HACKENSACK, N.J. – Fairleigh Dickinson University Director of Athletics
Bradford Hurlbut announced tonight the signing of head men's basketball coach
Greg Herenda to a multi-year contract extension. Herenda's contract now runs through the 2023-24 basketball season.
"Fairleigh Dickinson is committed to fundamentally transforming the direction, visibility and recognition of the University as a leading institution of higher education in New Jersey, Metropolitan New York and abroad," said Hurlbut. "The success of our men's basketball program under Greg's leadership during the past six years and, in particular, the historic 2018-19 season, has allowed our athletic department to play a significant role in implementing this transformation."
"We couldn't be more excited to have a homegrown Northern New Jersey guy continue to lead our men's basketball program," continued Hurlbut. "Greg not only understands this area, he is uniquely linked to it, and happily now, for many years to come. I'm thankful for the support and leadership of Board of Trustee Chairman Patrick Zenner, President Christopher Capuano and the entire senior staff who guide this institution and make it possible for our athletic department to relentlessly pursue our new mission of providing an extraordinary experience for our student-athletes: academically, athletically and socially."
This past season, the two-time Northeast Conference Champion Herenda guided the Knights (21-14, 12-6 NEC)
on a historic run, which culminated in the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament game win an 82-76 victory over Prairie View A&M in Dayton, Ohio.
"I cannot thank everyone at Fairleigh Dickinson enough for this opportunity to continue to grow our basketball program," Herenda said. "I am humbled to have such great confidence instilled in me by President Capuano, Brad Hurlbut and the FDU community. I also have to thank my staff, former players and especially my current players for all of their tireless work and perseverance over the last six years. Without every single one of them, our program would not be in the position that it is in today. I love being the leader of the FDU basketball family – this is home."
The North Bergen, New Jersey native commanded the Knights to new heights in 2018-19 as the team advanced in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its 69-year history. Along the way, the sixth-year head coach earned career victory No. 200 and captured his second NEC crown. In addition, the Knights earned a share of the NEC regular season title and eclipsed the 20-win mark for the first time since 2006.
With this season's NEC Championship victory at Saint Francis U, Herenda improved to 7-3 all-time in NEC postseason games and boasts a perfect 4-0 mark at home. He is also 2-0 in conference finals with both wins occurring on the road. In 12 total seasons as a head coach, Herenda has three conference championships and has appeared in the NCAA Tournament six times in 11 years of eligibility.
Under Herenda's tutelage, the FDU basketball program has progressed into a perennial NEC title threat. The Knights leader has shepherded the team to four straight .500 or better seasons in conference play. Herenda's positive impact on the program was evident in his first season with the Knights as he led the team back to the conference tournament following a three-year hiatus.
Since his arrival in 2013, the team has ascended to new levels and garnered a lengthy list of accolades along the way. The Burgundy and Blue have enjoyed success on the court and in the classroom winning the first two NEC Team GPA awards in school history.
The 2016 NABC District Coach of the Year has coached some of the program's top performers across his time at FDU including two All-NEC First Team selections and two NEC Most Improved Player honorees. Most recently,
Darnell Edge and
Mike Holloway Jr. concluded their illustrious four-year careers under Herenda ranked among the all-time greats at FDU. Edge, who was named All-Met First Team and NABC All-District First Team this season, concluded his FDU career as the program's all-time leader in 3-pointers (201) and ranks 11
th in scoring (1,431 points), while Holloway, a two-time All-NEC Second Team honoree, ranks 10
th on the Knights' all-time scoring list (1,490 points) and fourth in rebounds (788). The duo bookended their careers with conference championships.
In addition to his coaching success, Herenda has been a pillar in the community across his time in Hackensack. Herenda and his players have extensive relations with the Boys and Girls Club of Hackensack/Lodi and the Felician School's 21 and Over program.
This past May, Herenda served as commencement speaker for the 2019 FDU graduation ceremonies at MetLife Stadium. Upon the conclusion of his remarks, he was honored with a Presidential Citation from University President Capuano. Herenda is also set to receive the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year Award this September.
GREG HERENDA COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Career Record: 206-189 (.522)
50 NEC victories in six seasons
2019 NEC Champions/NCAA Tournament Appearance
2019 First NCAA Tournament game victory
2019 NEC Regular Season Champion
2018 NEC Tournament Semifinal Appearance
2017 NEC Tournament Appearance
2016 NEC Champions/NCAA Tournament Appearance
2016 NABC District 18 Coach of the Year
2014 NEC Tournament Appearance
All-NEC First Team Performers
Darnell Edge (2019), Sidney Sanders Jr. (2014)
All-NEC Second Team Performers
Mike Holloway Jr. (2018, 2019), Darian Anderson (2016, 2017), Earl Potts Jr. (2016),
All-NEC Third Team Performers
Darnell Edge (2018), Stephan Jiggetts (2017)
All-NEC Rookie Team Performers
Jahlil Jenkins (2018), Noah Morgan (2018),
Mike Holloway Jr. (2016), Matt McDonald (2014)
NEC All-Tournament Team and MVP Honorees
Darnell Edge (2019, MVP),
Jahlil Jenkins (2019),
Kaleb Bishop (2018), Earl Potts Jr. (2016, MVP), Darian Anderson (2016)
All-Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Performers
Darnell Edge (2019, First Team), Earl Potts Jr. (2016, Third Team), Sidney Sanders Jr. (2014, Third Team)
