The University of Hartford Hawks men’s basketball coach, John Gallagher, signed a contract extension through the 2017-18 season, the University announced on Wednesday.
Gallagher has a 37-56 record with the Hawks in his three seasons coaching.
Although his first two years with the Hawks resulted in losing records, the teamed turned around last season with a record of 17-14.
The last time Hartford had 17 wins in a season was when former NBA player, Vin Baker was playing.
The team also had a 10-6 America East record.
The Hawks would go on to lose in the first round of the College Insider Postseason tournament against Rider University.
In a statement released by Pat Meiser, Director of Athletics, “We are extremely confident in the direction of our men’s basketball program and we’re excited to see what Coach Gallagher and his staff can build in the future. The success we had this season along with what we have returning next year is very encouraging. I am pleased with the level of competitiveness and am confident that that will only continue to rise.”
The Hawks come into this season with the majority of last year’s team returning. Mark Nwakamma, junior, who led the team last year in scoring, will be returning along with starters Nate Sikma and Yolonzo Moore II.
Last season, the Hawks were atop the America East in steals with 8.2 per game. They also led in turnover margin (+1.77.)
In response to the contract extension, Gallagher said, “I’d like to thank Walter Harrison for his faith in me. I would also like to thank Pat Meiser for the support she has provided to me and the program throughout the last three years. My family and I are grateful that we have an administration that is behind our growing program and has the same vision and the same mission as the staff here. I’m really exciting about the years to come.”
Gallagher also won an award last year, CollegeInsider.com’s America East Coach of the Year for his accomplishment with the team.
He was also a finalist for the 2013 Skip Prosser Man of the Year award.
The Skip Prosser Man of the Year award is rewarded to those who achieve success on the court, while maintaining integrity off the court as well.
Prior to coming to Hartford, Gallagher played basketball for Saint Joseph’s University in 1999.
Gallagher previously served as an assistant coach for the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s basketball team. From 2006-08, Gallagher served as an assistant coach for the men’s team. He then returned in 2010 to become the head coach for the Hawks.
Gallagher signed a five-year deal in 2010. The contract extension runs until the 2017-18 season and will replace the current deal’s final two years.