Canisius men's basketball coach Jim Christian has announced key changes to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season, promoting Scott Galst to assistant coach. Galst was previously the director of basketball operations and has a robust background that includes consulting for St. John's and working as a senior statistical auditor for the NBA. He takes over the role after Jimmy Hall chose to pursue his playing career overseas. Additionally, Matthew Felsenfeld has joined the staff as the new director of basketball operations, bringing experience from Parkland College and UNLV.

By the Numbers
  • Galst contributed to advanced opponent scouting and player development during his time with St. John's.
  • Felsenfeld helped lead Parkland College to a 29-7 record and the NJCAA Division II National Championship last season.
Yes, But

While the staff updates aim to strengthen the program, the transition period may pose challenges as Galst adapts to coaching duties and Felsenfeld integrates into a new role. Additionally, replacing Hall could impact team chemistry as they seek to build on last season's progress.

State of Play
  • Jim Christian is focused on enhancing player development through analytics and scouting expertise.
  • The team is moving forward after Hall's departure, seeking to maintain momentum from last season.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the coaching staff will need to establish a cohesive strategy to optimize player performance and team dynamics. The integration of Galst and Felsenfeld will be critical as they prepare the team for a competitive season ahead.

Bottom Line

The promotion of Scott Galst and the hiring of Matthew Felsenfeld signals a strategic shift for Canisius men's basketball, emphasizing analytics and player readiness. Christian's decisions reflect a commitment to building a stronger foundation for success in the upcoming season.