Head men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley announced that Preston Murphy has been elevated to the role of Associate Head Coach.
"Preston is an excellent coach who impacts the many facets of our program on a daily basis," Hurley said. "He has done a great job with all of our current players, is an excellent recruiter, and continues to expand his responsibilities within our program. Naming him our Associate Head Coach is a much-deserved recognition for him."
Over the past four seasons, Murphy has recruited some of the top ranked players in the Atlantic 10 to Rhode Island, including the 2014 A-10 Co-Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-America selection E.C. Matthews. In this new role, Murphy will coordinate the Rams’ recruiting efforts in addition to his on-court coaching, opponent scouting, recruiting, and player development duties.
Murphy – a former standout guard for the Rams from 1995-99 – returned to Kingston after spending time on the Boston College basketball staff as the program’s director of men’s basketball operations. During his four seasons at The Heights, Murphy helped guide the Eagles to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2007, 2009). Over those four seasons, BC tallied the third-highest win total in Atlantic Coast Conference play, behind national champions Duke and North Carolina.
"As a former student-athlete and graduate of the University of Rhode Island, I feel blessed and honored for this opportunity," Murphy said.
A native of Saginaw, Mich., Murphy scored 1,218 career points in 128 games played at Rhode Island. Over his four years, his graduating class – which included Antonio Reynolds-Dean and Cuttino Mobley – won 86 games and advanced to the postseason all four seasons (three NCAA, one NIT). He still ranks among the all-time leaders in 3-point field goal percentage, assists, and steals in program history.
In 2003, the University of Rhode Island presented Murphy with its "Recent Alumnus Award" in recognition of his loyalty and commitment to the school.
After graduating from URI with a degree in finance, Murphy played three seasons overseas – one in Belgium (1999-2000) and two in Holland (2000-02). During the summer of 2002, he played with the Los Angeles Clippers in the Southern California Summer Pro League. Murphy also played one season with the Magic Johnson All-Stars.
From 2003-06, Murphy served as the head boys basketball coach at Woonsocket High School.
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