Johnny Jones has compiled 39 victories over his first two years as head coach of the LSU basketball program. As such, the school has awarded him with a two-year contract extension and a raise in salary, according to communication from the LSU Board of Supervisors last week.

Jones, who arrived at LSU in 2012 from North Texas, played for the Tigers in the early 1980s and served as an assistant coach under Dale Brown until 1997. After bouncing around between Memphis, Alabama, and North Texas, Jones has seemingly found a long-term home with LSU.

His 39 total wins are the most for any LSU coach in his first two years, and he has led his team to consecutive post-season appearances.

“Johnny has our men’s basketball program heading in the right direction,” said LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva. “On the court, his up-tempo style and the energy in which his teams play is something that is appealing to our fans and is attractive to recruits. Off the floor, Johnny and his staff have done a great job of making academics and community involvement a priority. We look forward to having Coach Jones lead our men’s basketball team for many years to come.”

Jones, a Louisiana native, expressed his gratitude to LSU administration for the opportunity to build a quality basketball program at a football crazy school.

“I would like to thank Vice-Chancellor/Director of Athletics Joe Alleva, our President (Dr. F. King) Alexander and the Board of Supervisors for the confidence shown in me and our staff,” Jones said in a statement. “This commitment by the University will allow us to continue to move the program forward as we strive for excellence on the court, in the classroom and the community.  My family and I are very grateful.”

The future is indeed bright with Jones at the helm. The Tigers, who won 20 games last year and played in the NIT, will field a team featuring a steady back court made up of transfers Josh Gray and Keith Hornsby to complement a returning frontcourt of Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin.

LSU had perhaps the biggest recruiting coup this summer when the number one overall player in the class of 2015, Ben Simmons, offered his verbal commitment to play for the Tigers. The 6-8 Simmons, who hails from Australia, will bring his polished, all-around game to Baton Rouge next season, leaving many fans at LSU excited about the rise of the basketball program.

Jones, who is set to make upwards of $1.5 million per year with the new extension, has been instrumental in helping the SEC increase its basketball visibility. With Florida ranked in the top 10 and the likes of Auburn and Texas A&M joining the Tigers in making waves on the recruiting scene, look for the SEC to be as formidable on the court as it is on the gridiron.