Peterson turns down ASU's offer

Former Appalachian State men's basketball coach Buzz Peterson has decided not to return to his old job.

Peterson, director of player personnel for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, notified Appalachian State officials of his decision on Thursday, more than a week-and-a-half since both sides first began talking.

Peterson, 45, was the Mountaineers' coach from 1996 to 2000, leading Appalachian State to the Southern Conference tournament championship and NCAA tournament bid during the 1999-2000 season. He also coached at Tulsa, Tennessee and Coastal Carolina before taking the job with the Bobcats.

Peterson played college basketball at North Carolina, where he was a roommate of NBA great Michael Jordan, who is part-owner and managing member of basketball operations for the Bobcats.

Appalachian State will continue its search for a replacement for Houston Fancher, who was released last month after nine seasons.

- Jim Utter