Monmouth University and Head Men’s Basketball Coach King Rice agreed to a new five-year contract solidifying his tenure at the University through the 2020-21 season.
Building off of last year’s solid 18-15 (13-7 MAAC) campaign, Rice, in his fifth year at the helm, has led the Hawks to a school record 23 victories this season, including wins over UCLA, Notre Dame, Georgetown, and USC. At 15-3 in league play, Monmouth holds sole possession of first place in the MAAC and is in position to capture its first regular season conference title since entering the league in 2013-14.
Rice was the recipient of HoopDirt.com’s Coach of the Week Award back on December 21st.
“We are extremely proud and appreciative of the work King has done with our basketball program both on and off the court over the last five years,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil. “I am confident that King and his staff have Monmouth basketball positioned for long-term success, academically and athletically. This new contract is evidence of our confidence in and commitment to King and Monmouth basketball.”
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to coach at Monmouth University,” said Head Coach King Rice. “I’m excited about the extension and the support that Dr. McNeil and President Brown have given me and my family. I appreciate all the hard work our players and coaching staff have put in to make this program successful this season and moving forward.”
Rice, 47, spent 13 seasons in the collegiate coaching ranks before taking over the Monmouth program in 2011. He spent time at Vanderbilt and Illinois State with Kevin Stallings, while also stopping at Providence and Oregon. A Binghamton, N.Y. native, Rice is a 1992 graduate of the University of North Carolina.
As a point guard at North Carolina from 1988-91, Rice played 140 career games for legendary coach Dean Smith, helping the Tar Heels to a 29-6 overall mark and appearance at the 1991 NCAA Final Four. He finished his career ranked third on the Tar Heels’ all-time assist list with 629.
Photo Courtesy Monmouth Athletics
