Rutgers Extends Hill Contract
May 29 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers basketball coach Fred Hill's contract has been extended for an additional two years, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Robert E. Mulcahy III. The two-year extension provides that Hill's contract will continue through the 2012-13 season. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
"I am extremely pleased with the progress that our men's basketball program has made under the leadership of Fred Hill," said Mulcahy. "His unwavering commitment to Rutgers and his relentless pursuit of excellence have established a foundation for future success.
"Freddie's passion for Rutgers University, his student-athletes, and the state of New Jersey is genuine and tangible. I am very proud to re-affirm our commitment to him. We look forward to the realization of the goals he has set forth for this program," Mulcahy added.
Hill recently signed one of the most heralded recruiting classes in the history of RU basketball, which includes four nationally-rated scholastic prospects and the first McDonald's All-American (Mike Rosario) in program history. It came on the heels of a 2007-08 campaign that saw Hill lead his young team to back-to-back wins over nationally-ranked foes (#18 Villanova, #13 Pittsburgh). The team boasted a sophomore ranked among the nation's top shot blockers (center Hamady Ndiaye), a National Freshman of the Week (guard Mike Coburn) and a BIG EAST All-Rookie honoree (guard Corey Chandler).
In addition, all seven men's basketball seniors have earned their diplomas under Hill's guidance. In the NCAA's recently released Academic Progress Rate public report, Rutgers received a multiyear score of 953, which ranked in the top 30 percent of Division I men's basketball programs.
"There is no other program that I would rather be coaching basketball at than Rutgers, our state university. This is home," said Hill. "I am extremely grateful for the confidence that Rutgers University has shown in me. I fully understand the responsibility that comes along with it, and I look forward to delivering a championship program that Rutgers and the State of New Jersey will be proud of."
Hill was named the 16th head coach in the history of the Rutgers men's basketball program on March 27, 2006. His father, Fred Hill, Sr., recently completed his 25th season as head coach of Scarlet Knights baseball team.
