SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Fresh off a season in which the men’s basketball team improved its conference record for the fifth-consecutive year, Sacramento State Athletics Director Terry Wanless announced today that Jerome Jenkins has received a one-year contract extension, lengthening his tenure as the Hornets’ head men’s basketball coach through the 2006-07 season.“We’re very pleased to extend Coach Jenkins’ contract,” Wanless said. “We’ve made continued progress in our men’s basketball program, and we’re very excited about the team next season.
“We’re committed to winning a Big Sky Conference championship and we believe Jerome is the right person to lead us in that direction.”
Since Jenkins took over the Sacramento State men’s basketball program prior to the 2000-01 season, the team has improved its conference record each season, culminating in an 8-6 Big Sky mark and a fourth-place finish in the league this past year. Despite a roster featuring seven newcomers and being picked to finish seventh in the Big Sky preseason polls, the Hornets posted their best league mark since the team joined the Big Sky in 1996-97. In addition, the team hosted a Big Sky Tournament quarterfinal game for the second-consecutive year.
Sacramento State also posted an overall record of 12-16, marking the third-consecutive season with at least 12 victories for a program which failed to accomplish the feat during its first 11 years of Div. I play. The Hornets posted numerous Div. I school record this season, including most Big Sky all-conference selections (three; Jason Harris, Jameel Pugh and DaShawn Freeman) and best Big Sky home record (6-1). The team’s 10-4 record at home also tied the Div. I record for most home victories in a season.
Sacramento State, which has advanced to Big Sky postseason play each of the last three years, finished the season winning seven of its final 10 games. The Hornets have averaged 10.2 wins per season during Jenkins’ tenure after averaging just 4.1 wins per year from the team’s first season in Div. I until Jenkins’ arrival.
“I am very excited that Dr. Wanless and our athletic administration continues to show faith in our basketball staff,” Jenkins said. “Our players are committed to winning a Big Sky Conference championship and it’s an honor to continue to be part of the Hornet family.”
The Hornets, who recently completed their signing class (a list which includes three players), begin the 2005-06 season at the Guardians Classic on Nov. 14-15 in Austin, Texas.
