Weber St. Gives Coach Seven-Year Contract

Weber State has signed basketball coach Ron Abegglen, fresh off the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years, to a new seven-year contract.

Abegglen, whose 21-9 Wildcats beat Michigan State and then lost at the buzzer to Georgetown in the tourney, will make about $86,000 a year - roughly a 30-percent raise.

“Everybody has to know the quality of coach he is,” said new Weber athletic director Dutch Belnap. “He gives (players) a chance to win and he doesn’t go into any contest without that attitude.

“He demands a lot, he works his kids hard and he’s always prepared,” Belnap added.

Fresno State, Oregon State and UNLV all had asked to speak with the 56-year-old Abegglen about coaching vacancies following his NCAA run.

Abegglen, who has never has a losing season in his coaching career, has won 20 or more games at Weber the past three years.The coach could not be reached at home Saturday for comment.

Idaho State guard transferring

Promising guard Justin Jones, who is on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has notified Idaho State that he’s not returning to the basketball team but will play for Utah State instead.

Jones, who played in all 28 ISU games his freshman year, averaged 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and one steal per game.