March 3, 2016 - University of Memphis head coach Josh Pastner (right) can only scratch his head as dejected assistant coach Damon Stoudamire (left) looks on while the Tigers lose to Temple University 72-62 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Memphis shot 38.3 percent for the game and falls to 1-8 on the road this season. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

By Jason Smith of The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis president M. David Rudd asked for Tiger basketball fans' patience in released statement Monday night as he completes a "comprehensive evaluation of the U of M men's basketball program."

Rudd said his evaluation would include athletic director Tom Bowen and an athletic advisory group that includes alumni and community leaders.

"Given the complexity of issues and importance to the University and Memphis, we appreciate the patience of the fans as we complete this review," Rudd's statement read.

"We understand and value the passion shown, and our place in the history of college basketball, as we move through these conversations in a swift manner. The efforts demonstrated by our student-athletes, the support of our fans and the talents shared by our university staff are greatly appreciated as we come to the end of this season and look forward to our future."

Roughly two hours before Rudd released his statement, Pastner had stood before local media in a season-ending press conference and said he planned to return for an eighth season as Memphis' head coach "unless I'm told differently by my bosses."

Memphis finished 19-15 this season, falling in the American Athletic Conference tournament title game to Connecticut on Sunday. It missed both the NCAA tournament and the NIT for a second consecutive season.

Pastner has been to four NCAA tournaments in seven seasons and has a winning percentage of just under .700 at 167-73. But he has gone just 37-29 over the last two seasons, which has resulted in a drop in home attendance that nearly cost the Tigers all of an $800,000 payment from the Memphis Grizzlies.