Coach Earl Grant in action during the Cougars upset of LSU.

Coach Earl Grant in action during the Cougars upset of LSU.

College of Charleston Men’s Basketball Head Coach Earl Grant has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2019-2020 season, Director of Athletics Joe Hull announced on Thursday.

“I am pleased and proud to announce that we have extended Coach Grant’s contract through the 2019-20 season,” Hull said. “Earl, his coaches, and our student-athletes have earned this extension.”

In his second season with the Cougars, Grant and his staff turned the men’s basketball program into one of the most improved in NCAA Division I, and developed four all-conference players including Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Year and All-CAA Third Team selection Jarrell Brantley – the first freshman to receive such honors since 2006.

In addition, the College upset preseason Top 25-ranked LSU this year and advanced to the CAA Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year under Grant.

The Cougars also consistently ranked among the Top 10 defensive teams in the nation.

“I am extremely proud of the commitment by our players, assistant coaches and support staff to help move our basketball program forward,” Grant said. “We are optimistically looking toward the future and climbing to great heights.”