Iona University men’s basketball head coach Dan Geriot announced the addition of two assistant coaches to his staff. Patrick Wallace will return to Iona for his third season in 2025-26, providing continuity and experience, while former Northwestern star Michael Thompson joins the Gaels following an accomplished professional career overseas.

“We’re excited to have Patrick Wallace continue with our program and to welcome Michael Thompson to Iona,” said Geriot. “Patrick has already made a strong impact here at Iona, and his familiarity with our players and program philosophy will be invaluable as we continue building on our success. Michael brings a wealth of experience from his time as a player at Northwestern and his successful international career. His knowledge of the game and ability to connect with student-athletes will be a tremendous asset to our program.”

PATRICK WALLACE

Patrick Wallace will return to Iona University as an assistant coach under head coach Dan Geriot, continuing his tenure with the Gaels after spending the last two seasons on Tobin Anderson‘s staff. Wallace played a key role in Iona’s success during that span and now brings continuity and experience to the new coaching regime.

While at Iona, Wallace was instrumental in the recruitment and development of All-MAAC performers Idan Tretout and Dejour Reaves.

Before arriving at Iona, Wallace spent four seasons at Loyola University Chicago, serving two years as a video coordinator under Porter Moser and two years as an assistant coach for Drew Valentine. During his time with the Ramblers, he helped guide the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, two Missouri Valley Conference Championship titles, and three consecutive 20-plus win seasons. In his final season, he played a crucial role in Loyola’s transition from the MVC to the Atlantic 10.

In his first season as a Division I assistant coach in 2021-22, Wallace was instrumental in overseeing an offense that ranked among the nation’s best in field goal and three-point shooting. That year, Loyola set a program record for three-pointers made in a single season and secured back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in nearly six decades. The Ramblers finished with 25 wins and captured their second straight MVC Championship title.

Prior to his time at Loyola, Wallace spent two seasons (2017-19) as a graduate manager on Chris Collins’ staff at Northwestern University. His responsibilities included game and scouting preparation, overseeing undergraduate managers, and assisting in player development.

Wallace played collegiately at North Carolina State (2013-15) and Charleston Southern (2015-17). He was part of two NCAA Tournament teams, including a Sweet 16 run with NC State that featured an upset win over No. 1 overall seed Villanova in 2015. At Charleston Southern, Wallace finished his career ranked 15th in program history with 117 three-pointers made despite playing just two seasons. He was a two-time Big South All-Academic selection and an NABC Honors Court member in both of his seasons in Charleston.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Wallace played prep basketball at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. He earned his undergraduate degree from Charleston Southern in 2017 and a master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern in 2019. His return to Iona ensures continuity within the program as he continues to help develop the Gaels’ student-athletes under Coach Geriot’s leadership.

MICHAEL THOMPSON

Michael Thompson, a former standout collegiate player and seasoned professional athlete, joins the Iona University men’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. Thompson brings a wealth of experience from his playing career at both the collegiate and professional levels, having competed in some of the top leagues across Europe and Asia.

A 2011 graduate of Northwestern University, Thompson left an indelible mark on the Wildcats’ basketball program, finishing as one of the most decorated players in school history. Upon graduation, he held the school record for assists (528), minutes played (4,633), games played (129), and games started (129). Additionally, he ranked second in three-point field goals made (276), third in points scored (1,689), fifth in steals (159), and sixth in three-point field goal percentage (.409).

Following his collegiate career, Thompson embarked on a successful professional playing career spanning over a decade, competing in some of the world’s most competitive leagues. He began his professional journey in Germany with Skyliners Frankfurt during the 2011-12 season before moving to France, where he played for ASVEL, Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez, and SPO Rouen between 2012 and 2016. In 2016, he joined Besiktas in Turkey’s top-tier Basketbol Süper Ligi, followed by a stint with Istanbul BB the following season. Returning to France in 2018, he played for Le Mans and later for BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque during the 2019-20 season. His career then took him to Kazakhstan, where he competed for Astana in the VTB United League during the 2020-21 season, before joining Al Ahly in Egypt, where he played in the Egyptian Basketball Super League in 2021-22 and returned in 2023. As a professional, Thompson was a part of nine team championships, one in Kazakhstan and eight consecutive titles in Egypt.

After completing his professional career, Thompson founded the Juice Hoops Foundation, a nonprofit committed to providing inclusive and uplifting programs for underserved and neurodiverse youth. He has also served as a player development coach for various college and pro athletes in the Chicago area for the past two years.

Thompson’s extensive playing experience and deep understanding of the game make him a valuable addition to the Iona coaching staff. His leadership, knowledge, and international perspective will play a crucial role in developing the Gaels’ student-athletes and continuing the program’s tradition of excellence.

https://ionagaels.com/news/2025/3/31/geriot-adds-wallace-and-thompson-to-iona-mbb-staff.aspx