Jun 03, 2014 08:01 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Travis DeCuire, a former standout Montana point guard, has been named the new Griz men's basketball coach.

DeCuire signed a three-year contract with a base salary of $140,000. The former associate head coach at Cal replaces Wayne Tinkle, who stepped down after eight seasons to become head coach at Oregon State

Montana athletic director Kent Haslam said that DeCuire was a strong and impressive candidate for the job.

DeCuire joins Montana after serving on the coaching staff at the University of California for six years including the last two as associate head coach. Under his leadership, the Golden Bears made post-season appearances during all six years.

DeCuire had a coaching stint with Old Dominion for five years and was the head coach at Green River Community College in Seattle.

At Old Dominion, DeCuire helped Monarchs post an overall record of 117-53. During his four-year stint, the team was associated with 94 victories, made post-season appearances all the four years and progressed to the NCAA Tournament in 2005 and 2007.

Plus, the Monarchs reached the National Invitation Tournament semi-finals in 2006 and the quarter-finals of the College Basketball Invitational in 2008.

Former Cal (and Montana) mentor Mike Montgomery said that DeCuire is the ideal candidate for the job as he understands the game well.

"It's a great opportunity for Travis, and the folks in Missoula and the state of Montana are going to love him," Montgomery said in a statement. "He so excited to have the opportunity to be a head coach. He is very prepared; he's very anxious; and he will work his tail off for you guys."

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