A 6-2 start to the Missouri Valley Conference race has helped U-N-I basketball coach Greg McDermott get a contract extension. The new deal runs through the 2008 season with new bonuses for N-C-A-A tournament appearances and tournament victories. Panther athletic director Rich Hartzell says it was the right thing to do for McDermott. Hartzell says it wasn’t like the coach was on any probationary period, they just didn’t have much time to get the contract together and he says now that they have time they’ve put together a better contract. His comment drew this response from McDermott, “It’s good to know I’m off probation.” McDermott says he is very happy with the extension. he says it’s encouraging to be able to sit down and figure out something that’s good for both sides. McDermott says it’s great to be back in Cedar Falls and he looks forward to many more years there.McDermott is in his third season at the helm and Hartzell says the program has made big strides under his leadership. Hartzell says they talked about reaching the pinnacle when the new McCloud center opens, and he say they’re ahead of that.The Panthers are 11-5 overall and return to action Wednesday night at home against Illinois State.