Northern Arizona head men’s basketball coach Jack Murphy has received a contract extension that will run through 2019; the Arizona Board of Regents approved this week. Murphy completes his second season at NAU after leading the Lumberjacks to a second place finish in the Big Sky.

"We are very pleased to have Jack Murphy continue on as the leader of our men’s basketball program," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Lisa Campos. "He believes in NAU Athletics’ core values and works to instill these values into his program by recruiting young men who understand their roles as ambassadors of NAU. We look forward to having Jack continue to lead our men’s basketball program to positively influence NAU and instill Northern Arizona Pride."

Murphy, who came to NAU with a background that spanned across the collegiate ranks and the National Basketball Association (NBA), has been able to shine a light on the Lumberjack program.

In two seasons, the Lumberjacks have tallied 26 wins and have qualified for the Big Sky Tournament twice. Last season, Murphy and his club posted non-conference wins over Grand Canyon and UTSA, while nearly upsetting USC on the road. NAU snapped both Montana and conference winner Weber State’s home win streaks; while it was the only team in the Big Sky to sweep the Idaho State-Weber State road series.

The majority of Murphy’s team returns for 2014-15, after losing one starter – Max Jacobsen – to graduation. Reigning Big Sky Newcomer of the Year and first team all-conference member Quinton Upshur will lead the Lumberjacks in his senior campaign.

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