July 3, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –

Dave Odom, the University of South Carolina men’s basketball coach who was named 2003-04 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the University. Coach Odom’s contract with the school now runs through April 30, 2008. The extension was signed and sent back by Coach Odom late Friday afternoon. The agreement is subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees.

Coach Odom will receive a $10,000 increase in his base salary, moving him from $150,000 to $160,000 annually. Coach Odom will also receive additional financial considerations as it relates to his media package. All other terms of the contract remain in full force and effect.

“Coach Odom is deserving of this two-year extension and I am very pleased that he has agreed to it,” said Mike McGee, USC Director of Athletics. “We look forward to the continued progress by our men’s basketball program in the SEC and advancement in NCAA Tournament play.”

Coach Odom, who completed his third season at Carolina, led the Gamecocks to a 23-11 record this past season and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. USC was picked to finish last in the SEC by many of the preseason forecasters, but instead, emerged as one of the surprise teams in the league, finishing with an 8-8 conference mark. Gamecock fans packed the Colonial Center during SEC play, as the school averaged 17,088 fans for the eight SEC home games.

“I am both pleased and excited that an agreement on a new contract has been reached with the University,” said Coach Odom. “While I am proud of the progress that has been made, I know there is still much work to be done. I deeply appreciate the support of the administration and the support of the many Gamecock fans, who really have helped bring new energy to our program. Our staff and our team are firmly committed to building the Carolina program into an SEC contender and one that reaches postseason play on a consistent basis.”