Rob Sanicola has announced his departure as head coach of the University of Southern Maine Huskies’ men’s basketball program. Joining the University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics during the 2021-2022 season and serving as the 16th head men’s basketball coach in program history, Sanicola’s ability to recruit and teach transformed the Huskies’ competitive ability over each of his three seasons. Sanicola is leaving USM for an opportunity with NBA’s G-League. Huskies’ Athletics is in the process of determining a qualified interim head coach to lead Southern Maine into the 2024-2025 season.
“Rob has done a tremendous job guiding our men’s basketball team and student-athletes during his time in Gorham,” said Director of Athletics Al Bean. “His new opportunity within the NBA’s G-League is an incredible testament to his knowledge, ability and work ethic as a coach, his character as a person, and his outstanding communication and mentor skills. Huskies’ Athletics will miss Rob, but wish him and his entire family the very best with this new opportunity.”
During Sanicola’s time at Hill Gymnasium, he has led Southern Maine to a berth into the Little East Conference playoffs each of his three seasons. Southern Maine finished the 2023-2024 season with a 14-12 overall record and a 9-7 mark in Little East Conference action, marking the first back-to-back winning campaigns for the Huskies in more than 30 seasons. During his tenure, Sanicola has coached four Huskies to All-Little East Conference honors, one player to the All-Defensive Team selection and three players to Maine Men’s Basketball Coaches and Writer’s Association (MMBCWA) All-State honors, and has had two players named to the MMBCWA All-Rookie Team.
Providing strong leadership and valuing the personal, academic and athletic growth of his student-athletes, Sanicola helped create a culture that included the program’s first player to be named to the National Basketball Coaches Association (NABC) Honor Court – Marcus Christopher (2021-2022). Since then, Husky men’s basketball has earned four NABC Honor Court citations.
A 1999 graduate of St. Joseph’s College (Maine), Sanicola was a four-year member of the Monks’ men’s basketball team. Serving as the team captain in his senior season, he helped his team to a school-record 26 wins during the 1998-99 season and a berth into the national tournament. Sanicola led the Monks for nearly 20 years before departing for Southern Maine.
Sanicola resigns as Head Basketball Coach at Southern Maine; Headed to NBA G-League
