Coach Deshon Gaither brings extensive coaching experience at the collegiate, prep, professional, and international levels. Originally from South Bend/Mishawaka, Indiana, he has built a reputation for developing players, building championship-caliber programs, and fostering excellence both on and off the court.
Most recently, Coach Gaither arrived in Rhode Island after coaching in Maine, where he served as Head Men's Basketball Coach/Head Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach at Thomas College (2018-2022). During his four seasons. The Terriers earned three North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Tournament appearances (the 2020-21 tournament was canceled due to COVID-19), maintained a team GPA above 3.0 every year, produced two 1,000-point scorers, and achieved a 100% graduation rate.
Prior to Thomas College, Coach Gaither served as Head Men's Basketball Coach and Prep Coordinator at Lee Academy's Postgraduate Program, where he compiled a 52-17 record over two seasons. Under his leadership, more than 20 student-athletes advanced to the next level, including NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior college programs.
Coach Gaither also enjoyed tremendous success at Bryant University (2004-2008) as the Head Associate Men's Basketball Coach, helping lead the program to a National Champions runner-up finish, three Elite Eight appearances, and one Sweet 16 appearance. During that span, the staff earned Coach Max Good Coach of the Year honors twice.
Professionally, Coach Gaither was the Head Associate Men's Basketball Coach in the Ontario Professional Basketball League (OPBA), where the team went undefeated, won the OPBA Championship, and the coaching staff, led by Brian Rowsom, earned Coach of the Year honors.
Internationally, Coach Gaither still serves as an Assistant Coach/Consultant for the Aruba men's National Team, helping guide the program to third-place and runner-up finishes in international competition.
His coaching experience also includes serving as an Assistant Coach/Consultant for the Silver Creek High School girls' basketball program, where the Dragons captured a state championship, finished as state runners-up, and won four consecutive regular-season conference championships under Head Coach Scott Scheon.
A former collegiate player, Coach Gaither played at Mount St. Clare College (now Ashford University), where he developed the passion for the game that has fueled his coaching career.
Away from the court, Coach Gaither enjoys watching college and professional basketball, playing UNO, and spending time on the pickleball court. Above all, he is most proud of his four children-Peyton, Leilah, Shane, and Lia.
Coach Gaither is excited to begin this next chapter and looks forward to helping develop student-athletes while contributing to a culture of excellence on and off the court.
