Monmouth University, about to embark on its second season in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, rewarded men's basketball head coach King Rice with a contract extension on Wednesday afternoon.

Rice, who is in his fourth year at the helm of the Hawks, originally signed a five-year contract upon his appointment as the fifth basketball coach in program history on March 30, 2011. The new deal extends Rice's contract to 2019.

"The extension of the contract of our head men's basketball coach is a vote of confidence in his work to date," stated Monmouth Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dr. Marilyn McNeil. "I believe in his vision and hope for the future of Monmouth Basketball. We are on the right track, academically and athletically, and I expect there will be nothing but an upward trajectory in the years to come!"

Monmouth opens its 2014-15 campaign on Friday night, November 14, when the Hawks travel to West Virginia University for a 7:00 p.m. contest with the Mountaineers.

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