Bob Nash   "My alma mater has called and I am ready to serve," Bob Nash said during Friday's press conference to anounce his hiring as Hawaii's new head basketball coach. Joaquin Siopack | The Honolulu Advertiser

Nash's contract is for three years with options after each year, athletic director Herman Frazier said.

"They have entrusted me with this basketball program," Nash said in a statement. "I'm humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from the community and coaching friends across the country. My alma mater has called and I am ready to serve."

Nash has been affiliated with the UH basketball program as a player and coach for 28 years, including all 20 seasons of the Riley Wallace era.

"We conducted a thorough national search and Bob Nash emerged as the best person to lead our men's basketball program," Frazier said. "In addition to his outstanding skills as a basketball coach, Bob is a wonderful person and incredible role model for student-athletes. He will represent UH in first-class fashion and get the most out of his players, athletically and academically."

Frazier said he submitted Nash's name to the UH administration this morning.

Nash was a member of the legendary "Fabulous Five" Hawai'i teams of the early 1970s, and he still holds many of the school's rebounding records.

Nash will succeed Wallace, who is resigning after 20 seasons as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors. Nash has been Wallace's top associate coach for most of the past 20 seasons.