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Howland worth every penny to UCLA

When you look at Ben Howland's accomplishments at UCLA, you understand why the school signed him to a lucrative contract extension. UCLA and Howland agreed on a new seven-year contract, which runs through the 2014-15 season and includes guaranteed compensation of $1.97 million for the 2008-09 season and escalates to $2.3 million for the 2014-15 season. Last season, UCLA set a school record for victories en route to a mark of 35-4 and a third consecutive Final Four appearance. Since the NCAA tournament bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985, UCLA is one of just four schools to earn three straight Final Four berths (Michigan State in 1999-01 was the last to do so prior to the Bruins). UCLA has also won three straight Pac-10 titles, making Howland the first Bruin coach since John Wooden to win three straight league championships. Howland is also one of just three coaches in the history of college basketball to win at least 30 games in three consecutive seasons. It was a wise move for UCLA to sign him up.