The BCA says its partnership with the law firm will serve as a “communication vehicle� that will allow administrators, coaches, coordinators, assistant coaches and potential coaches to contact the BCA through a toll free number.

The hotline will allow individuals to confidentially discuss questionable hiring practices, said Scott, a former football player at Howard University. Information received via the hotline will be monitored closely, he added.

A transcript of each call will be prepared, evaluated and recommendations can be formulated, Scott said. “We believe, collectively and cooperatively, with the institutions we should be able to achieve and close this final gap,� he added.

The report card, which is available for download at www.bcasports.org, describes this year’s study and offers comparisons to previous studies.

When asked what it is about the culture of college basketball that provides greater opportunities, the NCAA's Westerhaus suggested such a question should be directed to college athletic directors. “They know the cultures of all their sports and the hiring cards are in their hands,� she said.

A simplistic answer may be results. African-American basketball coaches have had great successes, thus paving the way for more hires.

The NCAA and BCA both maintain lists of suitable candidates that they will make readily available to any institutions with job openings. But it is the institutions that make the hiring decisions.

“Right now,� said Westerhaus, “we are keen on improving the hiring.�

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