2022 Most Impactful Coaches: Men’s Division III
Adam Stockwell - Hamilton College
With 17 years of experience as a head coach, Adam Stockwell is one of the top Division III coaches in the country. Since taking over at Hamilton College in 2011, he has won an impressive 147 games. Prior to Hamilton, Stockwell spent time at Oswego for two years, winning 37 out of 18, and another 5 years at Clarkson. Basketball is apart of the Stockwells DNA having been exposed to the game early on due to his father, James Stockwell, a prolific 2000 point scorer in high school. Despite multiple covid cancellations, Hamilton currently sits as 5-4 on the season as they head into league play.
Bill Curley - Emerson College
After dominating the hoop scene as a player, former Boston College standout and seven year NBA professional Bill Curley has continued his basketball success as a coach. Curely joined the Emerson staff as an assistant coach in 2011 and made the jump to head coach in 2013. Since taking over, he has led Emerson to their first ever NEWMAC championship and many winning seasons. Currently sitting at 7-2, Curley and his Lions team are looking at another great season headed into League play.
BJ Dunne - Gettysburg College
While he is still one of the younger coaches in the NCAA, Gettysburg Head Coach B.J. Dunne has put together an impressive resume. Dunne has spent the last four years with the Bullets, leading the program to an improved season each year. Prior to Gettysburg, Dunne was the head coach for Vassar, where he became the youngest head coach across all three levels of the NCAA and made the Under Armour 30 under 30 list. Outside of basketball Dunne has made a large impact with organizations such as, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Student-Athlete Impact Leader Staff Advisor (SAIL), Bias Awareness Resource Committee (BARC), Orange & Blue Advisory Council, AARA, and NABC Committee for Racial Reconciliation.
Bobby Hurley - Stevens Institute of Technology
Currently in his 14th season as the head coach of the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hurley has an outstanding record of 213-115, which makes him the winningest coach in program history. During his tenure, Hurley has appeared in two NCAA Tournaments, earned one ECAC Tournament (2010-2011), and earned one MAC regular season and tournament title (2019-2020). Hurley and his Ducks program are currently 4-4 this season with multiple cancellations due to Covid.
Bob Semling - Wisconsin Stevens Point
Bob Semling has won four national championships with the Pointers. In 17 seasons at UW-Stevens Point, Semling has led his program to two NCAA Division III national championships (2010, 2015). He also served as an assistant coach on the back-to-back national championship teams in 2004 and 2005. His .772 career winning percentage entering this season is one of the highest among active Division III coaches. Over the past 17 years Smeling has never coached a losing season outside of the 2020 Covid year.
Brian Baptiste - UMASS Dartmouth
Currently in his 39th season, UMASS Dartmouth Head Coach Brian Baptiste is one of the most successful and long standing coaches in the country. Baptiste boasts an impressive 626 wins and is among the top 25 most winningest NCAA college basketball coaches in the country across all three divisions. He has led UMASS Dartmouth to 28 winning seasons, 14 regular season conference championships, 11 conference tournament championships, 18 postseason berths, and one ECAC New England championship. The Corsairs currently sit at 7-2 on the season as they look to make another postseason run.
Brian Newhall - Occidental College
Brian Newhall is one of the longest standing coaches in the NCAA with 23 years at Occidental. During his tenure, the Tigers have won 335 plus games, earned regional and national rankings, and accounts for the only perfect 14-0 record in SCIAC history. Off of the court, Newhall’s Tigers boast an unbelievable 100 percent graduation rate, a strat that truly embodies what the Division III experience is all about. Despite dealing with Covid cancellations, the tigers currently sit at 4-3 on the season.
Cameron Conover - SUNY Oneonta
Entering his sixth season at SUNY Oneonta, head coach Cameron Conover has had immediate success. Conover has the most wins of any coach in their first four seasons in the history of the program and his teams have qualified for the playoffs all four seasons. His six SUNYAC playoff wins are the most in the history of the program. Prior to the 2020 Covid year, Conover led the Dragons to 14 conference wins, ending with a 3rd place conference finish. Oneonta is currently 6-4 this season
Chad Murray - Pacific Lutheran University
Chad Murray has turned around the PLU program, advancing to multiple postseasons and competing at the top of the NWC. Murray brings 13 total years of head coaching experience and 21 years in total as a coach. Prior to PLU Murray was the head coach at Cornell College in Iowa. The lutes currently sit at an impressive 7-3 on the season as they head into the bulk of their league play.
Charles Katsiaficas - Pomona-Pitzer College
Since assuming the permanent head coaching duties in 1988, Charles Katsiaficas has led the Sagehens to 11 Regular Season SCIAC Championships (3 SCIAC Tournament Championships) and 12 berths in the NCAA Division III Tournament, including the deepest run in program history in 2020 when the Sagehens advanced to the Sweet 16(cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak). He also eclipsed the 500-win mark for his career in 2019-2020. With over 30 years of experience, Katsiaficas is one of the longest standing coaches in the country across all three levels.
Chris Bartley - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Currently in his 21st season as head coach at WPI, Chris Bartley is coming off of being named the NEWMAC Coach of the Year for the 5th time. His WPI team is a conference powerhouse having been to the NCAA tournament 11 times with nine NEWMAC regular season championships. Over his tenure, WPI has won an impressive 355 games and currently sits at 8-1 on the season as they look to make another deep run.
Chris Ehmer - Sarah Lawrence College
Chris Ehmer is currently in his ninth season as head coach of the Sarah Lawrence men's basketball program. His 55 wins are more than any other head coach in program history. Ehmer was named Skyline Coach of the Year in the 2018-19 campaign after guiding the Gryphons to their best season to date and earning a spot into the Skyline Men's Basketball Championship for the first time in program history. Coming out of a rough covid year, Sarah Lawrence is looking to make a run this year
Chris McHugh - Washington and Lee University
Entering his fifth season with Washington & Lee, Chris McHugh has made an early impact on the program with a very impressive 60-25 record through his first four years. Before taking over for the Generals, McHugh was an assistant coach for Emory, where he helped the program to 80 wins. The Generals have had three games cancelled due to Covid this season but look to get back on track headed into January.
Clay Nunley - Roanoke
Currently in his sixth season at Roanoke, head coach Clay Nunely has helped to transform the program into a national contender and he has often found his team among the top 25 in the country. In 2007 Nunely became the first ever head coach for Randolph College, a title he held for nine years. Here he took the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament and competed for three ODAC Championships, a feat that is very impressive for a new program. Roanoke currently sits at 7-2 on the season.
Clif Carroll - Mary Hardin-Baylor
While only in his second year at Mary Hardin-Baylor, head coach Clif Carroll is no rookie. In his first year with the Cru, Carroll went 16-4 and took the ASC west Division Title. Prior to Mary Hardin-Baylor, he guided Sul Ross State University to an American Southwest Conference Championship, three ASC West Division titles and a 78-55 record during his 5 year tenure in Alpine. Carroll and The Cru currently sit at 7-1 on the season and are looking to make a deep run into the postseason.
Colin Tabb - Western New England
Colin Tabb joined Western New England as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach in 2015. In his first five seasons Tabb won 52 games in total, with his best year coming in 2019 at 15-11 and a 3rd place finish. The 2019 campaign was one of the best in program history and the program’s top season in almost a decade. Western New England is currently 3-6 this season as they look to rebuild after the Covid year.
Dagan Nelson - NYU
Dagan Nelson took over as the head coach for NYU in 2018. Prior to this, Nelson was the head coach at SUNY New Paltz for four years and spent time as an assistant across multiple levels of the game, including the NCAA Division I (Eastern Kentucky & Stony Brook). Nelson is known for creating programs with outstanding academic performance with many of his athletes earning all UAA academic honors.
Dale Wellman - Nebraska Wesleyan University
Dale Wellman, a two-time National Coach of the Year, enters his eighth season as head men’s basketball coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Wellman has led the Prairie Wolves to 138 wins, three conference championships, three national tournament appearances, and the 2018 NCAA DIII National Championship. In 2019, he was named the HoopDirt.Com NCAA Division III Coach of the Year and guided NWU to a 27-2 overall record, reaching the second round of the NCAA DIII Tournament. NWU currently sits at 6-4 on the season.
Damien Strahorn - Colby College
In 11 years as the head coach of the Colby College Men's Basketball program, Damien Strahorn has been very impressive. In the past 7 years he has won 71 games, including an impressive 24-4 run in 2019, coming off of a NESCAC championship and another berth into the NCAA DIII tournament. Prior to Colby, Strahorn was the head coach for Plymouth and an assistant for Columbia. This season Colby is 6-4 with two cancellations due to covid.
Dan Priest - Kenyon College
Kenyon head coach Dan Priest has 23 years of head coaching experience as he heads into his 12th season with the Lords. He was named NCAC Coach of the Year in 2012-2013 after guiding Kenyon to its best season since 2008-09, while matching the program's best single-season win total since the 1994-95 season. Priest has mentored 14 All-NCAC players during his time at Kenyon. The Lords are currently 2-9 this season as they look to rebuild following Covid.
Dave Arsenault Jr. - Grinnell College
Since taking over for his father in 2018, Dave Arsenault Jr. has added to an already impressive resume. In his first two seasons, Arsenault Jr. led Grinnell to 32 wins before having his third season cancelled due to Covid. Prior to Grinnell, he spent two seasons coaching in the NBA G League, where he won 53 games and earned the Coach of the Year title by SB Nation. While his father left a hall of fame legacy behind, Aresenault Jr. is well on his way to becoming a legend in his own right. Grinnell currently sits at 6-5 on the season.
Dave Macedo - Virginia Wesleyan University
Dave Macedo is currently in his 22nd year as the head coach of the Virginia Wesleyan University Men’s Basketball program and sits as one of the top coaches in the country, across all levels. Macedo had won an impressive 434 games headed into the 2021 season with a winning percentage of 72.5 percent. In the postseason he has led VWU to an 25-10 NCAA tournament record and a 2006 championship. VWU is currently 4-7 on the season as they look to turn things around in league play.
Dr. Oliver Eslinger - CalTech
For the past 14 years, Dr. Oliver Eslinger has been the head coach for CalTech. During his tenure with the Beavers, Eslinger’s teams have set more than 145 team and individual records. CalTech is one of the top universities in the world and with an acceptance rate of just 6.4 percent, the recruiting process is different from most universities but Eslinger has dominated in his role. CalTech Currently sits at 7-3 on the season
Elliot Steinmetz - Yeshiva
Perhaps the most impressive coach in the country right now, Yeshiva’s Ellito Steinmetz is currently on a 50 game win streak. During his first six seasons he has led the men's basketball team to an appearance in the Skyline Conference Championships each year, making history by winning two NCAA tournament games to secure their first ever berth in the Sweet 16 (season was then cut short due to COVID-19). Steinmetz was named Skyline Coach of the Year twice and earned Atlantic Region Coach of the Year accolades from D3hoops.com and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Yeshiva is currently 14-0 on the season.
Eric Bridgeland - University of Redlands
Eric Bridgeland arrived at the University of Redlands in the spring of 2020 as an esteemed NCAA Division III coach with 20 years of head coaching experience. Since his hire, Redlands has faced many Covid cancellations but they are finally able to compete this season, currently sitting at 5-3. Bridgeland led the Whitman College (WA) Blues to three Northwest Conference titles and six runner-up finishes. During his last five years at Whitman, the team qualified for the NCAA tournament each season and advanced to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four. His 2019 seniors graduated as the winningest class in NCAA Division III history, as they contributed to three undefeated titles in NWC action and a 67-conference game win streak. In addition, he owns multiple national, regional, and conference coach of the year awards.
Gary Grzesk - St. Norbert College
Gary Grzesk enters his 15th season as St. Norbert College's men's basketball coach and recently won another conference title with a berth into the NCAA DIII National Tournament. St. Norbert is 274-86 under Grzesk’s supervision and The Green Knights have won 9 Midwest Conference championships and have appeared in six NCAA Division III Tournaments. In the 2018-2019 season, St. Norbert also completed a 72-game unbeaten run against Midwest Conference opponents, a NCAA Division III record. St Norbert is currently 7-3 on the season.
Greg Dunne - Brockport
Coach Dunne was hired by the College of Brockport in 2007 and his teams have won 233 games, made three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances and 11 trips to the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament. In 2019 he led Brockport to another SUNYAC Championship going 17-1 in conference. They were set to play in the Sweet 16 until the season was called to a halt due to COVID-19. After taking a year off due to Covid, the Golden Eagles have jumped to an 8-3 start to the 2021 season.
Glenn Miller - St. Joseph (CT)
After spending the past three seasons as an assistant, Glenn Miller is currently in his first year as the Head Coach of the St Joseph Men’s Basketball program. Prior to St Joseph, Miller spent time as the associate head coach for UCONN, 3 years as the head coach at PENN, and seven years as the head coach for Brown. Miller has jumped out to an amazing start, currently sitting at 8-0 on the season.
Isaiah Cavaco - Oberlin College
Coach Cavaco is currently in his 17th season as the head coach of the Oberlin Men’s basketball program. During his time at Oberlin, Cavaco has set multiple program records for wins and conference wins. From a player development standpoint he has been instrumental in mentoring nine 1000 point scorers and 20 of All-NCAC honors athletes. Oberlin is currently 4-5 on the season with multiple covid cancellations.
Izzi Metz - Wilkes
Currently in his eight season with the program, Wilkes head coach Izzi Metz has won 91 games and stayed among the top programs in the conference each season. Prior to Wilkes, Metz spent time on staff with Boston College (D1), Hobart College(D3), and Cornell (D1). Currently Wilkes sits at 3-6 on the season as they head into the bulk of League play.
Jason Zimmerman - Emory University
In 13 seasons as the head coach at Emory, Jason Zimmerman has won an impressive 236 games, which have led to eight straight NCAA tournament appearances - the second longest streak at the Division III level. Zimmerman has also mentored 55 All-University Athletic Association honors. Emory is currently 4-3 on the season as they head into league play.
Jeff Brown - Middlebury
For the past 24 years Jeff Brown has led the Middlebury Mens’ Basketball program. During this time the Panthers have achieved six-straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2008-13) and a combined record of 147-26. Brown has qualified for the NCAA tournament in almost every season and in 2010-11, the Panthers advanced to the NCAA Final Four, setting a new school record with a 28-2 mark. He was named both the NESCAC and NABC District Coach of the Year after the record-setting season. Middlebury has started the 2021 season hot, currently sitting at 8-2 on the season
Jeff Gard - University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Currently in his 12th season at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, Jeff Gard has turned the Pioneers into national contenders. Gard has Won 188 games with just two losing seasons and reached the NCAA III Sweet Sixteen in 2017. In the 2019-2020 season he won another WIAC title and a third straight NCAA berth, while earning WIAC Coach of the Year, the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District Coach of the Year, the D3Hoops.com Central Region Coach of the Year, and the national Jack Bennett Man of the Year honors. UW Platteville has been dominant this season starting with an 11-0 run.
Joe Farroba - Bridgewater State University
2021 marks the 29th season for Joe Farroba at Bridgewater State. During this time, the Bears have reached postseason play 11 times, including NCAA Division III Tournament appearances in 1999, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2018, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2009. Farroba has officially hit the 400 win mark this season, an accomplishment that is achieved by few college coaches across any level.
Joe Reilly - Wesleyan University
For the past 14 seasons Joe Reilly has been the man in charge at Wesleyan University. Over this time Reilly has won 180 games, competed in numerous NCAA tournaments and has won multiple conference titles. Prior to Wesleyan, Reilly won 154 games with Bates college, putting his total at 334 total games won. At WU Reilly has mentored six 1000 point scores. Wesleyan currently sits at an impressive 9-1 this season.
John Baines - Elmhurst
John Baines is currently in his ninth season at Elmhurst as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach. He has won over 130 games with the Bluejays, multiple NCAA tournament appearances, and most recently finished the 2019 season with a 25-5 record - the most single season wins in program history. Prior to Elmhurst, Baines won 57 games as the head coach at St Francis and has over 10 years of assistant coaching experience. Elmhurst has started the 2021 season with 10 wins and two losses.
John Krikorian - Christopher Newport
John Krikorian has been the men's basketball coach at Christopher Newport University since 2010. During this time he has led Christopher Newport to two Final Fours in 2016 and 2019. Krikorian has led the Captains to seven NCAA Tournaments, has been named the Capital Athletic Conference’s Coach of the Year the last five years, and led his team to a 9-1 league mark in 2019-2020, which included a conference regular-season co-championship. He also had a perfect regular-season (18-0) in the league in 2015-2016. Krikorian’s teams at CNU have won at least 18 games per season, and have advanced to the Capital Athletic Conference Championship game every year since joining the league. Christopher Newport is off to an 11-2 start to the 2021 season, putting Krikorian over the 300 win mark.
John Tauer - University of St. Thomas
2021 marks the 11th season for University of St. Thomas Head Coach John Tauer. Tauer has won an impressive 81.3 percent of his games and was named the Division III National Coach of the Year in 2013 by Basketball Times and in 2016 by both the National Basketball Coaches' Association and D3 News. Tauer also has received West Region Coach of the Year five times and is the recipient of five MIAC Coach of the Year Awards. He was the second fastest in history to reach 200 victorie. His St. Thomas team has started the 2021 season at 6-7.
Jon Furbush - Bates College
Jon Furbush is currently in his 14th season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Bates College. Over the past 13 seasons he has won 150 games, eight NESCAC Championship appearances and three NESCAC Semifinals. In the 2014-15 season, Furbush led the Bobcats to their most victories in program history (21) and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Furbush was named 2014-15 Maine Coach of the Year by the Maine Men's Basketball Coaches and Writers Association. Bates is currently at 5-3 on the season.
Jon Vanderwal - Marietta
Since his hire in 2007, Marietta Head Coach Jon Vanderwal has won an impressive 267 games, leading him to become the winningest coach in program history. Vanderwal has led the program to seven OAC regular season championships, four OAC Tournament Championships, and eight NCAA Tournament appearances. Is a three time OAC Coach of the Year, three time NCAA Great Lakes Region COY, and a Glenn Robinson National COY (2015). Marietta is off to a hot 7-2 start to the 2021 season.
Josh Loeffler - Johns Hopkins University
Taking over in 2017, John Hopkins University Head Coach Josh Loeffler has made an immediate impact. In season number won Loeffler went on to win a Centennial Conference championship, 24 wins, and an NCAA tournament berth. In year two he went on to win 18 games and lost in the conference championship, however, in year three he bounced back with a 24 win season, another Centennial Conference championship and his second NCAA berth. After a year of no games due to Covid in 2020, Loeffler has his team rolling once again with a 7-1 start to the 2021 season.
Josh Merkel - Randolph-Macon College
Josh Merkel is currently in his seventh season as the Head Coach at Randolph-Macon College. During this time he has won 115 games at a winning percentage of 75.7%. Prior to his time at R-MC, Randolph won 66 games at Salisbury, which brings his total record to 181-78. Merkel and his R-MC team went 12-0 during the 2020 season, which led to his winning of the 2021 Glenn Robinson National D3 COY Award. R-MC is currently dominating once again as they sit at 9-1 on the season.
Justin Lunt - Pacific University
Nationally known for his fast paced style of play, Justin Lunt took over the Pacific program just three years ago. During this time he has been a top five team in turnovers forced, turnover margin, 3-point field goal attempts, offensive rebounds per game, scoring offense, steals per game, and 3-point field goals per game. Prior to Pacific Lunt spent 14 seasons as the head coach at the University of Puget Sound where he won 180 games in total. The former NWC Coach of the Year has been a staple in the PNW basketball scene and continues to make national headlines for his team performances. Pacific currently sits at 4-7 as they look to turn things around this season.
Ken Scalmanini - Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College
Completing his 23rd season in 2020, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College Head Coach Ken Scalmanini is one of the longest standing coaches in the country. During his tenure Scalmanini has won an impressive 394 games, ten SCIAC Championships, and a top 50% winning percentage across all current DIII coaches. CMS is off to another great start in 2021 sitting at 8-1 on the season.
Kevin App - Williams College
Currently in his eighth season with Williams College, Kevin App has been phenomenal, winning 112 games through six seasons (no games were played in 2020). In 2017 App won the 2017 Glenn Robinson NCAA DIII National COY Award after taking his program to the NCAA Final Four. App has been an assistant coach for Williams, Cornell, and Army. Williams is currently off to a spectacular 9-0 start to the 2021 season.
Kevin Jaskiewicz - Coast Guard
Kevin Jaskiewicz has been with the Coast Guard program for 13 seasons as the head coach and three as an assistant. Over the past few seasons Jaskiewicz has held program record breaking seasons, winning 16 games in 2018 (most in program history) and a NEWMAC championship in 2019 (first since 2008). In 2019 he was named the NEWMAC Coach of the Year. Before his time at Coast Guard, Jaskiewicz spent time at Connecticut College and Brown. Coast Guard is currently 3-6 on the season.
Landry Kosmalski - Swarthmore
Over the past 10 seasons at Swarthmore Head Coach Landry Kosmalski has cemented himself as one of the premier coaches in NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball. Landry has won 153 games with a winning percentage of 67.4 percent. His Swarthmore program has won two Centennial Conference Championships and made four NCAA appearances. Landry earned NABC Coach of the Year honors in 2019, has been named the regional COY three times, and the Centennial Conference COY four times. Swarthmore is having another great season as they sit at 7-1 on the year.
Larry Anderson - MIT
Coach Anderson has spent 27 seasons with MIT, making him one of the longest standing head coaches in the country. Over the past two decades Anderson has won 409 games, reached the NCAA Tournament nine times, won six NEWMAC Tournaments, four regular season titles, and multiple COY awards, including the Jack Bennett Man of the Year Award. In 2009 Anderson was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. MIT is currently 7-3 in the 2021 season.
Luke Flockerzi - University of Rochester
In his 11 seasons with Rochester, Head Coach Luke Flockerzi has won 179 total games with a winning percentage of 67%. During this time Flcokerzi has four NCAA Tournament appearances and two UAA championships. Prior to Rochester, Flockerzi won 30 games in three seasons, which brings his total record to 209-134 as a collegiate head coach. Rochester is off to a great start yet again with a record of 7-2 this season.
Maco Hamilton - George Fox University
Currently in his tenth season as the head coach at George Fox, Maco Hamilton has won 72 games. In his first season at GFU, Hamilton led the program to a top ten NCAA ranking and a 16 win season. In 2016 Hamilton guided the Bruins to their fourth NWC tournament in program history. Hamilton has mentored four 1000 point scorers. Prior to George Fox, Hamilton took Union High School’s basketball program from inception to State Champions in just three years. George Fox currently sits at 5-5 on the season.
Matt Brackett - Hardin-Simmons
In his first five seasons at the helm, Hardin-Simmons Head Coach Matt Brackett has won 53 games and has advanced to back to back ASC tournaments. Brackett, who began his career in the high school ranks, is one of the top young coaches in the country. Currently sitting at 10-1 this season, Hardin-Simmons looks strong to make a deep run into the postseason.
Marlon Sears - Amherst
While this is only his second season at Amherst, Head Coach Marlon Sears has plenty of experience winning at the collegiate level. Prior to Amherst, Sears won 59 games while leading the Montclair State program from 2015-2019. He also has seven years of experience as an assistant Division I coach, spending time with both Columbia and Cornell. Due to Covid, his first season was cancelled, making the 2021-2022 season his first opportunity to coach in games for Amherst. The Mammoths are currently 8-0 on season.
Mark Gilbride - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Mark Gilbride took over the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Men’s Basketball program in 2014 has improved in every season since with a record of 886-69. In 2019 Gilbride’s Engineers won 24 games, which is the most in program history. The team would go on to compete in the NCAA Tournament. Due to Covid the team did not play in 2020 but they are off to an undefeated start to the 2021 season, sitting at 8-0. 24-5 is a tough record to beat but Gilbride is well on his way to do so.
Matt Croci - Wittenberg
In his first four seasons at Wittenberg, Head Coach Matt Croci has won an astounding 97 games, bringing his overall career win count to 164. Croci has won the NCAC Coach of the Year award in two out of his four seasons, which makes him the only coach in the 37-year history of the NCAC to win honors as the NCAC Men's Basketball Player of the Year and Coach of the Year. Croci has won three NCAC Tournament Championships, one regular season championship, and two NCAA tournament appearances. After starting the 2021 season 0-3, the Tigers have won 4 of their last six as they look to make a run during league play.
Matt Hunter - York College
Matt Hunter is currently in his tenth season at York College. In his eight seasons, Hunter won 136 games in total before having the 2020 season cancelled due to Covid. In 2019, York won the Capital Athletic Conference regular season title, conference championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA National Tournament. Hunter was named the region Co-Coach of the year in 2018. York has had a solid start to the 2021 season with a record of 6-4 on the year.
Mike Bokosky - Chapman University
With 30 years under his belt, Chapman's Mike Bokosky is one of the longest standing coaches in the country and with 487 wins, he is one of the winningest as well. From 1993-2016 Bokosky led the Panthers to 23 straight winning seasons, including nine 20-win seasons. During this stretch Bokosky made four trips to the NCAA Tournament in seven years. Under Bokosky, Chapman has won two SCIAC titles (out of eight years in the conference). Chapman is currently 9-1 overall this season.
Mike Fuline - University of Mount Union
Mike Fuline is currently in his 11th season as the head men’s basketball coach at Mount Union. During this stretch Fuline has won 171 games, appeared in two NCAA Tournaments, won three regular season titles and two OAC Tournament Championships. Fuline was named OAC Coach of the Year in 2014 and Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year in 2015. Of his 10 completed seasons, he has ended with a winning record in seven of them. Mount Union is currently 9-1 to start the 2021 season.
Mike McGrath - University of Chicago
Mike McGrath completed his 22nd season as head men's basketball coach at the University of Chicago in 2020-21, despite not playing a game due to Covid. As the school's all-time leader in wins, McGrath has an overall record of 310-222, including a 182-114 record in University Athletic Association (UAA) play. His 23 years at the helm make him one of the longest standing coaches in the country. McGrath has guided UChicago to a NCAA Division III Elite Eight berth and Sweet 16 appearance, as well as four UAA titles. Over his career at UChicago, McGrath has been named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Coach of the Year four times (2000, 2001, 2007, 2008) and a three time UAA Coach of the Year. The Maroons are currently 5-5 this season.
MIKE SCHAUER - Wheaton
Wheaton Head Coach Mike Schauer is currently in his 13th season with the program and 21st as a collegiate head coach. At Wheaton, Schauer has a record of 197-117 with five NCAA Tournament appearances. In total he sits at 343-210 and is one of the longest standing and winningest coaches in the country. Wheaton has jumped out to an impressive start to the 2021 season with a record of 10-2.
Pat Juckem - Washington Univ. of St. Louis
Washington University of St Louis hired Pat Juckem in 2018 and he immediately made an impact. During his first two seasons Juckem won 39 games before having the third season be cancelled due to Covid. Prior to WashU Juckem coached at UW-Oshkosh and Coe, where he combined for a record of 199-153. Juckem has taken his programs to a combined four NCAA Tournaments. Washington University is rolling this season with a record of 9-1 and an eight game win streak.
Pat Miller - Wisconsin-Whitewater
Pat Miller is currently in his 21th year at the helm of the Wisconsin-Whitewater Men’s Basketball program. With a record of 394-148, Miller ranks fourth all-time in winning percentage among coaches (minimum 10 seasons) coaching at the NCAA DIII level and fifth among active DIII coaches. A four-time Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, Miller has led the Warhawks to two NCAA Division III national championships (2012,2014). In addition, Miller has led the Warhawks to six WIAC regular season championships, four league tournament titles, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The Warhawks are currently 8-4 on the season as they head into the bulk of their conference play.
Patrick Doherty - Haverford College
In his first five seasons with Haverford, head coach Patrick Doherty has improved the Fords’ win total each year (no games were played in 2020-2021). In 2019 Doherty won an impressive 16 games - the second most in school history - and earned a spot in the playoffs, the program’s first since 2010. Prior to Haverford, Doherty was an assistant at Lafayette College for eight seasons. Haverford is currently 6-4 this season as they head into conference play.
Rob Pryor - US Merchant Marine Academy
In 2017, Rob Pryor took over as the head men’s basketball coach for US Merchant Marine Academy. Since his hire, Pryor has brought USMMA back to a postseason conference tournament for the first time in six seasons and finished with double digit wins for the first time last season. Before coming to USMMA, Pryor spent six seasons as the head coach for Shenandoah University. This season, USMMA is off to a 3-5 start as they battle back from the 2020 Covid year.
Ron Rose - Illinois Wesleyan
Since 2006 Ron Rose has led the way for the Illinois Wesleyan Men’s Basketball program. Rose has an overall record of 270-130, seven trips to the NCAA Playoffs, and four first place conference finishes. Rose is the second winningest coach in Illinois Wesleyan history behind legendary coach Dennie Bridges. The Titans are having a strong season so far, sitting at 8-2 on the year.
Rusty Loyd - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Entering his eighth season as head coach Rusty Loyd has brought the program seven consecutive winning seasons. He became the fourth men’s coach at Rose-Hulman to record over 100 wins. In their 2017-18 season the Fightin’ Engineers were named league champions. The team led by Loyd has a season record of 6-3 as they look to get their program's 12th consecutive winning season.
Ryan Hyland - John Jay
Since being named head coach in 2014 Ryan Hyland has made a big impact at John Jay. This past season Hyland and the Bloodhounds won 20 regular season games and secured the CUNYAC championship. Hyland was also named one of the Under Armour 30 most outstanding coaches under 30. The Bloodhounds currently have a season record of 2-7 as they rebuild their program after missing last season due to Covid.
Scott Coval
With 29 years under his belt and a record of 503-246, DeSales head coach Scott Coval is one of the longest standing and winningest collegiate basketball coaches in the country, across all levels. Coval has been named MAC Freedom Coach of the Year eight times and the NABC Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year in 2009. He has reached the postseason in 26 of his seasons, with four MAC Freedom Championships, ten regular season titles, and four NCAA Tournament appearances. DeSales is currently dominating the 2021-2022 season sitting at 12-0.
Shanon Rosenberg - Linfield College
Currently in his ninth season at Linfield, Shanan Rosenberg continues to transform the Wildcats program. When Rosenberg took over Linfield was considered one of the worst college programs in the NWC. In 2019 the Wildcats were named co NWC champions, their first since 2001. Rosenberg has reached the NWC tournament in four consecutive seasons after missing out on postseason play for the previous seven. Prior to Linfield, Rosenberg spent 11 years at the helm of the Foothill College in California. Linfield is currently off to a strong start this season with a record of 7-3.
Stefan Thompson - Hobart College
As an alumni of Hobart College, Stefan Thompson took over as the head coach coach in 2019. In his three years with the Statesman Thompson holds a record of 38-16 and led his 2017-18 team to a Liberty League regular season championship. They were also awarded league coaching staff of the year. The Statesmen have a 3-6 record this season.
Stephen Brennan - Babson College
NABC Coach of the Year recipient and nine time conference coach of the year Stephen Brennan is in his 27th season at Babson College. Brennan has had a lot of program success including the 2016-17 season where the team brought home 31 wins and a NCAA Division III National Championship. This season the Beavers sit with a record of 6-4 as they move into conference.
Terry Butterfield - University of Texas at Dallas
Terry Butterfield has been coaching the Comets since 2000. In his 21 seasons Butterfield has led his program to 18 Conference Championship Tournaments, four conference titles and has secured spots in seven NCAA Division III National Tournaments. In his 32 seasons of coaching Butterfield carries a career record of 517-328, which is one of the highest among current coaches. The Comets currently have a record of 7-3 on their season and have started conference play strong with a record of 4-2.
Tim Sweeney - Connecticut College
Although only being hired as the head coach of Connecticut College in 2019, Tim Sweeney has had a lot of success. Sweeney previously coached at Hobart College where he had an overall record of 84-48 and led the Statesman to their most successful season in 2017-18 where they finished with 21-5 record. Coming back from only playing 5 games last season due to Covid-19, Sweeney and his team are sitting at a record of 5-4 on the season as they work toward league games.
Todd Murphy - Gordon College
In his 12 seasons with Gordon College, head coach Todd Murphy has won 181 games, including 116 conference wins. During this time, Murphy has appeared in two NCAA Tournaments, won two Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships, and is the recipient of one CCC Coach of the Year Award. Murphy has mentored 24 All-CCC players and 24 CCC All Academic athletes. Gordon is currently 3-4 this season with two cancellations due to covid.
Todd McGuinness - Case Western Reserve
Todd McGuinness was hired in 2016 as the fourth ever Head Coach at Western Reserve University. In his 11 seasons as a collegiate head coach he recorded 156 wins. During his four seasons with the team, McGuinness has mentored five different players to All-UAA honors.The Spartan’s are starting their season strong with a 9-1 record before they begin conference.
Tom Billeter - Augustana
Tom Billeter has had an unbelievable 17 years at Agustana with 333 wins, a national championship, and two National Coach of the Year awards. During this stretch,he has been to eight NCAA Tournaments, two NSIC Championships, two NSIC Tournament Championships, and has coached eight players to nine conference player of the year awards. Including his five year stint at North Dakota State, Billeter has won 430 total games. Augustana is off to a hot start this season sitting at 10-2.
Tony Wingen - Carnegie Mellon University
Entering his 25th season with the Tartans Tony Wingman has brought a lot of success to the program. In 2006 Wingman became Carnegie Mellon’s all time leader in wins. Wingman is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and chairman of the NABC committee on academics, Wingen also served as a member of the Great Lakes Region Selection Committee for the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Tartan’s are currently 6-2 on their season with a 5 game win streak as they go into league play.
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Rising Stars
Abe Woldeslassie - Macalester College
When Macalaster Head Coach Abe Woldelassie took over in 2017, he was faced with an uphill battle and a program that had won just 35 games in its prior 10 seasons combined. Under Woldelassie the Scots have increased their wins in each season. Prior to Macalaster, Woldelassie spent time at Siena College, Dayton, Dartmout, and Bowdoin. Despite battling covid cancellations and shortened seasons for half of his head coaching career, Woldelassie has made an immediate impact on the program and will continue his success for years to come.
Aubrey Shelton - University of Puget Sound
Currently in his fourth season at the University of Puget Sound, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Aubrey Shelton has slowly begun reshaping the program. Despite being plagued by covid for half of his head coaching career, Shelton has produced wins for the program and has developed high level athletes - three earning all NWC honors. Prior to UPS Shelton spent 11 years at Lincoln High School where he won over 80 percent of his games.
Brandon Linton - Tufts University
Currently in his first season at Tufts, Brandon Linton is one of the top up and coming coaches in the country and he brings two years of head coaching experience (Nichols) and combined seven seasons of assistant coaching experience (Bowdoin and Army). With his ten years of experience, Linton is no rookie and took Nichols to a 21 win season ending with an NCAA Tournament berth.
Damion Jablonski - Whitworth University
Despite being in only his third season as the head coach at Whitworth University, Damion Jablonski has over 15 years of combined college coaching experience. Before earning his head coaching position, Jablonski spent the previous eight seasons as the assistant coach for the Pirates. Whitworth has been a dominant force in Division III Men’s hoops and as the recruiting coordinator, Jablonski played a major role in their success. Under Jablonski the pirates have started strong despite dealing with covid seasons for most of his time.
Doug Cline - Wooster
The College of Wooster Head Coach Doug Cline is currently in his second year but he is no newby to the game. Prior to taking over at Wooster, Cline was the assistant coach for 25 years. As the assistant and associate head coach, he helped the Wooster program to nearly 600 wins, 23 NCAA appearances, and three final four appearances. Although he has dealt with Covid in both of his first two seasons, Cline looks to continue the success of the program for years to come.
Jean Bain - Brandeis
Currently in his fourth season as the head coach at Brandeis, Jean Bain has quickly taken the NCAA by storm. In his first two seasons, Bain led Brandeis to a combined 35 wins and a top 25 ranking in 2019. Prior to Brandeis, Bain spent time at Dartmouth, Columbia, New Hampshire, and WPI as an assistant coach. He is one of the rising stars in Men's College Basketball and I would expect to see Brandeis playing for a national championship in the future.
Kent Dernbach - UW-La Crosse
Since officially taking over as the head coach in 2018, Kent Dernbach has made a huge impact. His UW La Crosse program has won 59 games in total (including a year as the interim head coach) and he earned himself the 2020-21 WIAC Coach of the Year. In the 2020 season Dernbach led the Eagles to a 13th ranked regular season - the highest in school history. He is off to another amazing start sitting at 15-2 on the season.
Matt Airy - Aurora
Aurora’s Head men’s basketball coach Matt Airy joined the program in 2019 after spending 13 years as the associate head and assistant coach at Whitman. During his time at Whitman, Airy helped evolve the program from one of the worst in the NCAA to a national contender. Whitman won 132 games in Airy’s final 5 seasons and he played a pivotal role in their success. Airy’s head coaching career has been plagued with Covid seasons but he is sure to make strides in the future years to come.
Matt Lewis - Wisconsin Oskosh
Entering his third season as head coach of the UW-Oshkosh Men’s Basketball Program, Matt Lewis has already guided the Titans to an NCAA Division III National Championship (2019). This past season Lewis and UW-Oshkosh won the WIAC postseason title and reached the second round of the Division III Tournament. Lewis collected Division III Coach of the Year honors from the NABC, D3hoops.com, DIII News and the Glenn Robinson Award committee. He was also named WIAC Coach of the Year and Division III Public Schools Men's Basketball Coach of the Year by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. Lewis is a rising star in the industry.
Nick Nichay - Franklin & Marshall
After spending the previous eight seasons as the assistant coach for Franklin & Marshall, current head coach Nick Nichay took over as the interim in 2019 and then the official head coach in 2020. As an assistant coach, Nichay helped lead the Diplomats to 156 wins and a 2018 NCAA tournament appearance. While he has battled covid throughout the past two and a half years - including a cancelled 2020 season - Nichay has won 18 games and looks to continue Franklin & Marshall’s storied success.
Raul Placeres - Maryville
Raul Placeres is currently in his third season as the head coach for the Maryville Men’s Basketball program. During his first season Placeres went 9-17 but quickly turned things around in year two with a 10-2 record. Despite another Covid plagues season, Placeres has increased his win count again currently sitting at 13-1 on the year. His impact has been immediate and Placeres is emerging as one of the top young head coaches in the country.
Ryan Mee - Vassar College
Prior to his hire in 2018, Ryan Mee spent the previous six seasons as an assistant at Davidson College under Bob McKillop. In his first two seasons at Vassar, Mee won 11 games in each (22 total) before losing the 2020 season to Covid. This year, Mee has already trumped his previous seasons sitting at 13-2 with eight more regular season games to go. Starting his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2005, Mee has experience across multiple levels of the game and is continuing his success now as a head coach.
Stefan Thompson - Hobart College
One of the younger head coaches in the NCAA, Stefan Thompson took over at Hobart College in 2019 after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant coach for Wilkes & Hobart. Thompson began his coaching career after an electric career as an athlete for Hobart that finished in 2013. Thompson led the Statesman to a 23 win season in his first year before losing the 2020 season to Covid.
Tim McCrory - Lewis and Clark College
After spending seven years as an assistant coach & associate head coach for Oberlin, Tim Mcrory was hired as the head coach for Lewis and Clark in 2018. McCrory took over a Pioneer program that was coming off of three losing seasons in a row. He has improved records in each of his first two seasons and lost the 2020 season to covid.
Tyler Simms - Clark University
In 2019 Tyler Simms was hired as the head coach at Clark University after spending the previous decade as an assistant coach at Brown and Trinity College. In the two seasons prior to Simms, the Clark men’s basketball program won a combined nine games. In his first season, Simms led Clark to eight wins before shutting things down for Covid in 2020. This year, Clark has exploded to a 14-3 record, making this their best year since 2009 with nine games left in the season.
