Head coach JR Blount has added Henoc Bienne to the San Diego men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, announced on Friday.
Bienne reunites with Blount after the two worked together at Iowa State on T.J. Otzelberger’s staff during the 2022–23 season. That Cyclones squad won 19 games, advanced to the NCAA Tournament and Big 12 Championship semifinals, recorded six wins over AP Top 10 opponents and climbed as high as No. 11 in the AP Poll.
“We’re excited to welcome Henoc Bienne to our USD men’s basketball staff,” said Blount. “Having worked together, I’ve seen his exceptional work ethic and his ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with players while serving as a strong role model for young men. Henoc brings great character, integrity and energy to our program, along with a sharp attention to detail that has fueled his rapid growth as a recruiter. His ability to evaluate talent and connect with people makes him one of the most promising young coaches in the profession and we’re thrilled to have him on our staff.”
Most recently, Bienne served as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois during the 2025-26 season on Marty Simmons’ staff. Prior to EIU, he spent the 2024-25 season at Western Kentucky, where the Hilltoppers won 17 games.
“‘God is good’ is a phrase I’ve been saying a lot these past few weeks and I truly mean it,” said Bienne. “I’m beyond grateful, humbled and excited to join and support JR as he leads this program. I believe in him fully as a coach, a leader and a man.
“JR showed me exactly what a true servant leader looks like. His energy, organization and drive to grow not just himself, but everyone around him left a lasting impact on me. He’s been more than a colleague, he’s been a mentor and a brother throughout my journey. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of what I know will be a special journey. Buckle up, Torero Nation — this will be an era you won’t forget!”
Bienne’s coaching path includes two stints at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. During his first two seasons from 2020-22, he helped guide the Warriors to a 48-9 combined record and an NJCAA National Tournament appearance.
He returned to Indian Hills for the 2023-24 season following his year at Iowa State, helping lead the Warriors to a 29-6 record and an NJCAA National Tournament Final Four appearance. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Illinois-Chicago during the 2019-20 season, when the Flames won 18 games and advanced to the Horizon League Championship game.
A native of Valley Stream, N.Y., Bienne played the first two years of his collegiate career at Paris Junior College in Texas before finishing at Division II Mercy College. He averaged 20.5 points, four assists and three steals per game in high school and went on to play professionally in Argentina following his collegiate career. Bienne earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercy College and a master’s degree from Western Kentucky.
