A New Chapter for the Golden Griffins
Canisius Golden Griffins head coach Jim Christian revealed a series of staff moves that will shape the program’s direction for the 2026‑27 season. Central to the announcement was the promotion of Scott Galst to assistant coach, a step that builds on his recent tenure as director of basketball operations.
Galst, who spent the 2025‑26 season overseeing the Griffs’ operational workflow, brings a blend of NBA scouting expertise and analytical rigor to the bench. His background includes a stint as a senior statistical auditor for the NBA, where he supervised a team of fifteen game‑stat auditors, and a consulting role with the St. John’s men’s basketball program focused on film analysis and opponent scouting.
The coaching staff reshuffle also saw the departure of Jimmy Hall, the former assistant coach who opted to continue his playing career abroad after the 2025‑26 campaign. In his place, the university hired Matthew Felsenfeld as the new director of basketball operations. Felsenfeld arrives after guiding Parkland College to a 29‑7 record and a NJCAA Division II national championship in 2025‑26.
Felsenfeld’s résumé extends beyond collegiate success. He graduated cum laude from UNLV in 2025 with a degree in sports journalism, previously served as a student manager for the UNLV men’s basketball program, and contributed to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas handling workouts, equipment logistics and locker‑room setup. His appointment signals a focus on integrating advanced scouting and player development into the Griffs’ daily routine.
Coach Christian emphasized that Galst’s elevation reflects more than a title change; it underscores a commitment to leveraging data‑driven insights and player‑centric growth. The moves, announced on July 31, 2026, aim to reinforce Canisius’s competitive edge as the program looks ahead to the upcoming season.