FIU basketball adds Miami native Erik Pastrana to coaching staff

Pastrana returns home after 3 seasons as assistant at Stephen F. Austin

MIAMI ā€“ Florida International men's head basketball coach Anthony Evans has added a new member to his coaching staff.

Evans on Thursday announced the hiring of Miami native Erik Pastrana, who comes to FIU after three seasons as an assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin University.

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"I'm excited to welcome Erik back home to South Florida," Evans said in a statement. "He is known as an outstanding recruiter and was instrumental in the success at Stephen F. Austin. Erik will be a great addition to our staff and basketball family."

Pastrana helped guide the Lumberjacks to an overall record of 89-14 in his three seasons with the team.

"Over time I had the chance to build a relationship with coach Evans, and obviously being from South Florida, when this position opened, I had a lot of interest," Pastrana said in a statement. "We had great success at Stephen F. Austin, but I thought that this was an outstanding opportunity in a very good league -- Conference USA -- and I think I'm joining the staff at a great time as they are on the brink of doing some really good things here."

FIU hasn't had a winning record since 2013 and hasn't made the NCAA tournament since 1995, when the school made its only appearance. The Panthers finished 13-19 last season, including a 7-11 mark against C-USA competition.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.