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The men’s basketball team got a boost in the off-season when head coach Joe Scott signed a three-year contract extension on Sept. 1.

The agreement authorizes Scott to lead the Pioneers on the hardwood for the next six years, until the end of the 2014-15 season.

“It was an easy decision,” Scott said. “We’ve made a lot of progress in the past two seasons and the administration has noticed that progress, which is nice because it allows you keep going in the direction you want.”

Scott’s resume boasts Mountain West coach of the year in 2004, which he was awarded after helping lead the Air Force Academy men’s basketball team to the schools first regular season conference championship and into the post-season.

“I’ve been a part of top 25 programs at Princeton and Air Force,” said Scott. “With this campus and this administration, we can build that right here.”

Scott, a former player and assistant coach at Princeton, became the head coach of the Princeton Tigers in 2004. 

He isn’t looking too far down the road, but says he is confident with his choice to stay with the Pioneers. 

The Pioneers have the top eight players returning and added three freshmen. Last season, DU had the youngest team in the NCAA, and Scott says they’re still growing. This season, the roster holds just two seniors.

“There is so much room for growth here. We have the experience and our players know what it takes to compete on a high level. Right now the challenge is whether or not were strong enough, tough enough and mature enough to make our [goals] happen.”

The first regular season game will take place at home in Magness Arena against Northern Iowa on Nov. 13.