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Saint Joseph’s University and head men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli have agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension, school officials have announced. The agreement comes as Martelli begins his fourth decade on Hawk Hill, having served 10 years as an assistant coach (1986-1995) and the last 20 seasons (1996-2015) compiling more wins than any coach in SJU history.
“We are excited and privileged to have stability in the continuing leadership of the men’s basketball program, especially in this volatile time in college athletics,” stated SJU vice president and director of athletics Don DiJulia. “Phil has demonstrated a commitment to student-athlete, team success and the University community over his long and distinguished career. In doing so, Phil has earned a well-deserved place in the storied history of Hawks basketball.”
“I am fortunate to inherit one of the more respected coaches in the game,” stated first-year SJU president Dr. Mark C. Reed. “I look forward to working with him to ensure our place among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference and among the most recognized in college basketball.”
Martelli is Saint Joseph’s all-time leader in victories with a 375-265 career record. He has guided the Hawks to 20 or more victories eight times, including a school record 30 wins in 2003-04, when he was the consensus national Coach of the Year. Martelli also owns a 185-137 record in Atlantic 10 play, which is the most conference wins for any active coach, and he has been voted the A-10 Coach of the Year on four occasions.
Martelli has been at his best when it counts the most, as his 17 post-season wins (6 NCAA, 11 NIT) are the most in school history. He ranks first among Hawk coaches with a .608 post-season winning percentage (17-12) and has taken Saint Joseph’s to the post-season in 12 of his 20 seasons, including 10 of the last 15 years. He has also guided Saint Joseph’s to two Atlantic 10 championships, the most recent coming in 2013-14.
“My successes are directly related to the quality of people who have played for me. To each of them, I am forever grateful,” said Martelli. “Our players, staff, and administrators are wonderful people who care for the program and the University. Saint Joseph’s has always been the perfect place for my family and me.”
Martelli has seen five of his former Hawks play in the NBA, with three players chosen in the NBA draft: guard Jameer Nelson (2004), guard Delonte West (2004) and forward Ahmad Nivins (2009). Dwayne Jones also played in the NBA while Ronald Roberts, Jr., and Langston Galloway are the most recent, with Galloway earning All-Rookie second-team honors with the New York Knicks in 2014-15.
http://www.sjuhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31200&ATCLID=210458994
Photo Courtesy St. Joseph’s Athletics
