City of Basketball Love

Stephen Pianovich (@SPianovich)

Phil Martelli received a multi-year contract extension, Saint Joseph’s announced Thursday.

There were no specific details given on Martelli’s new contract. The 61-year-old, who has the most wins in school history with 375, will begin his 21st season as the Hawks head coach in less than three weeks. He also spent 10 seasons (1986-1995) with the program as an assistant coach.

“My successes are directly related to the quality of people who have played for me. To each of them, I am forever grateful,” Martelli said in a statement. “Our players, staff, and administrators are wonderful people who care for the program and the University. Saint Joseph’s has always been the perfect place for my family and me.”

Martelli has led the Hawks to eight 20-win seasons, including 30 wins in 2003-04, and has landed above .500 in 14 of his 20 seasons on Hawk Hill. Under Martelli’s watch, St. Joe’s has made six NCAA Tournaments, most recently doing so in the 2013-14 campaign. Martelli has also been named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year four times.

“We are excited and privileged to have stability in the continuing leadership of the men's basketball program, especially in this volatile time in college athletics,” St. Joe’s athletic director and vice president Don DiJulia said in a statement. “Phil has demonstrated a commitment to student-athlete, team success and the University community over his long and distinguished career. In doing so, Phil has earned a well-deserved place in the storied history of Hawks basketball.”

The Hawks are coming off a 13-18 campaign, but return one of the conference’s best players in DeAndre Bembry. They open the season on Nov. 13 by hosting Drexel.