Chris Murphy, one of the finest guards in Union College men’s basketball history, returns to his alma mater as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program. The announcement was made August 9 by Jim McLaughlin ’93, Director of Athletics. Murphy becomes the 21st head coach in Union College men’s basketball history.

Murphy returns to Union after serving as an assistant at Emory University since July of 2009. In his four seasons with Emory, he helped the program to an overall record of 74-28 (73% winning percentage). Last season’s squad tied for first in the UAA, (20-7, 10-4 in the University Athletic Association), the program’s first league top finish since 1989-90. It was also the program’s first NCAA playoff appearance since that season. In 2010-11, the Eagles finished 20-5, the first 20-win campaign since 1989-90. In addition, Emory finished second in the UAA with an 11-3 effort, the second-highest league win total in school annals. In his first season with the Eagles’ staff in 2009-10, Murphy helped guide the team to 15 victories. Murphy, head coach Jason Zimmerman and fellow assistant Ben Wright were named the 2009-10 UAA Co-Coaching Staff of the Year, and they received that honor again in 2012-13 (two of his four seasons). Murphy began his coaching career at Iona Prep in 2006-07 and joined the Union College coaching staff in 2008-09 as an assistant for two seasons under Head Coach Bob Montana.

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