By BRIAN LEWIS
Greg Echenique and Mike Rosario haven’t help Rutgers coach Fred Hill Jr. win a game yet, but they’ve already helped him in the wallet. On the heels of a stellar recruiting class, the Scarlet Knight coach just got a two-year contract extension through the 2012-13 season.
In March 2006, Hill inked a five-year deal worth about $500,000/year _ combining base salary and other incomes. But this banner ckass convinced AD Bob Mulcahy to add two more seasons at the same money.
“I am extremely pleased with the progress that our men’s basketball program has made under the leadership of Fred Hill. His unwavering commitment to Rutgers and his relentless pursuit of excellence have established a foundation for future success,” Mulcahy said.
“Freddie’s passion for Rutgers University, his student-athletes, and the state of New Jersey is genuine and tangible. I am very proud to re-affirm our commitment to him. We look forward to the realization of the goals he has set forth for this program.”
The incoming class includes St. Benedict’s center Echenique _ who was ESPN’s second-ranked center for the Class of 2009, but decided to enroll early _ and Rosario, who led St. Anthony’s to the mythical national title and is the first McDonald’s All-American in the program’s history.
“There is no other program that I would rather be coaching basketball at than Rutgers, our state university. This is home,” said Hill, whose father Fred Sr. has been RU’s baseball coach for a quarter of a century.
“I am extremely grateful for the confidence that Rutgers University has shown in me. I fully understand the responsibility that comes along with it, and I look forward to delivering a championship program that Rutgers and the State of New Jersey will be proud of.”