UMKC athletic director Bob Thomas will interview three candidates for the school’s vacant basketball coaching position in the next three days, according to the Kansas City Star. Thomas is expected to interview South Carolina assistant John Cooper today. Cooper is a graduate of Rockhusrt High School, where he helped win the Missouri Class 4A title in 1987. Illinois assistant Derek Thomas is scheduled to interview tomorrow. Thomas is the son of former Chief Emmitt Thomas. Temple assistant Dean Demopoulos will interview for the job Thursday. UMKC assistant Steve Eck has rescinded his application.