Men's Basketball Coaches

When Thomas Wolfe wrote, “you can never come home again,” he didn’t have Mike Martin in mind. Brown University named former Brown basketball standout Mike Martin ‘04 the 31^st head men’s basketball coach in the program’s 106-year history on June 1, 2012 in an announcement made by Athletic Director Jack Hayes.  Martin (born July 4, 1982) is the fourth youngest head men’s basketball coach in Division I.

“Mike Martin will bring tremendous energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the Brown Basketball program,” said Hayes. “His experience in the Ivy League as both a successful student-athlete and coach has prepared him for this opportunity.  We are excited that he is returning to his alma mater and look forward to the program returning to the top of the Ivy League.”

A four-year starter at Brown, Martin was part of the winningest class in the Bears' basketball history, posting a 63-45 four-year record from 2000-2004. He also helped the Class of 2004 to a school-record 39-17 Ivy League mark during that period -- the best by an Ivy League team other than Penn and Princeton since 1970.

"I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head coach at Brown, a school at which I have so many fond memories,” said Martin.  “I'd like to thank Vice President Margaret Klawunn, Athletic Director Jack Hayes, retiring Athletic Director Mike Goldberger, and the entire search committee for their belief in me.  I am anxious to start working to improve our program.  I believe strongly in all we have to offer at Brown and am eager to connect with all the current players, Brown alumni, fans, and supporters."

An economics concentrator as an undergraduate, Martin was co-captain of Brown's 2003-2004 team that finished second in the Ivy League standings for the third time in his four years, and defeated Princeton for the first time ever in Princeton, New Jersey. He also helped the Bears to a school-record four straight winning seasons.

A native of Agawam, Mass., where he starred at Cathedral High School, Martin averaged 11 points per game for Brown as a senior. He also played a major role on the Bears' 2003 team that posted a 12-2 Ivy League mark and earned a berth in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). When he graduated, Martin ranked third all-time at Brown in career treys (143), ninth in career steals (113), and tenth in career assists (232).

After graduating from Brown, Martin spent the 2004-05 season playing professionally for Dart Killester in Ireland's top division of professional basketball.

Martin launched his coaching career at Brown on head coach Glen Miller’s staff as an assistant coach in 2005-2006. He joined Miller at Penn in 2006-2007 as an assistant coach and enjoyed a memorable season, with the Quakers posting a 22-9 record, winning the Ivy League Championship with a 13-1 League mark, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

This past season, his sixth at Penn, he helped head coach Jerome Allen and the Quakers post 20 wins overall for the first time since 2006-07, finishing second in the Ivy League at 11-3, one game behind Harvard in the standings. Penn then played in the postseason College Basketball Invitational, defeating Quinnipiac in the opening round before falling to Butler in the quarterfinal round.

Martin has helped recruit and mentor some of the Ivy League's top players during his time at Brown and Penn, including Matt Mullery ’10, Brown’s all-time leader in blocked shots, and Penn’s Zack Rosen, the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2011-12 and the program's all-time assist leader.

Martin and his wife, the former Kristin Ferrell ’04, who played soccer at Brown, have a daughter, Keira.

What They Say About Mike Martin:

Penn Head Basketball Coach Jerome Allen:

“I am extremely happy for Mike and his family; his hiring is well-deserved. Mike has done the University of Pennsylvania a great service for the last six years, and it is only right that he get the opportunity to run his own program. As I have learned the last three years, it is a special opportunity to oversee a program that you once played in, and I know that Mike will embrace that opportunity at Brown. With the exception of two times each season, I wish Mike nothing but the best of success.”

University of Michigan Men's Basketball Head Coach John Beilein:

"It was just a matter of time before Mike Martin became a head coach at the Division I level. Mike is an impressive young man with great potential as a leader and a basketball coach. He understands what it takes to win in the Ivy League and gives Brown a rising star in the coaching profession."

Hofstra Head Basketball Coach Mo Cassara:

“Mike Martin is one of the most talented and energetic young coaches in the country. Mike's return to Brown is a wonderful hire for the basketball program, the athletic department and the university community.

Boston College Men’s Basketball Coach Steve Donahue:

“Brown could not have hired a better person or coach.  He understands what Brown and the Ivy League is all about, and he’s the perfect guy for the job.  Watching him grow as a player and coach, I always thought Mike would be an Ivy League head coach.”

Hartford Head Basketball Coach John Gallagher: 

“Having worked with Mike for two years and seeing first hand the work ethic, discipline and energy he exhibited, it will come at no surprise when Brown Basketball plays with those same qualities.”

Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris:

"Mike had an outstanding playing career as an Ivy League student-athlete and has built on those experiences to find great success as a coach. I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next stage of his coaching career at Brown."

Brown’s All-Time Leading Scorer Earl Hunt ’03:

“As an alum and teammate of Mike, I’m extremely pleased at the decision to have him lead the Brown basketball program.  He’s smart, energetic and hates to lose.  Mike’s well connected in recruiting circles, and is a wonderful representative of Brown.  The program could not be in better hands.”

Delaware Athletic Director and NCAA Basketball Committeeman Bernard Muir ’90:

“Mike’s enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge of the game make him a great hire for Brown. Mike exudes confidence in everything he does. As a former player, I’m excited about the leadership Mike will bring to the program. The Brown basketball community is ready to stand behind him.”

Former Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese:

“I remember Mike as a very good basketball player and outstanding competitor at Brown. The basketball program at Brown will be in great hands under his leadership.”

TJ Sorrentine joined the Brown coaching staff in 2008 and was named the Associate Head Coach at Brown in 2011. He begins his first season under head coach Mike Martin. Sorrentine was the Interim Head Coach of the Bears from March 5, 2012 - June 1, 2012.   A Pawtucket, Rhode Island native, Sorrentine is well respected as a national recruiter and is recognized as one of the top up-and-coming coaches in the country.

Sorrentine was the leader of the Vermont basketball team that upset Syracuse in the opening round of the 2005 NCAA Championship.  He begins his fourth season on the Brown coaching staff and first as associate head coach of the Bears.

A 2005 graduate of Vermont with a B.A. in sociology, Sorrentine was a two-year captain, America East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, a three-time First Team All-conference player and an Honorable Mention All-American. He was also named to the America East Academic Honor Roll in 2002 and 2003.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to coach, and having an opportunity to coach at Brown and in my home state is a dream come true,” said Sorrentine.

The point guard led Vermont to two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 2004 and 2005, and hit the game winning three-point basket that crushed the Syracuse Orangemen in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Sorrentine played professionally from 2005-2008, playing with Kk Krka in Slovenia, FC Porto in Portugal, Branca Nouvo Trappani in Italy, and the Florida Flame of the NBA Developmental League. He also played in the NBA Summer League with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.

He also has extensive camp experience, and was a special guest speaker at the New England Top 90 Invitational, while working as a clinician at the Eastern Invitational Basketball Camp, the University of Vermont Basketball Camp, the University of Pennsylvania Basketball Camp, and the University of Rhode Island Basketball Camp.

Sorrentine’s roots run deep through Rhode Island where he was a standout at St. Raphael’s Academy in Pawtucket, earning All-State honors, while playing for his father, Thomas. He was the Rhode Island Player of the Year (USA Today, Gatorade) in 2000 after leading St. Ray’s to back-to-back state titles. He was also guided by Steve MacDonald, WHJJ Sportscaster, in his early years, playing CYO basketball.

Joining head coach Mike Martin's Brown basketball staff is former Boston College star Dwayne Pina, who was an assistant coach at Bryant University for the last seven seasons.

"I'm very excited to have finalized our coaching staff, starting with keeping TJ Sorrentine on board as associate head coach when I was first hired in June,” said Martin.  “I’m extremely pleased to add Dwayne Pina and Kevin Snyder to our staff.  In addition to their terrific coaching experience, each member of our staff has played collegiately at a high level and for highly successful programs.  Beyond that, they were all challenged academically at some fine institutions, and will be able to relate to the challenges of our student-athletes at Brown."

Pina was a member of the Bryant coaching staff for the past seven seasons, joining the Bulldog coaching staff in 2005-06.  He played an integral role in guiding Bryant basketball into the Division I era four years ago.

"Dwayne is someone I've known professionally and I've always admired how he approaches his duties as an assistant coach,” added Martin.  “He possesses all the qualities of a great assistant coach and I think he will add a tremendous amount of knowledge, passion, and energy to our staff and program."

Pina helped the Bulldogs to three-straight NCAA Division II tournaments, including two regional championship game appearances, before the Bulldogs made the move to Division I, where he helped guide them to the program’s first DI win in 2008-09.

A 2001 graduate of Boston College, Pina earned a bachelor's degree in communications. He joined the men's basketball team as a walk-on prior to the 1997-98 season and earned an athletic scholarship midway through that year.

In 1998-99, he started all 27 games for the Eagles, averaging 4.5 assists per contest to rank seventh in the Big East. Pina was named Team Defensive MVP in 1998 and earned the honor of Top Playmaker in 1999. Pina played in 78 games for Boston College during his career, making 38 starts as a guard.

In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Pina also served his local community in Chestnut Hill. He acted as a director at the Boston College Basketball Camp during the summers from 1997-99, providing children with an interest in basketball with a fundamental knowledge of the sport, as well as providing training in the basics.

Pina started his coaching career at Rhode Island College, helping the Anchormen to a 20-9 record and first place finish in the Little East Conference. RIC excelled throughout the postseason, advancing to the championship game of the ECAC New England Division III tournament.

Kevin Snyder joins the Brown coaching staff for the 2012-2013 season following a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Williams.  He also spent the 2009-10 season as the Director of Basketball Operations at The College of William & Mary. 

"Kevin is a highly intelligent individual, who has already accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time in this profession,” said Brown head coach Mike Martin. “He's extremely energetic, organized, and passionate about the game of basketball.  Our program is fortunate to have Kevin on board."

In 2010-2011, Snyder helped Williams compile a record of 29-3, going undefeated in NESCAC regular season play and advancing to the National Semifinals.

A 2009 Williams graduate with a degree in art and psychology, Snyder was a three-year starter for the Ephs and became the 26th player in Williams history to score over 1,000 career points.

As a senior co-captain, Snyder was named a first-team All-NESCAC honoree, while averaging 16.8 points per game and leading the squad in minutes played (34.8), three-pointers made (66) and assists (96). He scored a career-high 30 points on three occasions as a senior, helping Williams to a 17-9 overall mark and a 6-3 conference ledger.

The Littleton, Colo., native finished his Williams career with 1,016 points, 237 assists and 272 rebounds in 80 career starts. As a sophomore starter in 2007, Snyder helped the Ephs to the NESCAC Championship and a berth in the Division III NCAA Tournament. Snyder also found success in the classroom, earning Second-Team ESPN The Magazine Academic District I honors as a senior, and twice earning Academic All-NESCAC accolades.

Snyder played at Heritage High School in Littleton, Colo., and captained the squad to a state championship during his senior season in 2005. Heritage finished the year at 27-1 overall and was ranked No.1 in the state of Colorado, as well as ending the season as the 43rd ranked team in the nation. Snyder was an honorable mention All-State selection after averaging 14.4 points per game.