Chris Thompson Named Head Men's Basketball Coach

BROOKLYN, NY - The Pratt Institute's Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Chris Thompson as its new Head Men's Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

"I am very happy to welcome Chris to the Pratt community," said Director of Athletics Walter Rickard.  "From the very beginning and throughout the search process Chris demonstrated a passion to develop our student-athletes throughout their college experience on and off the playing surface.  Chris also showed his desire to integrate himself within the campus and engage our entire community, which is very important to us."

Coach Thompson comes to Pratt from the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ where he has been an assistant coach since 2016.  Thompson's focus at Stevens was on recruiting, scouting reports, creating practice plans and in-game adjustments.

Alongside Head Coach Bobby Hurley, Chris helped lead the Stevens Ducks to a 23-4 record, including a MAC Freedom Regular Season and Tournament Title, its first in program history as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019-20.  Throughout Thompson's tenure at at Stevens, the men's basketball team recorded a 76-35 record and earned a conference tournament birth in each season.

Additionally, Thompson served as the Assistant Director of Recreation and Intramurals as well as Athletic Promotions & Marketing Director at Stevens. 

Thompson replaces Max Sass who led the Cannoneers program for the last four years.  Thompson will be responsible for all aspects of the men's basketball program as well as serve as the athletic department's recruiting coordinator. 

Coach Thompson will look to build off success from the 2019-20 campaign, both on and off the court. "The expectation is to make Winning Habits instinctual throughout this first year.  This philosophy goes into every area of the Pratt experience, including the classroom/studio, basketball program, extracurricular activities, being outstanding citizens at Pratt, and representing our institution."

Thompson also expanded on building rapport within the program.  "I am looking forward to creating relationships and bonds with our student-athletes that are integral in developing trust, which will be essential as we work toward our common goals both on and off the court."

Prior to Stevens, Coach Thompson served as an assistant coach at Elmira College of the Empire 8.  While at Elmira, Thompson assisted with recruiting, team travel, scouting reports and in-game adjustments. He also served as the Head Junior Varsity Coach.

Coach Thompson's collegiate coaching career began at St. John Fisher where he was an assistant coach from 2013-15.  During the 2014-15 season, he helped lead the Cardinals to a 25 win season including an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance.  In 2015, Thompson was part of the coaching staff that was named Empire 8 Conference Coaching Staff of the Year.

Chris is a 2011 graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh where he served as a student assistant for the men's basketball program. He also holds a masters degree in literacy education from Elmira College.

"I would like to thank Walter Rickard and the rest of the search committee for entrusting me with the Men's Basketball Program at Pratt.  It became evident to me throughout the interview process that the vision of Pratt Athletics is to grow and expand into a department that provides their student-athletes with the opportunities to compete against Division III institutions at a high level, and the process of cultivating that is very exciting to me, stated Thompson."
 

What they are saying about Coach Thompson

Russell Rogers, Director of Athletics at Stevens Institute of Technology- "Chris has played an important role in the success of the Stevens men's basketball program over the last few years.  He is a relentless recruiter who also excels in helping the student-athlete grow and develop as a basketball player and a person.  What really distinguishes Chris even further is his understanding of the "big picture" and willingness to help the athletic department in any way possible.  Chris will bring a high level of positive energy with a clear focus on what is best for the student-athlete to Pratt and I can't wait to watch the program continue to develop under his leadership."

Bobby Hurley, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Stevens Institute of Technology- "Pratt has made a terrific hire! Chris has an unparalleled work ethic and is ready to lead his own program.  He has been involved in every aspect of our basketball program and one of the reasons why we have had continued success. Chris understands the importance of creating a positive and meaningful experience for student-athletes all while pushing them to succeed on the court and in the classroom. I'm excited for the future success of the Pratt Men's Basketball program."

Randi Torgalski, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Elmira College- "I am ecstatic that Chris Thompson has been named Men's Basketball Coach at Pratt. Chris has earned this position through tireless work, enthusiasm, and a team-first mentality. Chris will certainly "leave it all on the floor" every day for Pratt, and I know his teams will do the same for him on the basketball court, in the classroom, and within the community. I know he will be a wonderful addition to the Pratt Athletic Department and Pratt Community. I am very proud of Chris, and I wish him and Kate nothing but the best with this new endeavor!"

Rob Kornaker, former Head Men's Basketball Coach at St. John Fisher- "Being around Division III Basketball for my entire career I've have the opportunity to work with some really good young coaches. Chris Thompson stands at the top of the list when it comes to work ethic, sacrifice, humility and loyalty.  He's always been the kind of person that's first on the floor and last to leave the office. I couldn't be more proud and happy to see him earn this opportunity at Pratt!  Everyone who gets a chance to work with him, especially his players, will be better off for it."