UCLA interviews Nikki Caldwell

Tennessee assistant coach Nikki Caldwell interviewed with UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero and assistant athletic director Petrina Long for the vacant UCLA women's basketball coaching job Friday in Dallas, according to sources.

Caldwell is regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in the country.

Reached on her cellphone Friday afternoon, Caldwell declined to comment or confirm the interview, but did speak generally about her interest in the UCLA job.

``It's a young team, but I think it's capable of greatness,'' she said. ``The theme at UCLA is `This is where champions are made.' And not just champions on the court, but in life, and that's my vision too.''
Friday morning, her former star pupil, Candace Parker --the No. 1 overall pick by the Sparks in the WNBA draft -- openly campaigned on behalf of Caldwell during a meet-and-greet with the Los Angeles media and a photo session with Sparks coach Michael Cooper and her future teammate Lisa Leslie.

``They should definitely hire her,'' Parker said. ``She's been a great coach for me at Tennessee. She's a great recruiter, a great X's and O's person, she should get the job.''

--Ramona Shelburne