After eight years and seven seasons with the Cougars, Brian Nigro has announced he is stepping down as the head coach of the Medgar Evers College men’s basketball program. One of the most influential and respected coaches in program history, Nigro has decided to step away to spend more time with his family.
Statement from Coach Nigro:
“After eight incredible years coaching basketball at Medgar Evers, I’m officially stepping down from my role as head coach. This decision wasn’t easy, but it comes from a place of pride and excitement, as I look forward to supporting my son as he begins his high school basketball career at St. Peter’s Boys High School. Additionally, I will be joining the St. Peter’s staff as an assistant coach, an opportunity that I am extremely grateful for.
First and foremost, I want to thank the student-athletes that I’ve had the honor of coaching during my tenure at Medgar Evers College. You’ve given me everything – your trust, your hustle, and your heart. Watching you grow both athletically and academically has been the most rewarding part of this incredible journey.
To our Director of Athletics, Chetara Murphy: Thank you for your constant support and leadership. You’ve been a steady force and a true partner every step of the way.
To my assistant coaches, Brad Oringer, Kelvin Bigelow, Todd Jamison, and Tommy Keenan: Thank you for being more than just colleagues. You’ve been dependable, dedicated, and always had the players’ best interests at heart. I consider you guys family. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to share the sidelines with.
Thank you to the Medgar Evers College community and student body for always showing up and showing love. Your support created an atmosphere that made this program something truly special.
To my family: Thank you for your love, patience, and strength. Coaching is a full-time commitment, and none of this would’ve been possible without your constant support.
Though I’m moving on, I’ll always be proud to have been a part of the Medgar basketball family. Thank you for the fantastic memories, and go Cougar Country!”
Student-Athlete Accolades Under Nigro:
One of the outstanding things about Nigro during his tenure as Cougars Coach was his ability to motivate and get the best out of his student-athletes. Over the course of his seven seasons as coach, three student-athletes, including Justin Sutton, Maurice Swaby III, and Andre Evans Jr. all eclipsed the 1,000-point club for their careers. The aforementioned Evans Jr. played four seasons under Nigro. Mousa Sinera, another four-year student-athlete, snatched 1,050 rebounds for his career, placing him second on MEC’s all-time list. Three student-athletes, including Evans Jr. (2021-2025), Basheeru Camara (2017-2019), and Jacob Green (2022-2023) earned CUNYAC Rookie of the Year awards. In addition to the CUNYAC Rookie of the Year honors, six student-athletes were named All-Stars during Nigro’s tenure (two First Team All-Stars, four Second Team All-Stars), and six student-athletes earned spots on Sportsmanship teams. Justin Sutton was tabbed First Team All-Metropolitan for the Cougars. Several of Nigro’s student-athletes earned NABC Honors Court distinctions, and multiple players continued to compete professionally in Armenia, Bulgaria, and the Dominican Republic
Four CUNYAC Postseason Appearances:
During his first season as the Head Coach of the Cougars (2017-2018), Medgar Evers did not earn a CUNYAC postseason berth, however, the team improved its win total by three games, and the Cougars earned a 79-77 victory over New York University (12/2/17), marking the first time ever that a Medgar Evers team had defeated a New York University team in any sport. Later that season, the Cougars outlasted Baruch College 69-65 (1/3/18) at the Cougars Cave, giving Nigro his 100th victory in a coaching career that featured 139 triumphs.
In four of the Nigro’s final six seasons at the helm, the Cougars qualified for the CUNYAC postseason, including tournament appearances during the 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2021-2022, and 2024-2025 campaigns.
Success Against Baruch College:
Under former Bearcats Head Coach John Alesi, Baruch went 83-19 in CUNYAC games during Nigro’s tenure at Medgar Evers College. Nigro’s teams played exceptionally well against Baruch over the years, though, securing memorable victories against Baruch during that aforementioned span. As mentioned earlier, Nigro captured his 100th career coaching victory with a 69-65 triumph over Baruch back on January 3, 2018. Two seasons later, Medgar Evers upended the Bearcats again, this time at the ARC Arena, on February 4, 2020, by a score of 59-56. During the 2021-2022 campaign, the Cougars ruined Baruch’s bid for a perfect season in CUNYAC play, downing the Bearcats 71-65 to drop Baruch to 11-1 in league play. Nigro’s final victory against Alesi came on February 11, 2025, when the Cougars upset the Bearcats by a score of 84-80 on Carroll Street.
Focus on Academics:
One of the primary life lessons that Nigro tried to instill in the minds of his student-athletes was that they were students first, and athletes second. Over his seven-year tenure at the helm, Nigro’s steadfast belief in performing in the classroom led to his student-athletes working hard and achieving consistent admirable grades.
Director of Athletics Chetara Murphy quote
“Over the past eight years and seven seasons, Brian Nigro has represented the Medgar Evers College basketball program exceptionally”, Murphy said. “From the moment I hired Brian as the Head Coach, I knew he had the best interest of the students in mind, and he played an integral role in the development of a plethora of young men both academically and athletically. Brian demanded a lot from his student-athletes, but he also made sure that they understood that he was always available for them to come to if they were seeking advice, guidance, or direction. Under his tutelage, the men’s basketball team greatly improved its academic standing, and on the court, the team reached the CUNYAC postseason four times, and saw 21 student-athletes earn CUNYAC postseason awards. A multitude of our students also earned NABC Honors Court accolades, with some of them continuing their careers overseas. While I am sad to see Brian depart, I am excited for the next chapter of his career and life, and I wish him nothing but continued success and happiness.”
Nigro resigns as Head Basketball Coach at D3 Medgar Evers
