Jamel Gist was named the 15th head men's basketball coach in Hunter College history in 2023. In his third season with the Hawks, Gist continued to guide a developing roster through a competitive CUNYAC schedule. Hunter earned five wins during the 2024–25 campaign, including three in conference play. Highlights included a season-high 88-point performance against Medgar Evers and a road victory at York, where the Hawks shot 50 percent from the field and delivered clutch free throws in the closing seconds. Hunter also edged out USMMA in a non-conference battle.
A former all-conference player at Brooklyn College, Gist began his collegiate career at NYU-Poly, where he was named Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year in 2012–13 after averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He transferred to Brooklyn College and became a staple in the lineup, starting all 102 games across three seasons, serving as a two-time team captain, and leading the Bulldogs to consecutive CUNYAC championship appearances — including a title in 2016. He finished his collegiate career with 1,458 points (14.7 PPG average).
After graduating with a degree in business management and finance, Gist joined York College’s coaching staff in 2016 and was promoted to interim head coach in 2022. He led the Cardinals to back-to-back CUNYAC postseason appearances, including a semifinal run in 2021–22 — York’s first since 2014–15. During his tenure, seven players earned All-Conference honors, including the 2018–19 CUNYAC Rookie of the Year.
When Director of Athletics Terry Wansart hired Gist, she praised his work ethic and deep understanding of the CUNY system, stating: “His ability to build relationships with players, coaches and administrators is really evident when meeting with Jamel… I have watched coach support and improve his players over the past few years, as we have competed against him, always maintaining a team concept.”
