On the heels of the most successful Division I season for the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team, Head Coach Pat Duquette has agreed to a multi-year contract extension, announced by Director of Athletics Peter Casey.
The veteran coach just completed a historic, 10th season at the helm of the River Hawks, which culminated in a 26-8 overall record, an 11-5 mark in America East play for a second-place, regular-season finish, and an appearance in the league’s championship game for the second time in three years.
“Pat has developed our River Hawk program into a consistent contender within the America East Conference, having earned a spot in the championship game twice in three years to put his team on the cusp of March Madness. It’s been a steady trajectory and he’s built it the right way. I’m pleased to continue our partnership and thrilled to see what’s next for Pat, his staff and our River Hawks.”
Duquette capped off a record-setting, 2022-23 season with both America East and NABC District I Coach of the Year honors. He was also selected as a finalist for the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award.
“I am thrilled to sign a new long-term contract to stay at UMass Lowell and continue to build on our success,” said Duquette. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work here, and the continual support I have been given by Peter Casey and Chancellor Julie Chen. I would also like to thank my assistant coaches for their incredible hard work and dedication. They are special. So, too, are the many players I have had the privilege to coach and mentor over the last 10 years. Now, let’s go win a championship!”
The River Hawks not only put together their first 20-win season since 2010-11 this year, but also the first winning season and best win percentage (.765) of the program’s Division I era.
Additionally, UMass Lowell set new DI program records for total wins (26), America East wins (11) and consecutive wins (9), while also setting a new all-time program record for home wins with a perfect, 17-0 mark in Lowell this season.
Under Duquette’s tutelage, the team won six in a row down the stretch to clinch their first two America East Playoff home games, as well.
UMass Lowell finished the regular season atop the league standing in 10 different statistical categories and closed out its 2022-23 run ranked in the top 20 in the nation in four categories, including rebound margin (4th, +8.4), scoring margin (14th, +12.1, field goal percentage (15th, 48.4%) and three-point percentage (15th, 38.1%).
UMass Lowell’s Duquette inks multi-year extension
