Former Rhody standout guard Preston Murphy enters his second season as assistant men's basketball coach, where he assists with on-court coaching, opponent scouting, recruiting, and player development.

He returns to Kingston after spending time on the Boston College basketball staff as the program's director of men's basketball operations.

During his four seasons at Boston College, Murphy helped guide the Eagles to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2007, 2009). Over those four seasons, BC tallied the third-highest win total in Atlantic Coast Conference play, behind national champions Duke and North Carolina.

A native of Saginaw, Mich., Murphy was a four-year letterman for the Rams from 1995-99. He scored 1,218 career points in 128 games played, ranking third all-time on the team's 3-pointers made list (181). Over his four years, his graduating class - which included Antonio Reynolds-Dean and Cuttino Mobley - won 86 games and advanced to the postseason all four seasons (three NCAA, one NIT).

He currently ranks among URI's all-time leaders in 3-point field goal percentage, assists, and steals. In 2003, the University of Rhode Island presented Murphy with its "Recent Alumnus Award" in recognition of his loyalty and commitment to the school.

After graduating from URI with a degree in finance, Murphy played three seasons overseas -one in Belgium (1999-2000) and two in Holland (2000-02). During the summer of 2002, he played with the Los Angeles Clippers in the Southern California Summer Pro League. Murphy also played one season with the Magic Johnson All-Stars.

From 2003-06, Murphy served as the head boys basketball coach at Woonsocket High School.

Murphy and his wife, Maria, have three sons, Preston II, Payton and Chase.

Updated Sept. 21, 2011