After leading Fresno State to its first 20-win season in seven years, head coach Rodney Terry was rewarded a three-year extension, the school announced on Monday.
The new deal keeps Terry, who took over the program in 2011, on the Bulldogs’ sideline through the 2018-2019 season.
“Rodney Terry has changed the culture of our Fresno State men’s basketball program,” Fresno State Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh said in a statement. “He has brought back the academic standards that we expect of our Bulldog student-athletes and the team delivered an exciting run on the court late in the season and into postseason play. There is an excitement building in the community that was clearly demonstrated last season with more fans returning to the Save Mart Center.”
In three seasons, Terry has compiled a 45-57 record, though, he had a 10-win turnaround this past season. Fresno State, in its second season as a member of the Mountain West, finished seventh in the conference standings.
Terry will continue to have his work cut out for him heading into the 2014-2015 season. San Diego State will not only be the Mountain West favorite, but is arguably a top 10 team to start the year. UNLV’s highly-touted recruiting class will combat the loss of its entire starting five from a season ago. Boise State and New Mexico will return key pieces on their respective perimeters while Colorado State will have an experienced squad.
The Bulldogs return some young talent, such as rising junior Marvelle Harris and Cezar Guerrero and sophomore forward Paul Watson. Fresno State also adds transfer Julien Lewis, who averaged 11.2 points per game at Texas during the 2012-2013 season.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to continue to lead our program into next season and beyond. Staff continuity, support from our administration, as well as our outstanding Fresno State fan base, has made this a great place to be, and I look forward to many years of success for Bulldog Basketball,” Terry said.
