See what one great recruiting class can do?
In the wake of Fred Hill’s massive recruiting haul for next season, school officials extended his contract for two years through the 2012-13 season.
Introduced in March 2006, Hill initially signed a five-year contract worth $500,000 annually counting base salary and other considerations, and the current contract maintains his salary.
“I am extremely pleased with the progress that our men’s basketball program has made under the leadership of Fred Hill,” Rutgers AD Bob Mulcahy said. “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 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. 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.
