Christian Brothers Academy is excited to announce that Brian Lynch ‘96 has been named the new head varsity basketball coach.
“We could not be more thrilled that Coach Brian Lynch will be coming home to lead our storied basketball program,” President Ross Fales said. “Coach Lynch brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help our student-athletes reach their highest potential. We are confident that he will lead a championship-level basketball program, all while supporting our school’s mission to develop well-rounded men of character.”
Lynch returns to his alma mater as just the fourth head coach in CBA Basketball history. His long, accomplished basketball career began as a student-athlete at the Academy, where he won four Shore Conference titles and the 1995 Non-Public A State Championship. He is one of 21 CBA players to record more than 1,000 points as a Colt.
“I am very honored and humbled to follow in the footsteps of legendary coaches that have shaped the foundation of CBA Basketball,” Lynch said. “The opportunity to come back home, and have the challenge of continuing the tradition of excellence set forth by the three coaches before me, means everything.”
After retiring from an international professional playing career, Lynch began coaching in 2011, first with Belgium’s Houthalen. In 2014, he became the head coach of Limburg United in the Euromillions League, the top tier of pro basketball in Belgium. He was named the league’s Coach of the Year after his first season.
Lynch spent six years coaching in the Euromillions League and his teams - Limburg United and Spirou Charleroi - finished in the top four in every season. His Limburg United team reached the Belgian Cup finals in 2017.
When Lynch returned stateside in 2021, he accepted the job as head boys’ basketball coach at St. Rose High School in his hometown of Belmar.
He led the Purple Roses to new heights, winning three straight Non-Public B sectional titles, two Shore Conference Championships, and the 2024 Non-Public B State Championship. His 2024 team was ranked number one in the state by NJ.com.
Now, he is ready to make the transition back to the Academy, energized by the chance to coach the Colts.
“What makes the brand of CBA Basketball so big are the alumni that have walked these halls together,” Lynch said. “I encourage all alumni and past players to come back and support our kids today. It would be inspiring for them to see the connection that is rooted in our school and show that, once you have worn the CBA jersey, you become part of the Colt family for life.”
Lynch played for longtime CBA head coach Ed “Wiz” Wicelinski, who he credits for teaching him how to be accountable and what it means to be a fierce competitor. While it has been nearly 30 years since his CBA graduation, Lynch’s coaching philosophy remains closely aligned with the Academy’s core values.
“A big piece of the culture within our program will be based on instilling the values that develop young men with high character,” Lynch said. “When you are a part of something bigger than yourself and always working for the people around you, what you do on and off the court matters equally.”
CBA remains the winningest program in Shore Conference Tournament history with 16 titles. The Colts have been successful on the state level as well, winning eight NJSIAA Non-Public A championships.
Lynch attended Villanova University and played Division I basketball for the Wildcats, scoring just shy of 1,000 points and being named team captain for his senior season. With Lynch playing an integral role, Villanova made the NCAA Tournament in 1997 and 1999.
He went on to play nine seasons of European professional basketball, including time in Poland, Germany, Greece, Italy and Belgium.
Luckily for CBA fans, his next stop is in Lincroft.
“In order to be one of the best programs in the state, a foundational piece is to connect our past with our present,” Lynch said. “I look forward to getting on campus and meeting our students, parents, alumni and fans. Let’s go Colts!”
