Brunt Joins Syracuse Hoop Staff

Jamal Brunt, a Division I assistant coach for more than 20 years, has joined the Syracuse men's basketball staff as an assistant coach, according to Coach Gerry McNamara.

Brunt comes to Syracuse following three seasons as associate head coach at Penn State.

BRUNT COACHING CAREER
He embarked on a coaching career at his alma mater, Division III Randolph-Macon, with Rhoades. The Yellow Jackets made an NCAA Tournament appearance in Brunt's two seasons.

Brunt was hired as director of operations at Richmond in 2005. After two years in the post, Brunt was promoted by Coach Chris Mooney to assistant coach. In 2013, he was named associate head coach. In 10 campaigns at Richmond, Brunt was a part of six teams that earned postseason spots. The Spiders competed in the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons (2009-10, 2010-11), played in the NIT once (2014-15), and made three visits to the College Basketball Invitational (2007-08, 2008-09 and 2012-13).

In 2015-16, Brunt started a three-year tenure in an offensive coordinator role at Miami (Fla.) under Coach Jim Larranaga. The Hurricanes made three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. Miami was 27-8, was ranked in the top 15 for 14 weeks, and advanced to the Sweet 16 in Brunt's first year.

Brunt rejoined Rhoades at Virginia Commonwealth in 2018-19. He made an immediate impact, helping the Rams to a 25-8 record and the NCAA Tournament the first year. In 2021-22 he was promoted to associate head coach and Virginia Commonwealth advanced to the NIT. One season later, the Rams were 27-8, won the Atlantic 10 Tournament and reached the NCAA postseason. Brunt was selected as one of the 50 Impactful Mid-Major Assistant Coaches by Silver Waves Media in 2020.

When Rhoades was hired as Penn State's coach in 2023, he brought Brunt along as associate head coach and defensive coordinator. Brunt helped guide Ace Baldwin Jr. to consecutive Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025. Brunt's presence was felt in recruiting as well with Penn State signing a top-25 class in the staff's first year.

BRUNT PLAYING CAREER
He played four seasons for Coach Mike Rhoades at Randolph-Macon. The Yellow Jackets earned NCAA Tournament berths in Brunt's junior and senior years. He earned a bachelor's degree in international relations in 2003.

BRUNT FAMILY
Brunt and his wife, Erica, have a son, Jalen, and two daughters, Peyton and Price.

SYRACUSE TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026-27 season are available at cuse.com/feature/basketball-tickets .

For complete coverage of Syracuse men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter (@Cuse_MBB) and Instagram (@cuse_mbb).

Syracuse University Athletics

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