victory against Indiana last season and to a first-round National Invitation Tournament victory against Wyoming this season.

The St. Bonaventure job appeals to him primarily because of family considerations. His wife’s father died last month and his mother-in-law lives about a five-hour drive from Olean.

“When situations develop, you have to go with what you think is right and where your heart is,” Van Breda Kolff said. “You have do what is best for your family.

“But I consider family to be more than my wife and sons. It’s also the players, coaches and administrators I work with.”

Van Breda Kolff said it is important that he reach a decision before Monday because recruits can sign letters of intent beginning Wednesday.

“That’s what is best for everybody,” he said. “You can’t persuade somebody to come to a school, then leave.”

Gothard Lane, the St. Bonaventure athletic director, took heat for not pursuing Rob Lanier, a Texas assistant and popular former star for the Bonnies who expressed interest in the opening. Lane interviewed as many as 12 candidates before settling on Van Breda Kolff to replace Jim Baron, who left to become coach at Rhode Island.

St. Bonaventure was 18-12 this season and tied for fifth in the Atlantic 10 at 9-7. The Bonnies made the NCAA tournament in 2000 for the first time since 1978.

Baron earned $180,000, about $40,000 more than Van Breda Kolff’s salary at Pepperdine. Still, Van Breda Kolff sounds like a man wrestling with a difficult decision.

“I grew up on the East Coast, coached at Princeton and have a lot of fond memories,” he said. “But the past two years I acclimated myself to Pepperdine and felt real comfortable.”

Van Breda Kolff lamented the lack of respect given the West Coast Conference by the NCAA tournament committee. Only Gonzaga received a berth this year. The Atlantic 10 sent three teams to the tournament--St. Joseph’s, Temple and Xavier.

“The RPIs of Pepperdine and St. Bonaventure are nearly equal,” he said. “We both went to the NCAAs last year and the NIT this year. From a standpoint of personnel, the move would be lateral. In terms of conference, the Atlantic 10 is substantially higher.”

Van Breda Kolff said he supports Armstrong’s decision.

“Brandon is being prudent, exploring opportunities to showcase his wares,” he said. “Ultimately, I hope he comes back and elevates his status for next year. But maybe it will be in his best interest if the money is there now.”

Armstrong said he will not sign with an agent so he can return to Pepperdine if he chooses.