Sports in brief

COLLEGESStorm assistant Dunlap on Bobcats' list

St. John's coach Steve Lavin confirmed that assistant head coach Mike Dunlap is a candidate for the Charlotte Bobcats' head coaching job. An ESPN report last night first mentioned Dunlap, who has NBA experience as an assistant for Denver, as one of the candidates on the interview list. Responding to a Newsday inquiry, Lavin said, "Coach Dunlap's being invited to interview for the head coaching position in Charlotte is a tremendous compliment to Mike and our program. I enthusiastically support Mike in the process." Lavin was on the bench for only four games last season while recovering from prostate cancer surgery. Dunlap led the Red Storm to a 13-19 record despite finishing the season with only six recruited scholarship players, including an all-freshman starting five.

OLYMPICSNash named Canada's basketball GM

Steve Nash has dreamed of managing the Canadian men's basketball team since he was a young point guard running its offense. He didn't envision that day would come so soon. Canada's biggest basketball star was hired as general manager of the Canadian men's senior team yesterday. The point guard of the Phoenix Suns, who will be a coveted free agent this NBA offseason, said the opportunity to help what might be the most talented group of young players the country has ever produced was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Speaking at a news conference at Air Canada Centre, Nash said, "It really is a beautiful thing to see our kids and the game grow." -- AP