Men's Basketball Announces Two Changes to Staff

July 22, 2010

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Head coach Jim Baron has announced two changes to his men's basketball staff.

Former Rhody standout guard Preston Murphy has been appointed assistant men's basketball coach. He returns to Kingston after spending the past four years on the Boston College basketball staff as the program's director of men's basketball operations.

"We are very excited to have Preston join our coaching staff," Baron said. "He is a bright young coach and has done a great job working at the high school and collegiate levels. He will help us a great deal in the years to come."

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, the 6-foot guard played for 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 (5), Payton (3) and Chase (2).

Additionally, Dan Szramowski was promoted to the role of director of basketball operations.

"Dan has been an valuable member of our program for the past two seasons," Baron said. "He is a tremendously hard worker and does a great job handling our day-to-day operations."

The Pittsburgh, Pa. native has served as the team's video coordinator over the past two seasons, handling all aspects of team video - including opponent tape exchange as well as opponent scouting.

Prior to coming to Rhode Island, Szramowski served as an assistant coach at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. During the 2007-08 season, he helped lead the team to a 22-4 overall record and the ECAC Division II championship.

A 2004 graduate of Pittsburgh, Szramowski served as a team manager for five seasons. During that span the Panthers won three Big East regular season titles, a Big East tournament title, and appeared in the Sweet Sixteen three times under head coaches Ben Howland and Jamie Dixon.