Memphis hands Pastner deal extension

Memphis coach Josh Pastner has signed a five-year contract extension after leading the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in his second year on the job.
The university said Tuesday that Pastner's extension is worth $1.7 million annually and runs through the 2015-2016 season.
Pastner was hired in April 2009 to replace John Calipari when he took the Kentucky job. The Tigers went 24-10 in Pastner's first season, securing a spot in the NIT.
This season Pastner led Memphis to a 25-10 record, a Conference USA Tournament championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Memphis lost to Arizona in the second round.
Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson says the 33-year-old Pastner is an outstanding coach and recruiter whose leadership qualities are ''exemplary.''