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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:26 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2009

UH gives basketball coach Nash 1-year extension

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Bob Nash

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Bob Nash has agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension to remain as head coach of the University of Hawaii men's basketball program.

Nash recently completed the second year of a three-year contract that he signed in 2007.

The new extension will keep Nash at the helm at least through the 2010-11 season.

What's more, there is an option to add the 2011-12 season to the deal if the Rainbow Warriors win at least 18 games or reach the postseason in either of the next two seasons.

"I want to move this program in the right direction, and now I've been given time to meet some measurements that would assure that," Nash said. "The measurements of 18 wins or postseason play ... with all the tournaments there are now, I think that's something that's attainable."

Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan said the new agreement "wasn't difficult at all to negotiate."

"The timing of Bob's hiring that first year didn't give him the opportunity to show what he could do as a head coach that first year," Donovan said. "I was here for his second year when he brought in his recruits and I was pleased with the players he brought in. I feel like he deserved a vote of confidence to continue to bring in quality recruits this year."

Donovan said the new agreement will pay Nash the same base salary — approximately $240,000 — but will include more opportunities for bonus incentives if certain goals are achieved.

"It's a relief in the sense that when we go out to recruit, this is not something that's hanging over your head," Nash said. "Other coaches (from rival teams) can't use against you that you only have one year remaining. Now we can assure our recruits that we will be here."

The actual contract may not be completed for several months.

The 'Bows finished 11-19 during Nash's first season in 2007-08, and went 13-17 this past season. Hawaii did not have any seniors on its roster this past season.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.