 |
| Hired at AU: |
July of 2026 |
| Prior to AU: |
Men's Basketball Assistant Coach at SUNY Cortland (2024-26) |
| Alma Mater: |
Alfred State '23 |
The Alfred University men’s basketball program announced the addition of Gus O’Connell to its coaching staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026–27 season.
O’Connell joined Alfred University after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the SUNY Cortland men’s basketball program. During his tenure, the Red Dragons captured back-to-back SUNYAC Championships for the first time in program history.
In the 2024–25 season, Cortland posted a 17–12 overall record and secured the SUNYAC title with a road victory over New Paltz. The Red Dragons advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament, facing No. 2-ranked NYU in the opening round—marking the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in nine years.
The following season, Cortland tied a program record with 24 wins, defeating Oswego to claim its second consecutive SUNYAC Championship. The Red Dragons went on to earn a first-round victory over Franklin & Marshall College in the NCAA Division III Tournament, advancing to the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2012–13 season. The coaching staff was subsequently recognized as the SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, O’Connell has served as an AAU head coach with Hoop Group Elite Camps since 2024, where he has been actively involved in player development and mentorship.
A familiar face in the Alfred community, O’Connell graduated from nearby Alfred State College in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in coaching. A three-year member of the men’s basketball program, he served as a two-time team captain. Over the course of his collegiate career, O’Connell appeared in 75 games, including 22 starts.
