Tech staffer Julian Swartz subs for Darryl LaBarrie on bench

Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner has designated recruiting and compliance director Julian Swartz to fill assistant coach Darryl LaBarrie’s spot on the bench while he is on paid administrative leave.

LaBarrie was put on leave last Wednesday as the school investigates allegations of an NCAA rules violation. It was reported by ESPN that the alleged violation pertains to an official visit to Tech’s campus by a prospect who ultimately did not sign with the school.

The switch was necessary because, by NCAA rules, only the head coach, three assistant coaches and the two graduate assistants are permitted to participate in on-court activities in practice and games. Also, only the head coach and three assistant coaches are permitted to take part in off-campus recruiting, player evaluation and the phoning of prospects.

“Julian Swartz has moved up for the short term right now,” Pastner said Monday.

LaBarrie primarily worked with the team’s guards, although as Pastner put it, “You’ve got to be able to coach everybody.”

Swartz was with Pastner for four seasons at Memphis before coming with him to Tech, where he served last year as director of operations before his job title changed in August. At Memphis, he was assistant director of operations, player development director, and interim assistant coach. He was a member of Wisconsin’s Final Four team in 2000.

Pastner declined to comment on LaBarrie’s situation or the school’s ongoing NCAA troubles, evidently under instructions from athletic director Todd Stansbury.

Asked if Tech was in the clear in regards to any future NCAA matters, he responded, “I know the right answer on that, but I don’t want to say the answer without talking to my bosses.”

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