Shaka Smart says No to Marquette

MILWAUKEE -- ESPN.com reported on Thursday night that Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart called Marquette University yesterday to tell them that he was turning down their "lucrative" offer.

It appears that MU went after Smart hard after Buzz Williams abruptly left to take the job at Virginia Tech.

One name of interest could be Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin, whose Volunteers play Michigan Friday in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.

Meantime, Marquette Interim Athletic Director Bill Cords will stay at the University for one year and continue to guide the search for Williams successor.