NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University men's basketball head coach
Dan Geriot announced the addition of RJ Sunahara to the coaching staff as Director of Strategy/Player Development.
Sunahara joins the Maroon & Gold after spending the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons at Nova Southeastern University, where he served as Director of Player Development. He worked directly with student-athletes through individual workouts, small-group training, film sessions and skill development while also assisting with scouting, game preparation, practice organization and recruiting.
"RJ brings a unique combination of elite playing experience, player development expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a championship-level program," said Geriot. "He has a tremendous feel for the game and has already shown an ability to connect with players and help them improve. His experience at Nova Southeastern, both as a player and a coach, gives him a perspective that will be extremely valuable to our program. We are excited to welcome RJ to Iona and look forward to the impact he will make on our players and our team."
During his two seasons on the Nova Southeastern staff, Sunahara helped the Sharks capture the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship while earning two conference regular-season championships, two conference tournament titles and two South Region championships. The program made two NCAA Elite Eight and two NCAA Final Four appearances during his tenure.
Sunahara also helped develop several players who earned conference, national and professional recognition. His work contributed to the development of two All-Conference and two All-Defensive selections, while he worked directly with players including 2023 Division II National Player of the Year MJ Iraldi, professional player Tyler Eberhart, First Team All-Conference selection Ross Reeves and Shane Hunter, who continued his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague.
Prior to entering the coaching profession, Sunahara established himself as one of the most decorated players in Division II basketball history. He played four seasons at Nova Southeastern from 2019-23 before completing his collegiate career at the University of Georgia in 2023-24.
At Nova Southeastern, Sunahara helped lead the Sharks to the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship and earned NABC National Player of the Year and Bevo Francis Award honors as a senior. He also earned Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, D2CCA South Region Player of the Year and First Team All-American recognition.
Sunahara finished his Nova Southeastern career as the program's all-time leader in blocks (172) and free throws made (342), while ranking second in points (1,579) and field goals (594) and sixth in rebounds (585). He also holds the program's single-season record with 76 blocks.
His collegiate career began at Fairmont State University, where he played under head coach Joe Mazzulla before transferring to Nova Southeastern. He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management from Nova Southeastern in 2023 and spent the 2023-24 season at Georgia, helping the Bulldogs reach the NIT Final Four.
Sunahara's responsibilities with the Maroon & Gold include individual and small-group player development, film study, scouting, game preparation, talent evaluation and recruiting. His experience as both a championship-level player and coach adds another dimension to Geriot's staff as Iona continues to build its program.
Sunahara becomes the latest addition to Geriot's coaching staff as Iona prepares for the 2026-27 season. The Gaels open the season on Nov. 2 at home vs. Vermont.
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