Brian Rudolph, a New Bedford native who once topped the state’s scoring charts with more than 1,200 points, has been named head coach of the Bristol‑Plymouth boys basketball team, succeeding Tim Plante after six seasons at the helm.
Rudolph’s high school career at New Bedford High School remains etched in local lore; he is the only player in program history to amass over 1,200 points, 600 assists and 200 steals, earning All‑Sports Hall of Fame honors and the 2006 Dave Cowens Award as the state’s top male athlete.
His basketball résumé extends beyond Massachusetts. Rudolph led Cabo Verde’s national team to a sixth‑place finish at AfroBasket 2013 and a tenth‑place finish two years later, and he founded Next Level Academy Dartmouth as well as Leaders In Training (LIT) LLC, enterprises that provide elite training and mentorship to youth players.
The Craftsmen are coming off a 13‑8 season and return key contributors such as 2026 graduate Greg Aisiku, who became the third B‑P player to reach the 1,000‑point milestone, while the roster blends experienced seniors with promising underclassmen eager to capitalize on the new leadership.
Alongside Rudolph, the school announced a series of coaching appointments: Tim Mosher will take charge of the girls basketball program, Peter Valente will guide the boys track team, and Matt Grenon has been named athletic director, forming a staff committed to a comprehensive athletic experience.
A New Era of Opportunity
The appointment signals a fresh direction for Bristol‑Plymouth athletics, with Rudolph promising to blend his professional playing experience, international perspective and community‑focused coaching philosophy to build a competitive, character‑driven program.