Toronto Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo announced Monday morning that Jay Triano had been promoted to head coach and had signed to a three-year contract.

Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Despite some difficult circumstances this past season, Jay Triano never stopped coaching, teaching and leading this team which resulted in a very strong finish,” Colangelo told the media via a press release. “After undertaking a thorough evaluation process, it is clear that Jay is the right coach to guide this team in the future.”

Difficult circumstances could be the understatement of the year. Between dealing with a starting point guard robbed of lateral quickness due to a hamstring injury, trying to incorporate his defensive and offensive philosophies during the season with limited practice time and adjusting to Shawn Marion being added late in the season, the fact the Triano held things together is a testament to his character and the respect his players have for him.

Throw in the fact Triano guided the club to a 9-4 mark in its final 13 outings this past season, including wins over Eastern Conference playoff participants Chicago, Orlando and Philadelphia, and a 12-15 record after the all-star break, and it’s clear he was getting through to his players and the team was progressing.

Knowing that Triano has a full summer and training camp at his disposal there is little doubt he can build upon the strong finish the team enjoyed last season.