Ole Miss names Pate assistant men's basketball coach

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) Mississippi has promoted Grant Pate to assistant men&#39;s basketball coach, head coach Rod Barnes said Thursday.<br> <br> Pate has been with the Rebels&#39; program for six years as an administrative assistant and assistant coach, and in 2004-05 he was the team&#39;s coordinator of basketball operations.<br> <br> He replaces Eric Bozeman, who was hired as head coach last month at Division II Southern Arkansas.<br> <br> ``The chemistry of the staff is excellent right now, and Grant is the person that helps bring us all together,&#39;&#39; Barnes said. ``Grant&#39;s loyalty and work ethic are unmatched. He has accomplished everything I&#39;ve ever asked, and I know he&#39;ll succeed in this capacity.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Pate graduated from Ole Miss in 1990 and was an equipment manager and student manager as an undergraduate.<br> <br> His promotion is pending approval of the state College Board.<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)