It's official. Bryant has hired its next men's basketball coach.
Jamion Christian will succeed Phil Martelli Jr., who left Smithfield to take over the head coaching duties as Virginia Commonwealth University.
The news came in a Thursday morning announcement by university President Ross Gittel and Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Bill Smith. Christian will be formally introduced at a press conference at the school's Quinlan/Brown Academic Innovation Center on Friday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m.
"I am so excited to have a chance to lead the Bryant basketball program," Christian said in a statement released by the school. "My level of appreciation comes from all the success they have had recently but also the incredible progression this program has been on since turning Division I. Each time I played here I was amazed at the talent and the passion of the fan base. Allie, Jacoy Jones and Jude are so happy to be calling Smithfield home."
Jamion becomes the 10th head coach in program history, and is coming from Pallacanestro Trieste of the Italian Professional Basketball League along with prior head coaching positions at George Washington University, Siena College and Mount St. Mary's University.
"Today is a great day for the Bryant University men's basketball program," said Smith. "A great day for the entire university community, our alumni, Black & Gold Club members and our fans. Coach Christian is an outstanding coach and a tireless recruiter who is committed to developing and mentoring student-athletes to achieve success both on the floor and in the classroom."
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jamion Christian to Bryant University," said Gittell. "Coach Christian brings deep experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, and his strong leadership, vision, and commitment to student-athlete success make him an outstanding addition to our ...
