We reported this a few weeks ago – just wanted to follow up now that it is official…

Boston College has hired Preston Murphy as assistant coach for the men’s basketball team, announced today by head coach Jim Christian.

"We are thrilled to bring Preston back to Boston College," Christian said. "His ability to recruit and his familiarity with Eagle basketball will be a huge asset to what we are trying to accomplish here. Preston is a bright, young coach who will impact every facet of the program, and who will help develop this team into one that the university can be proud of both on and off the court."

Murphy has spent the last four seasons at Rhode Island, his alma mater, where he was recently promoted to the position of associate head coach. He was instrumental in recruiting some of the top talent in the Atlantic 10, including E.C. Matthews, who was the conference co-rookie of the year and a freshman All-America selection.

Prior to returning to Rhode Island, Murphy served as the Boston College Director of Basketball Operations from 2006-10. The Eagles went 72-57 in his four years with the program and advanced to NCAA Tournaments in 2007 and 2009.

Murphy was a standout guard for the Rams from 1995-99, scoring 1,218 points in 128 career games. His class won 86 games and advanced to the postseason every year, including three NCAA Tournaments and an NIT berth. He still ranks among the all-time Rhode Island greats in 3-point percentage, assists and steals.

The Saginaw, Mich., product graduated from Rhode Island with a degree in finance. He went on to play three seasons overseas in Belgium and Holland. During the summer of 2002, he played with the Los Angeles Clippers in the Southern California Summer Pro League. He also played a season with the Magic Johnson All-Stars.

Murphy began his coaching career as the head boys basketball coach at Woonsocket (R.I.) High School from 2003-06.

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