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Cal State Bakersfield, head coach Rod Barnes agree to 2-year extension

Cal St Bakersfield Texas Tech Basketball

Cal State Bakersfield coach Rod Barnes walks the sideline as his team competes against Texas Tech during an NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Stephen Spillman)

AP

What’s been a good summer for Cal State Bakersfield head coach Rod Barnes became an even better on on Thursday.

Nearly a month after finding out that the appeal of the NCAA’s postseason ban due to a low Academic Progress Rate had been upheld, it was announced that Barnes and the school came to terms on a two-year contract extension.

Barnes’ contract will now run through the 2017-18 campaign, with there being no change to the financial terms of his original contract.

“Coach Barnes came here to help build a Division I championship-competitive program and in one season he has already set a new mark for Division I wins, graduated his first two student-athletes and put the Roadrunners into the postseason,” AD Jeff Konya said in the release.

“We wanted to make sure he would continue to be here for the long-haul. He has shown a dedication to this program and to this community. These are results that deserved to be rewarded.”

Barnes led the Roadrunners to a 16-15 mark in his first season at the helm, and Cal State Bakersfield also made its first postseason appearance as a Division I member.

The Roadrunners took part in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, falling to eventual runner-up Utah State in the first round.

This season can be an even better one for Cal State Bakersfield due to the return of guards Stephon Carter, Issiah Grayson and Zachary Lamb, their top three scorers from last season.

The key for Cal State Bakersfield will be who steps up inside with leading rebounders Rashad Savage (6.2 rpg) and Donald Johnson (5.5 rpg) out of eligibility.

Kregg Jones and Adam Young, with the former redshirting last season, will factor prominently into the front court rotation as will 6-7 guard/forward Tyrone White II.

“I want to thank Jeff Konya and President Mitchell for their confidence and commitment they have shown to me, my family and my staff. We are grateful to have this opportunity to continue to build this program,” Barnes said in the release.

“We are confident in our student-athletes, in this University and this community; together we can reestablish a winning tradition. We are excited about continuing to build the future of this program and developing young men both on and off the court.”

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.