BROOKLYN, N.Y. — St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) Director of Athletics and Recreation Megan Valentine has named Sebastien Etheart '21 head men's basketball coach. He is elevating into the position after spending the last five seasons in a coaching role at his alma mater. Etheart spent his first four seasons alongside longtime head coach Joseph Cocozello '95 before serving as the interim head coach during the 2025-26 season following Cocozello's retirement.
"We are pleased to have Sebastien step into this elevated role as our head men's basketball coach. While serving in an interim capacity this past season, under Seb's guidance, the program demonstrated steady progress with their overall win/loss success as our goal is to qualify for the Skyline Conference Tournament annually," said Valentine, adding "Seb has continued to work hard to recruit student-athletes who will be able to contribute athletically and academically to our program. We look forward to seeing the team continue to grow under his watch, and as an alumnus, we know that he is invested in elevating the program to new heights!"
"I am deeply honored to be named the next Head Coach of St. Joseph's University Brooklyn Men's Basketball. This program means everything to me, and I am committed to leading it with the integrity it deserves, stated Etheart.
Under Cocozello, Etheart played a key role in player development, recruiting, and daily operations, positioning him to take over as interim head coach in November 2025.
"I want to recognize Coach Cocozello for his 25 years of service to St. Joe's and 23 years as head coach. He's impacted countless lives, including mine, and has been a mentor and constant source of wisdom. I hope to make him proud," Etheart commented.
During Etheart's interim spell, the Bears recorded nine wins—the program's highest total since returning from the COVID-19 pandemic. The season opened with a runner-up finish at the Messiah University Tip-Off, highlighted by an overtime win over the host Falcons and a strong showing in the final against Washington & Lee. A four-game winning streak in late January and early February brought the Bears within one game of a Skyline Conference playoff spot before they closed the season with a 73–68 overtime victory over Merchant Marine in Kings Point.
Etheart also oversaw three Skyline Rookie of the Week honors, including two by first-year guard Justin Munson, who also earned a Player of the Week selection. Munson and sophomore Maven Cummings combined for three honorable mentions by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association.
As a student-athlete at St. Joseph's, Etheart – playing alongside twin brother Stephane – averaged eight points and 6.6 rebounds per game, with his best statistical season coming in 2018–19. That year, the junior averaged 14.3 points and 10 rebounds per outing, highlighted by a career-best 32 points and 22 rebounds against SUNY Maritime in January 2019. He also set the program's single-game rebounding record with 23 boards in the Bears' initial meeting against the Privateers in December 2018 at The Hill Center.
Etheart earned his bachelor's degree in 2021, majoring in criminal justice. He currently teaches third grade at the Sacred Heart Catholic Academy of Bayside.
In closing, Etheart remarked "To Megan, our administration, and my assistants Chris Tracy and Josh Gordon—thank you for your belief in our vision. To our players: your dedication fueled our recent success, and we are just getting started. To my mother, my mentors, and our alumni: thank you for being my foundation. We will build a program rooted in culture, accountability, and pride—one that represents Brooklyn the right way."
