[Illusion]

I think he deserves it. Slowly but surely the program is on the rise.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State extended the contract of men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis two years, rewarding him for guiding the young team to the school's best record in five years.

The contract, announced Monday, replaces the pact signed in 2003 and keeps DeChellis in Happy Valley through the 2010-11 season. Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

DeChellis welcomes the pressure -- and job security -- that will come with his contract extension.

"That's what we're trying to do. As you improve your program, expectations continue to rise," he said by phone from Charleston, S.C. "There is some pressure. ... that's what we're all about, to play big games and be part of the Big Ten race."

The Nittany Lions finished 15-15 last season, more than doubling their win total from 2004.

Penn State lost to Rutgers in the NIT, the Nittany Lions' first postseason appearance in five years. The season highlight was a win at then No. 6-Illinois, snapping the Illini's 33-game home winning streak.

"Obviously, we're paid to win games. It's important to win more games than the previous year," DeChellis said. "Big games as well ... It gave kids some confidence, which was important. It's important to grow on this thing."

Penn State returns four starters and most of their rotation next season, along with sharpshooter Danny Morrissey, who sat out last year with a left knee injury.

Discussions about an extension began after DeChellis had his annual review with athletic director Tim Curley in March. DeChellis said there was never any question about extending the contract, so the paperwork wasn't done until last month. He said he signed the deal about 10 days ago.

DeChellis is 31-57 in three seasons at Penn State. He is 136-150 overall in his 11-year coaching career.