Warrensburg, Mo. (Feb. 27, 2001) -- Central Missouri State University Athletics Director Jerry Hughes announced today that Don Doucette will return as the Mules' head basketball coach for the 2001-02 season.

"Obviously neither Don nor I was happy with this season's results, but with recruiting being at a critical time right now, I felt it was important to confirm for anyone with an interest in our program that Don will be the Mules' head coach next season," Hughes said.

The Mules ended their season Monday in Maryville, Mo., with a 75-57 loss to Northwest Missouri State University in the first round of the MIAA Post-Season Tournament to finish with a 12-15 record. Doucette completed his fifth season as the Mules' head coach and has an overall mark of 77-61 at Central Missouri.