Stony Brook extends Pikiell

Jun 27, 2013 - 2:59 PM Stony Brook, NY (Sports Network) - Stony Brook has rewarded men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell with a contract extension through the 2017-18 season.

Pikiell just completed his eighth season with the Seawolves and guided the team to a record of 25-8 with an America East regular-season title. Stony Brook also won a postseason game for the first time in school history with a 71-58 triumph over Massachusetts in the first round of the NIT.

"Coach Pikiell represents the university exactly the way that we want to be represented," said athletic director Jim Fiore in a statement Thursday. "For eight years, he has guided our men's basketball program on an unprecedented upward trajectory of success both on the court and in the classroom. Equally as important, he has represented Stony Brook with unparalleled class and integrity. For the continued success of our program, it is important to have Steve Pikiell as our men's basketball coach. I am excited that Steve has agreed to continue leading the Stony Brook men's basketball program, and I look forward to watching him guide our program to even greater heights for many years to come."

Pikiell has a record of 119-125 during his tenure at Stony Brook, turning around a program that won just 20 games in his first three seasons. The Seawolves have won three of the last four America East regular-season titles and have reached the NIT three times.

"I'm honored to work at Stony Brook University, honored to recruit bright student-athletes who contribute more than just wins and losses and honored to be a member of this community that has truly rallied around this university," said Pikiell. "We will continue to do everything we can to sustain a men's basketball program that Stony Brook University, the alumni and the community are proud to support."

Pikiell was an assistant at George Washington for four seasons before taking over the Stony Brook helm. He played at the University of Connecticut from 1987-1991 and was a two-year captain for the Huskies under Jim Calhoun. UConn won its first Big East title with Pikiell as its point guard.