Chris LaBelle, a former star player and an integral part of the Cyclones’ basketball legacy, currently serves as the head coach of the Centenary University men's basketball team. Taking over as interim head coach early into the 2023-2024 season, Coach LaBelle quickly made his mark, in his first full season, he led the Cyclones to an impressive nine-game improvement, finishing with an 11-14 regular season record. This feat led the Cyclones to earn the opportunity to host the Quarter Final of the Atlantic East Playoff. His leadership not only showed in the win column but also in the development of his players, especially standout athletes like Kenneth Rankin and Naire Preston. Under Coach LaBelle's guidance, both players saw significant growth in their points per game, assists, and shooting percentages. Kenneth Rankin achieved first team all-conference honors for his tremendous season for the Cyclones. Additionally, Coach LaBelle and his staff earned Atlantic East Coaching Staff of The Year in the 24-25 season, which is the first time this has been accomplished in the Centenary University Men’s Basketball Program.
Before becoming the head coach, LaBelle was a legendary player for the Cyclones, cementing his name in the school’s record books. He is second all-time in points scored (1,963), third in 3-pointers made (190), and first in free throws made (545), assists (449), and steals (154). He holds the individual season record for points and assist in Atlantic East Conference during his 2021-2022 season. LaBelle’s individual accolades include three First Team All-Conference selections, the 2019-20 CSAC Player of the Year award, 2020-2021 Preseason All-American, and the prestigious Centenary Athletics Cardy Gemma Award.
With a strong foundation built on both his playing career and coaching abilities, Coach LaBelle is focused on continuing to elevate the Cyclones to new heights while fostering the growth of each player both on and off the court. Academically he strives to support and hold his players to a standard of success in the classroom. While his coaching philosophy includes buying into winning each day, putting the team above all, and executing the necessary work in order to be the best version of yourself.
Coach LaBelle is also acting Interim Sports Information Director for the Centenary Athletics Department. He spent a year as the assistant coach/transfer admissions counselor for the University before taking over head coaching duties.
Outside of Centenary, coach LaBelle was a coach for the United AAU program where he coached and developed with their high school levels 15-17U teams, prior to taking over as head coach. He spent 3 season assisting the program along with coaching multiple youth camps including Fundamentals Camp in Hamilton NJ.
