Win and you're in.

Bob Nash now knows that's what he has to do to keep his tenure running as head coach of the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team.

Nash agreed to terms on a contract extension that could keep him at the helm of the Rainbow Warriors through the 2011-12 season.

The agreement — it is not yet an official contract — calls for a one-year extension to Nash's current contract, with the option for an additional year.

The option is the most significant part of the agreement. If the Rainbow Warriors win at least 18 games or reach a postseason tournament in either of the next two seasons, then the option will be exercised for the 2011-12 season.

"I want to move this program in the right direction, and now I've been given time to meet some measurements that would assure that," Nash said. "The measurements of 18 wins or postseason play ... with all the tournaments there are now, I think that's something that's attainable."

Nash just completed the second year of a three-year contract he signed when he was hired as Hawai'i head coach in 2007. The 'Bows have a 24-36 record in Nash's two seasons as head coach, including 13-17 this past season.

"It means a lot to me because I have two more years (of eligibility)," guard Kareem Nitoto said. "Coach Nash is my coach and I don't have to worry over anything about that while I'm here. I expect us to win at least 18 games and go to the postseason next year, so it's good to hear (about the option)."

Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan said there was an emphasis on winning games in the agreement because Nash has displayed progress in virtually every other area of concern as a head coach.

"I tell all of our coaches that I expect them to recruit good student-athletes, I expect them to put those student-athletes in position to do well in school and graduate, I expect them to do well in the community, I expect them to be a part of the athletic department team, and I expect them to win," Donovan said. "Bob has done a fantastic job on almost all those accounts. But we need to start getting on the winning side of the record, and he knows that."

Donovan said the new agreement will pay Nash the same base salary — approximately $240,000 — but will include more opportunities for bonus incentives if certain goals are achieved.

"It's a relief in the sense that when we go out to recruit, this is not something that's hanging over your head," Nash said. "Other coaches (from rival teams) can't use against you that you only have one year remaining. Now we can assure our recruits that we will be here."

Three recruits made visits to Hawai'i in recent days, and Nash said he informed each of them about his contract extension.

The actual contract may not be completed for several months.

Nash said he relied on "representation" during the contract negotiations. He did not want to reveal the name of the representative, and Donovan said the agreement "wasn't difficult at all to negotiate."

The 'Bows finished 11-19 during Nash's first season in 2007-08. Recruiting for that season was hampered due to a delay in the hiring process under then-athletic director Herman Frazier.

"The timing of Bob's hiring that first year didn't give him the opportunity to show what he could do as a head coach that first year," Donovan said. "I was here for his second year when he brought in his recruits, and I was pleased with the players he brought in. I feel like he deserved a vote of confidence to continue to bring in quality recruits this year."

Nash said he realizes there are anonymous members of Internet forums and blogs who did not want him to receive a contract extension.

"Fans have a vested interest in this program and they are all entitled to their opinions," Nash said. "The bottom line is, they all want to see this program succeed. That's the nature of this business. That doesn't add any pressure because I already put all the pressure on myself. I want this program to succeed more than anybody."