Brian Stasaitis has been appointed head basketball coach at Connecticut State Gateway's NJCAA Division III program, a move that signals the school’s intent to resurrect a squad that last saw action in the 2022‑23 season.
Stasaitis arrives after a three‑year stint as the Head National Prep Team Coach at The Bright School in Connecticut, where he cultivated a reputation for developing young talent and shaping competitive prep pipelines.
Prior to that, he spent six years steering the Western Mass Zombies in the East Coast Basketball League, first as general manager and then as head coach, overseeing a team that became a fixture on the regional circuit.
Reviving a dormant program
The program’s last competitive outing was two seasons ago, and since then the team has been idle, leaving a void in the local basketball landscape. Stasaitis will be tasked with not only filling that gap but also with re‑establishing a culture of competitiveness and community engagement.
His dual background — coaching prep athletes and managing a professional‑level club — gives him a unique perspective on player development, scouting and day‑to‑day operations. Observers note that his experience with the Zombies, a team known for its fast‑paced style, could translate into a dynamic approach for the Gateway squad.
Stasaitis expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, stating his commitment to “building a foundation that sustains success beyond a single season.” He will begin assembling a coaching staff and planning the inaugural practice schedule later this month.