Harrick to Remain as Pepperdine’s Coach

Jim Harrick, who coached Pepperdine’s basketball team to the West Coast Athletic Conference championship and an NCAA tournament berth, has signed a new contract to remain at the school for at least another season.

Neither Harrick nor Wayne Wright, Pepperdine athletic director, would reveal the contract’s terms, and it was not known whether Harrick signed for more than a year.

Harrick, who was interviewed last month for the USC coaching job, said Thursday that he is happy at Pepperdine. The Waves, 25-4 overall, lost to Maryland, 69-64, in the first round of the NCAA West Regional March 14 at the Long Beach Arena.

“There’s no animosity between us and Jim because he’s been mentioned (for other coaching jobs),” Wright said. “We are happy with him, and he is happy here.”

Pepperdine recently signed three quality high school recruits and two junior college transfers, and Harrick said he has no intention of leaving Pepperdine.

“I spend 365 days a year selling Pepperdine,” Harrick said.