Fast Break

College basketball

Tinkles score on two fronts

It’s a big week for the Tinkle family of Missoula.

On Tuesday, the University of Montana extended the contract of men’s coach Wayne Tinkle for another three years. On Wednesday, Tinkle’s daughter Joslyn (above) signed a letter of intent to play at Stanford.

Wayne Tinkle, a Ferris High School graduate, signed an extension that will keep him as coach through the 2011-2012 season. He is in the final year of his current three-year contract. The new contract calls for a base annual salary of $122,596.

The 6-foot-3 Joslyn was Montana’s Gatorade player of the year after her junior season, in which she averaged 19.9 points per game and led Big Sky to the state Class AA championship.

NFL

Hasselbeck back, could start

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice with Seattle’s starting offense for first time in six weeks, and he was due to see a team doctor at night to get cleared to start Sunday against Arizona.

“I can’t imagine they would say anything negative,” he said. “I guess the next thing would be seeing how I feel (today). From everything I can tell right now, everything is really good and I hope to play Sunday.”

Coach Mike Holmgren doesn’t need to see any more. He’s been desperate for Hasselbeck to return to rescue Seattle’s 31st-ranked passing game and his 10th and final season as Seattle’s coach.

Hasselbeck was sidelined by a bulging disk that was causing nerve problems that were weakening his hyperextended right knee.

The Seahawks went 1-4 with Charlie Frye and Seneca Wallace starting. Seattle was just 1-3 with Hasselbeck.

Deion Branch’s bruised heel improved enough for the receiver to also return to the starting offense.

NBA

Nets give tickets to unemployed

Plenty of sports teams have given away bobblehead dolls, caps and seat cushions. But the New Jersey Nets are trying to do more for their fans in these hard economic times – get them jobs.

The Nets announced they are providing 1,500 free tickets over the next two months to unemployed fans who submit resumes to the team.