Luke McConnell enters his first season as head men’s basketball coach at Saint Francis. McConnell, who served as associate head coach of the program last season, succeeds Rob Krimmel. Troubadour sports editor Sam Przybys recently sat down with McConnell. The Red Flash open the 2025-26 season on Nov. 3 at Oklahoma.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge for you since becoming head coach?
A: Getting 18 guys all on the same page, willing to sacrifice for one another for one common goal. It can be tough, sometimes uncomfortable, but it is the most rewarding experience when it happens.
Q: What is your favorite thing about SFU?
A: The people and relationships I have been able to make over my 17 years here.
Q: What style of play can fans anticipate seeing on the court this season?
A: We are looking forward to playing an up-tempo style with great ball movement. We want to produce an exciting style of basketball that fans will really enjoy.
Q: With so many new players, is the team coming together well from a chemistry perspective?
A: The guys are coming together really well.
Q: Who are some of the players that will be key contributors in your rotation this season?
A: We are excited to bring back Chris Moncrief, who was a starter on last year’s NCAA Tournament team. Chris is the ultimate connector and a big piece of what we do. The most exciting thing is that we have a lot of depth and a lot of players with the ability to make an impact on the game.
Q: You are in a unique position – you are a first-year head coach of a program in its last year of Division I. Who do you turn to for professional advice?
A: It is so important to surround yourself with great people. I have a wonderful staff and I have two wonderful mentors: Rob Krimmel, who I worked under for during the last 13 years, and my father (Tom), who is a long-time coach and who coached here at SFU from 1992-99. I could talk for hours about what they mean to me and how impactful they have been on my life.
Q: Describe your team in three words.
A: Fast, tough, together.
