Story Courtesy: Taylor Brown, Associate Director of Sports Information & Media Relations
Fresh off the program’s first NCAA Division II National Championship, Gannon University men’s basketball head coach Easton Bazzoli has announced the addition of Tommy Sala to the Golden Knights coaching staff as an assistant coach.
Sala will join Easton Bazzoli and Mike Chalas as part of a Gannon program coming off a historic 2025-26 season that culminated in the NCAA Division II National Championship, the first team national title in Gannon Athletics history. He will assist with all aspects of the program, including recruiting, player development, scouting, and game preparation.
Sala joins the Golden Knights after spending six seasons at Nova Southeastern University, where he was part of NCAA Division II National Championship teams in 2023 and 2025. During his time with the Sharks, Sala gained valuable experience within one of the nation’s premier Division II basketball programs and was immersed in a championship culture.
“We are really excited about the addition of Tommy Sala to the staff,” said Head Coach Easton Bazzoli. “Tommy brings national championship pedigree as a player along with experience in our style of play. Tommy is known for his elite relationship building, work ethic, and team-building qualities that will instantly impact our program in positive ways. He will quickly become one of the best young coaches in America.”
Nova Southeastern’s 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship coaching staff included former Gannon head coach Jordan Fee and current Golden Knights assistant coach Mike Chalas. Having spent six seasons in the program, Sala is familiar with the system and championship culture that have contributed to success at both institutions.
A native of Lakewood, Ohio, Sala also gained coaching experience through AAU basketball and youth camps, helping develop players through skill instruction, practice planning, mentorship, and game preparation. He additionally served on Nova Southeastern’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing the interests of student-athletes and working with university administrators on various initiatives.
Sala graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management in 2023 before earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2025.
