Pastner is able to become an undergraduate assistant coach due to an NCAA rule that allows athletes who have used up four years of eligibility without taking a redshirt year to continue to pursue an undergraduate degree. After receiving his undergraduate degree in two-and-a-half years and then his master's degree in the three-and-a-half years, Pastner must now pursue another undergraduate degree, but can not continue to pursue his doctorate. He will also continue to receive a scholarship, but is not allowed to receive a salary.

"I can't tell you how excited I am about this," Pastner said. "Like I have said all along, it has been my dream to stay on with the Arizona basketball program. It's one of the best in the country and I want to continue to be associated with it. I want to thank everyone who have worked so hard to make this happen. I can't wait for next season to start."

During his four years with the Wildcats, Pastner was a member of the 1997 NCAA Championship team, as well as the 1998 and 2000 Pacific-10 Conference title squads.