University of Vermont Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Becker has hired Chris Santo as an assistant coach. Santo joins the UVM coaching staff after previously serving as assistant video coordinator for the New York Knicks.
“I’m really excited about the addition of Chris to our staff,” said Becker. “I recruited and coached Chris my first year as a head coach at UVM. He went on to have a great career at St. Anselm as a player and coach. He worked in the Knicks’ video room last year and brings valuable experience working for great coaches like Keith Dickson and Tom Thibodeau.”
Santo worked closely with the Knicks’ coaching staff for one season, developing game plans and strategies for opponent scouts. He also analyzed film and assisted with player development and analytics. During his time with New York, the Knicks posted a 41-31 record to finish fourth in the Eastern Conference and secure the franchise’s first postseason appearance in eight seasons. The Knicks also saw Julius Randle win NBA’s Most Improved Player and head coach Tom Thibodeau win NBA Coach of the Year.
Prior to joining the Knicks franchise, Santo spent four seasons as assistant coach at St. Anselm. Santo worked directly under head coach Keith Dickson in overseeing every facet of the program both on and off the court. The Hawks produced four straight NCAA Division II Tournament Teams with Santo on staff. St. Anselm made the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2018. While at St. Anselm, Santo helped coach seven All-Conference players. Santo was honored as a part of the NABC 30 Under 30 list in 2018.
Santo returns to Vermont men’s basketball after playing for the Catamounts in 2011-12. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native was a member of the UVM team that won the 2012 America East Championship and defeated Lamar in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. Santo transferred to St. Anselm for the final three seasons of his collegiate career, where he was a key member of two Northeast-10 Regular Season Championships. Santo captained the Hawks as a senior and was named an All-American in 2015, as well as Northeast-10 Player of the Year.
Santo played one season overseas for Falken Cynergi Virtus in Malta, where he won a First Division Men’s Championship.
Santo named Assistant Basketball Coach at Vermont
