New Orleans names Pasternack men's hoops coach

Jul 9, 2007 - 7:48 PM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) - Joe Pasternack is returning home for his first coaching job.

New Orleans on Monday named Pasternack the new men's basketball coach, just three days after Buzz Williams' resignation after one season.

Pasternack, 30, spent the previous six seasons working as an assistant under Ben Braun at California. Prior to that, he served as the manager at Indiana under Bob Knight for four years.

"I am very thankful for the opportunity to rebuild the tradition of UNO basketball," said Pasternack, who starred for nearby Metairie Park Country Day. "It will be our goal to get this program back to where it rightfully belongs in postseason play. I am very fortunate that Coach Braun gave me the responsibilities at a young age that he did to prepare me for this job."

Pasternack takes over a Privateers club that went 14-17 last season, but returns four starters including Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Bo McCalebb.

New Orleans has not participated in the NCAA Tournament since 1996.