Hinson To Remain Coach, Missouri State Says

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) _ Missouri State University says it is keeping head basketball coach Barry Hinson for a ninth season, despite the team's failure to make the NCAA Tournament. <br/><br/>Missouri

Saturday, March 17th 2007, 2:47 pm

By: News On 6

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) _ Missouri State University says it is keeping head basketball coach Barry Hinson for a ninth season, despite the team's failure to make the NCAA Tournament.

Missouri State President Michael Nietzel said Friday he made his decision after reviewing the program's successes on the court as well as in academics, community support, ethics and financial standing.

Hinson, a former Oral Roberts coach, says he is, quote, ``extremely grateful'' and that the Beras are not satisfied at what's happened the past two seasons, when they've narrowly missed NCAA tournament bids.

Nietzel says opinion among the team's followers and backers was sharply divided over whether Hinson should stay or go, and both sides had valid arguments.

The decision was made after reviewing a set of criteria that apply to all the school's teams, including student academic achievement and a program's financial stability and community support.

Nietzel says he told Hinson that the team needs more progress on the court.