The University of Rhode Island and head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley have agreed to extend his contract through the 2021-22 season, adding an additional year to the deal that was signed in April, 2015.
“I am very excited to continue to work together with Dan Hurley for years to come. As a result of incredible hard work by so many including Dan and his staff, President Dooley, the URI Foundation, Athletic department staff and our fans and donors, we are in position to do something very special with our men’s basketball program. I can’t think of a better person I would like to partner with to see this vision through than Dan,” said Thorr Bjorn, Rhode Island’s Director of Athletics.
The Rams finished an injury-plagued 2015-16 season with a 17-15 overall record, including a 9-9 mark in Atlantic 10 play. Rhody lost preseason All-Atlantic 10 first team selection E.C. Matthews for the entire season in the opener against American on Nov. 11. In total, Rhode Island starters missed close to 35% of the season due to injury.
“I am excited and proud to continue to lead the men’s basketball program at the University of Rhode Island and my family is proud to call Rhode Island our home,” Hurley said. “We have worked tirelessly to build a championship-caliber program on the court thanks to the leadership throughout the University – starting with President Dooley, Thorr Bjorn, and the URI Foundation. The anticipation level for the upcoming season is high due in large part to the quality of the student-athletes we have recruited here. It is an exciting time for us as a program.”
Rhode Island has been tabbed among the top teams in the nation according to several early preseason polls. CBSSports.com ranks the Rams at No. 15 on its preseason Top 25 (plus one) poll, while Sports Illustrated has Rhody at No. 25. NBCSports.com placed Rhody at No. 23 on its preseason top 25 poll and further recognized the Rams as one of eight programs on the rise for 2016-17.
http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2015-16/releases/20160518mb9jp4
