FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University men's basketball Head Coach Anthony Latina has finalized his coaching staff ahead of the 2023-24 season. Longtime Assistant Coach Kyle Steinway has been elevated to the role of Associate Head Coach, while Tom Barrett and Anthony Richards have been named Assistant Coaches for the Pioneers. Donte Gittens returns for his second season as the Director of Basketball Operations.

Latina will be entering his 11th season as the head coach of the Pioneers. "I am extremely excited about our coaching staff! They are very intelligent, hardworking, and high-character individuals that are passionate about coaching and helping our student-athletes reach their full potential," said Latina. "They will represent our program and University with distinction and in a first-class manner. I believe they will help elevate Sacred Heart University men's basketball to the championship level that this University deserves!"

Steinway just completed his 10th season on the Sacred Heart sideline as an assistant coach. He has been an integral part of player development and has coached numerous all-conference players and coached only the NEC Player of the Year for SHU men's basketball. Steinway was part of the staff that led the Pioneers to its best season in its time in Division I, where they won 20 games and advanced to the NEC semifinals. "Kyle has done an outstanding job for us and has been involved in every aspect of our program since he has been here. His promotion is a natural progression and very well deserved," said Latina.

"We are very excited to welcome Anthony and welcome back Tom to our Sacred Heart University men's basketball family!" said Latina. 

Barrett, no stranger to SHU, returns to the Pioneers sideline after spending the last two seasons at Rutgers as the Director of External Operations under Scarlet Knights Head Coach Steve Pikiell. Before Rutgers, Barrett served as the Coordinator of Men's Basketball Operations for four seasons on Coach Latina's staff. He was part of the 2019-20 squad that was the first SHU team to reach 20 wins in a season since 1988-89 and was the first team to reach that mark in the Division I era. The team also won the first postseason game since 2009, earning a 61-59 win over Mount Saint Mary's.   

Before his first stint at Sacred Heart, Barrett made stops at Maine as the Director of Operations and Recruiting Coordinator and at the University of Delaware as the team's video coordinator.

"I have a great deal of confidence in Tom because I have seen firsthand what he brings to a program, working with him for four years as our Director of Basketball of Operations," said Latina. "Tom has an outstanding basketball mind. His understanding of analytics and how to apply them in all areas will be an invaluable resource for our coaches, players, and entire program."

Richards joins the Sacred Heart coaching staff after spending the last two seasons at Holy Cross. During his first year with the Crusaders, Richards was the Director of Men's Basketball Operations before being elevated to Assistant Coach during his second season. While at Holy Cross, Richards was heavily involved in recruiting, on-court coaching, practice planning, opponent scouting, player development, and game planning.

Before his time at Holy Cross, Richards spent three years on the men's basketball staff at the University of Arizona. He began with the Wildcats as a graduate assistant in the summer of 2018 before being promoted to Director of Student-Athlete Development in the summer of 2019. During his final two years at Arizona, Richards served as the program's Head Video Coordinator and the liaison with the academic and compliance office.

A native of New Castle, Pa., Richards was a two-year starter and three-year letter-winner for the men's basketball team at Le Moyne College. He totaled 503 points and 138 assists in his career with the Dolphins while helping the team to an overall record of 59-31, the 2018 Northeast-10 Conference Championship, and a trip to the 2018 NCAA Division II Elite 8.

"Anthony has an excellent level of experience as a coach and player. He was a self-made player himself and knows how to help our student-athletes improve. His energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and I believe he will help our program on a daily basis," said Latina. 

Gittens enters his second season on Latina's staff as the Director of Basketball Operations. "I am looking forward to expanding Donte's role this upcoming season," said Latina. "He did a terrific job for us in his first year, and with on the court restrictions being removed, I am confident his positive impact on our program will be even greater. Donte will be instrumental in the continued development of our players both on and off the court."