Steve Pikiell gets contract extension

Stony Brook has extended the contract of mens basketball coach Steve Pikiell through the 2015-2016 season, Seawolves atheltic director Jim Fiore announced Thursday.

Pikiell led Stony Brook to its first appearance in the America East Conference tournament final in 2011.The Seawolves reached new heights in 2010 under Pikiell, winning a school record 22 games, earning its first America East regular season title and NIT berth.

Stony Brook is 29-19 in conference play in the last three years under Pikiell.

“I am honored and grateful for the continued opportunity to coach at such a distinguished institution that has so much to offer its student-athletes,” Pikiell said. “I want to thank Jim Fiore, President Stanley and the entire Stony Brook administration for their commitment and confidence in the plan we have put in place to develop Stony Brook men’s basketball."

Stony Brook returns four starters for next season, including leading scorer Bryan Dougher. The Seawolves also return forward Tommy Brenton, who missed the 2010-2011 season with a knee injury. Brenton led the America East in rebounding in 2009-2010.

“Coach Pikiell and his staff have developed and built Stony Brook University men’s basketball into an upper echelon program within the America East Conference,” Fiore said. “Steve has proven himself to be a talented recruiter and mentor to our student-athletes, and he embodies the core values we endeavor to teach our student-athletes both on and off the court.