RJ Sunahara joined the Iona University men's basketball staff as Director of Strategy/Player Development in August 2026.
Sunahara brings championship-level coaching experience and an accomplished playing background to New Rochelle. He spent the previous two seasons at Nova Southeastern University, serving as Director of Player Development from 2024-26.
In his role with the Sharks, Sunahara directed individual player development programming, including on-court workouts, individual skill development and small-group training. He also conducted individual film sessions, assisted with practice organization and execution, led small-group drills and contributed to the team's overall player development plan.
Sunahara also assisted with scouting and game preparation, including opponent film breakdown and cutting clips for team film sessions. He led film sessions with players and assisted with pregame preparation and warmups. On the recruiting side, he helped with talent identification and recruiting efforts that resulted in the addition and development of two All-Conference and two All-Defensive players.
During his two seasons on the Nova Southeastern coaching staff, the Sharks captured the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship, two Sunshine State Conference regular-season championships, two conference tournament titles and two South Region championships. The program also made two NCAA Final Four and two Elite Eight appearances.
Sunahara worked directly with several players who went on to receive national and professional recognition, 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 joining the coaching profession, Sunahara enjoyed a decorated four-year playing career at Nova Southeastern from 2019-23. He helped lead the Sharks to the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship and earned NABC National Player of the Year, Bevo Francis Award, First Team All-American, Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, South Region Player of the Year and SSC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Sunahara earned National Championship Co-MVP honors and was a two-time First Team All-SSC selection. He also earned SSC Freshman of the Year and All-SSC Newcomer Team recognition during his career.
Following his time at Nova Southeastern, Sunahara used his final season of eligibility at the University of Georgia in 2023-24, helping the Bulldogs reach the NIT Final Four.
Sunahara began his collegiate career at Fairmont State University in 2018-19, playing under then-head coach Joe Mazzulla.
A native of Bay Village, Ohio, Sunahara earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Nova Southeastern in 2023.
COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
2025 NCAA Division II National Champion
2x Sunshine State Conference Regular Season Champion
2x Sunshine State Conference Tournament Champion
2x South Region Champion
2x NCAA Final Four Appearance
2x NCAA Elite Eight Appearance
PLAYING HIGHLIGHTS
NABC Division II National Player of the Year
Bevo Francis Award
First Team All-American
SSC Player of the Year
South Region Player of the Year
SSC Defensive Player of the Year
National Championship Co-MVP
2x First Team All-SSC
SSC Freshman of the Year
All-SSC Newcomer Team
