Men's Basketball Coaches

On June 7th 2004 Andy DeStephano was named Head Men's Basketball Coach at Centenary College. Coach DeStephano becomes the fifth and youngest Head Coach in the programs 19 year history. With over a decade of coaching experience, eleven years spent at the collegiate level, DeStephano was a great fit for establishing structure and a winning attitude. 

After a few challenging seasons, DeStephano and his staff are very optimistic for the upcoming season. "We have a talented group of players with great attitudes. Our schedule is realistic and the foundation that we build over the past three years is as strong as ever. The renovations of our facility and the move to the PAC in 2007-2008 are definitely the next stages in bringing our program to the next level.” 

Prior to accepting the position, DeStephano served as an Assistant Coach at Plymouth State University (Plymouth,NH). 

During his tenure at Plymouth State University, the Panthers compiled the best record in school history at 24-6 and were one of six teams in the nation to receive an at large bid to the 2003-2004 NCAA Division III Tournament. Plymouth State advanced to the second round eventually losing to Amherst College, who advanced to the Final Four. Plymouth State was known in New England for their aggressive defense and high scoring offense. The Panthers were ranked 8th in the nation in Field Goal Percentage Defense holding opponents to a 37% shooting percentage and 14th in the nation in scoring offense averaging 83 points per game. Although his stint was brief, DeStephano solidified his reputation as a tireless worker, relentless recruiter and tenacious scout. 

Coach DeStephano is no stranger to NCAA Division III Basketball, from 1999-2001, DeStephano served as an Assistant Coach at St. Joseph's College (Patchogue, NY). His primary duties included recruiting, scouting, post player development, practice planning and implementation, as well as, day -to- day operations; within two seasons at the age of 24, DeStephano was promoted to the position of Associate Head Coach, the title he held until joining the staff at Plymouth State University. 

DeStephano began his collegiate coaching career as an Assistant Coach at Suffolk County Community College Western Campus (Brentwood, NY).  During his two seasons, the Longhorns posted a .500 winning percentage and made two NJCAA Division III Region XV Conference Tournament quarterfinal appearances. 

DeStephano's other coaching stints include St. John the Baptist D.H. S. (West Islip, NY) and East Islip High School (Islip Terrace, NY). 

Coach DeStephano has extensive camp experience including being an owner, director, guest lecturer, commissioner, station master, coach and counselor. Camps include Eastern Invitational, Pocono Invitational, Plymouth State University St. John's University, Villanova University, UCONN, George Mason University, Stony Brook University and St. Joseph's College.
DeStephano is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and is certified according to their Professional Development Guidelines. Recently, DeStephano was appointed to serve as member of the ECAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Committee for the Southern Region. 

Coach Destephano is a 1998 graduate of St. John's University where received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management and also served as a Student Assistant for the Men's Basketball Program during the 1994-1995 season. He has just completed his Masters of Business Administration Degree in the Online MBA Program at Centenary College. DeStephano's parents, Jim and Thea, reside in Vermont and his sister Katy, resides with her family in Virginia. DeStephano is currently single and resides in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.