York University Athletics & Recreation announced Monday that Jermain Holness has been selected as the interim head coach of the Lions men's basketball program for the 2022-23 season.
 
Holness is elevated to the position from his previous title of assistant coach with the Lions, a position he held since joining York in September 2021. Prior to his York experience, Holness was a key member of Toronto Metropolitan University's coaching staff for a half-decade.
 
As a member of the coaching staff at TMU, routinely a nationally ranked program, Holness earned an OUA championship (2016), two OUA silver medals (2017 and 2018), two U SPORTS silver medals (2016 and 2017), and one U SPORTS bronze medal (2018).
 
"I am thrilled to provide Jermain this opportunity within the York family," said Duke Dickson, interim executive director of York Athletics & Recreation. "I know that the depth of his experience and familiarity with the Lions basketball program will help our team take the next step in solidifying its position among the best in the OUA."
 
York will conduct a full search for the full-time head coach of the men's basketball team in the future, but are excited to move forward with Holness in this role for the 2022-23 season.
 
Holness, a native of Toronto, arrived at York after spending the 2020 and 2021 seasons as an assistant coach with the CEBL's Edmonton Stingers. He won the CEBL Championship in his first season as a member of the Stingers staff – which was also his first season as a member of a professional basketball coaching staff.
 
In addition to his experience at the university and professional levels, Holness earned a national championship as assistant coach for the 2018 Ontario 15U team. He held that position from 2017-2019.
 
He also founded Hoops Canada and has acted as the organization's program director since 2013.  A skills training and player development program, Hoops Canada aims to teach players the fundamentals needed to play at high levels of competitive amateur basketball, such as U SPORTS and the AAU.
 
Holness graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology. He also holds an Advance Diploma from Centennial College in Child and Youth work, with honours.