Sean Neal enters his eighth season on staff and his third as the Associate Head Coach.
The Bonnies have now won 20 or more games in three out of the past four seasons. They have appeared in the postseason (one NCAA Tournament, two NIT appearances) in three out of the past five seasons. In the 2020-21 season, St. Bonaventure won both the Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship and the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship- the first time the program has won both titles in school history.
In addition to the NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021, the Bonnies advanced to the NIT Final Four in 2022 while being ranked as high as No. 15 in the country-the first Top 25 ranking in 40 years. Also during the 2021-22 season, St. Bonaventure collected 6 power conference victories, including at Virgina, at Oklahoma and at Colorado along with winning the prestigious Charleston Classic Championship on their way to 23 wins overall.
Despite roster turnover from the transfer portal the past two seasons, the Bonnies winning ways have continued. In the 2023-24 season they reached 20 victories and an Atlantic 10 semifinals appearance. After bringing in 10 new players from the transfer portal and junior college ranks in the ‘24-25 season, St. Bonaventure notched 22 victories and received an invitation to the NIT.
In recognition of his efforts as a coach and recruiter, especially in the transfer portal era, Neal was recognized as one of the top assistant coaches in the country by Silver Waves Media at the 2025 Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.
Prior to St. Bonaventure, Neal worked for Big 5 Hall of Famer Dr. John Giannini at La Salle University. During his time on the coaching staff, the Explorers reached two post seasons, including the 2013 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 while also winning 2013 Philadelphia Big 5 Championship, given to the best college team in Philadelphia. The Explorers finished the season ranked #24 in the country with wins over Villanova, Butler, Kansas State and Ole Miss. The Explorers also won 21 games in 2011-2012 season and made an appearance in the NIT.
To begin his coaching career, Neal worked for Rob Kennedy at The Hoop Group in Neptune, NJ directly after his college graduation. The Hoop Group was the largest basketball company on the east coast at the time. Neal assisted in grassroots tournaments and recruiting for the Hoop Group Elite camp.
As a player, Neal played for LaSalle University from 2003-2007. In the 2005-2006 season, Neal played point guard on the team that finished third in the Atlantic 10, the highest finish in school history.
The Springfield, Mass native enjoyed a standout high school career at Springfield Cathedral High School where he was The Western Massachusetts Player of the Year and The Massachusetts Coaches Association Regional Player of the Year on his way to earning a Division I scholarship to La Salle University.
Neal received his bachelor's degree in political science in 2007 and his MBA in 2011 from La Salle University. He and his wife Kara, Doctor of Physical Therapy, reside in Olean with their three daughters: Giuliana, Mackenzie, and Averie.
