Iona College is ushering in a new chapter for its men’s basketball program with the appointment of Dan Geriot as head coach, and the move has already garnered support from one of basketball’s biggest stars, LeBron James. The NBA icon took to social media to celebrate the hiring, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “HELL YEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH BIG DAN!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER!!!”
Geriot, 36, brings a decade of NBA experience to New Rochelle, including nine years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His tenure with the Cavs overlapped with James’ second stint in Cleveland from 2015 to 2018, during which Geriot served as an assistant coach. Most recently, he was part of the New Orleans Pelicans’ staff before making the transition to college basketball.
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The Gaels’ decision to hire Geriot comes just days after the dismissal of Tobin Anderson, who struggled to replicate the success achieved under Rick Pitino. During Anderson’s two years at Iona, the team failed to advance past the MAAC tournament, a stark contrast to Pitino’s two NCAA tournament appearances during his three-year tenure. Iona’s leadership hopes that Geriot’s NBA background and fresh perspective will help reignite the program’s success.
A huge opportunity to the school
In addition to his coaching pedigree, Iona highlighted Geriot’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The school also announced plans to introduce its first-ever general manager to boost NIL efforts and modernize the program.
“The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically over the last couple of years,” Iona president Seamus Carey said in a statement. “Dan Geriot’s experience fits the needs of the program well, and we are confident that under his guidance our student-athletes will grow and succeed both on and off the court.”
With high expectations and a vote of confidence from one of the NBA’s all-time greats, Geriot faces the challenge of restoring Iona’s prominence in college basketball. As the Gaels gear up for the new season, fans are hopeful that this fresh start will lead to success on the court and beyond.
