Bluefield State University athletics has announced the appointment of Luke D’Alessio as its new head men’s basketball coach. A seasoned leader with more than 30 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, D’Alessio brings a distinguished resume of competitive success, player development, and program building to Big Blue.
D’Alessio’s coaching career includes head coaching tenures at Bowie State University and most recently Fayetteville State University. His most notable success came during a decade-long run at Bowie State, where he amassed a 199-96 record and led the Bulldogs to three CIAA championships and six NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, Bowie State reached the NCAA Elite Eight and the South Atlantic Region Championship, establishing the program as a perennial contender on the national stage.
During the 2024-25 season, D’Alessio led the Broncos to a 23-9 record securing the No. 1 seed for the Southern Division and to the Semifinal round of the NCAA Atlantic Region Tournament. D’Alessio was also named the CIAA and HBCU All-Stars Clarence “Big House” Gaines NCAA Division II Coach of the Year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach D’Alessio to the Big Blue family,” said Dr. Darrin Martin, Bluefield State University President. “His extensive experience and proven track record of developing competitive programs make him an ideal leader for our men’s basketball team.”
In addition to his head coaching roles, D’Alessio has served in assistant coaching positions at several NCAA Division I programs, including Chicago State, South Alabama, UMBC, Canisius, and Tennessee State. His teams have consistently ranked among national leaders in scoring, assists, and defensive efficiency. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-caliber student-athletes while maintaining a strong commitment to academic success and character development.
D’Alessio’s international coaching experience includes work with Eurobasket and various global tours, adding to his broad perspective and player development reach. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University.
“I would like to thank President Dr. Darrin Martin, Brodderick Tucker and Ryan Bailey for giving me this great opportunity,” said D’Alessio. “I am honored, blessed and privileged to represent Bluefield State University and I’m excited to build on the recent success of the men’s basketball program. I can’t wait to get started and be a part of the Big Blue family!”
D’Alessio will begin his duties immediately as preparations begin for the upcoming season.
