New Kent alum Christian returns to states to coach Bryant University

New Kent native Jamion Christian (center, holding son Jones) is joined by family members during his introduction as Bryant University's new head basketball coach.

A New Kent native is returning to coaching on the collegiate circuit after coaching overseas for the last two years.

Jamion Christian, a 2000 graduate of New Kent High School, has been named as the new head coach of Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, following a Friday morning press conference.

Christian has spent the last two years coaching Pallacanestro Trieste in the Italian Professional League. In his first year there, he led his team to the Lega Nazionale Pallanestro championship, resulting in the team’s promotion to the top Italian League. Prior to that tenure, Christian had spent time coaching on the collegiate circuit as the head coach of George Washington University (three years), Siena College (one year), and his alma mater, Mount St. Mary’s University (six years).

Christian is very familiar with Bryant University, as he coached against the Bulldogs when he was at Mount St. Mary’s and both teams were in the Northeastern Conference. Now, Christian takes the helm of a squad that won the American East Conference last year and made an appearance in the NCAA Championship Tournament this year.

“I am so excited to have a chance to lead the Bryant basketball program,” Christian said in a press release. “My level of appreciation comes from all the success they have had recently, but also the incredible progression this program has been on since turning Division I.”

Christian, who won a high school state basketball championship with New Kent in 2000, will complete his obligations as head coach of Pallancanestro Trieste, which ends in June, before transitioning into his new role.