Rob DePersia has been appointed head coach of the Rowan University men’s basketball program, bringing a full‑circle story to the campus where he once dazzled as a player.
A Homecoming for a Proud Alum
A 2019 graduate of Rowan, DePersia leaves a legacy of 1,004 points and a second‑all‑time assist record, having earned All‑NJAC Honorable Mention in 2017 and 2019 and captaining the Profs alongside his twin brother Nick to the 2019 NJAC Championship.
His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Villanova in 2019, progressed to director of basketball operations in 2024‑25, and most recently saw him serve as lead assistant at the University of New Haven, where he helped guide the team through a competitive season.
DePersia’s professional résumé also includes stints at Fordham University and a brief affiliation with the Air Force Academy, giving him a breadth of experience across Division I programs.
University leaders are upbeat about the hire. Dr. John Giannini, a longtime observer of the program, praised DePersia’s basketball toughness, intelligence and leadership, while former Villanova coach Jay Wright highlighted his skill, passion and loyalty to his alma mater.
Athletic director Randy Foye and former teammate Mike Nardi echoed the sentiment, noting DePersia’s desire to bring joy to the community and his natural ability to lead young men on and off the court.
The appointment has already sparked excitement among alumni and local fans, who anticipate a renewed energy for the Profs. With a blend of deep institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives from the broader college basketball landscape, DePersia is poised to steer the program toward sustained success.
Looking Ahead
As the new coach prepares to take the helm, the university community looks forward to seeing how his biomedical engineering background and MBA training will influence his approach to strategy and player development. The coming seasons could mark a pivotal chapter in Rowan’s basketball history.