Wed Apr 2 16:45:34 2008

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Larranaga receives contract extension from George Mason

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Fairfax, VA (Sports Network) - George Mason has rewarded men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga with a three-year contract extension that will take him through the 2014-15 season.

Larranaga guided George Mason to a surprising Final Four appearance in 2006 and led the Patriots to this year's NCAA Tournament on the strength of a Colonial Athletic Association Tournament championship.

"Jim is a terrific ambassador for George Mason University," said George Mason athletic director Tom O'Connor. "Obviously with the 2006 run to the Final Four, our basketball program and the university have garnered a lot of national attention. On top of that he is a tremendous basketball coach, he's our coach and I'm proud to say that he will continue to be our coach for the next seven years."

Larranaga last had his contract extended after the team's magical ride in the 2006 NCAA Tournament. He has a record of 207-131 since taking over the program for the 1997-98 season and is the school's all-time wins leader.

"I've made it clear over the years that my family and I have loved it here at George Mason," said Larranaga. "I feel very connected to both the George Mason and the greater Fairfax County communities. We have enjoyed their great support and it continues to grow. I've said before that I hope to retire here at George Mason and this contract extension allows me to do just that."

The Patriots suffered through seven straight losing seasons before Larranaga's arrival and had just nine wins in his first year, but they've since reeled off 10 straight winning seasons.

Under Larranaga, George Mason has reached postseason play six times with four NCAA Tournament berths. The Patriots were 23-11 this season, which ended with a loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.