PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's and women's basketball programs have appointed Rob Sullivan as General Manager, it was announced on Friday.
Sullivan joins the Scarlet Knights after six seasons at Saint Joseph's, including the previous three as general manager for the Hawks' men's basketball program.

In his new role, Sullivan will oversee strategic and operational initiatives that support both programs, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) strategy, alumni and donor engagement, game scheduling, and branding.

He will work closely with head women's basketball coach Coquese Washington and head men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell to further enhance infrastructure and elevate the student-athlete experience across both programs.

"It starts with the vision that Keli has for Rutgers Athletics," Sullivan said. "Rutgers being a nationally renowned academic institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference with two big-time basketball programs, made this an exciting role. This is a great opportunity to work with two head coaches who are both incredibly reputable and credentialed. I'm looking forward to what we can build with Rutgers basketball."

"Rob brings great experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to build and sustain successful programs," said Pikiell. "He's an exceptional fundraiser, and a proven leader who will make an immediate impact on Rutgers. His blend of basketball experience, key relationships and fundraising efforts will make him a key contributor to our staff going forward."

"I'm so excited about the addition of Rob Sullivan to our programs," said Washington. "Rob's infectious energy and experience in the general manager space is going to have a strong impact on Rutgers Basketball."

Sullivan brings a blend of traditional basketball experience as well as expertise in today's college basketball landscape with the involvement of NIL.

"In this new era of college athletics, I'm all-in and fully understand the importance that NIL plays in the recruitment and retention of players and crafting a roster for success and sustainability. I want to be a resource for Coach Washington and Coach Pikiell to win games and I know how crucial revenue share and NIL directly impact the team's success on the court."

Sullivan began his administrative career at Saint Joseph's, serving 10 seasons as Director of Men's Basketball Operations before joining Cornerstone Management, a sports and entertainment agency specializing in athlete marketing and development. He returned to Saint Joseph's in 2019 as Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs before transitioning into the General Manager role.

"I'm energized and excited to take on this opportunity," Sullivan added. "I have learned to thrive in an ever-changing and adaptive environment. I'm nimble, forward-thinking, and strategic, but I also bring a blue-collar work ethic that's been instilled in me both personally and through the basketball world. It's a blend of strategy and grit. I'm as competitive as they come, and I want to win. I'm fired up to be a part of Rutgers basketball."

A 2006 Saint Joseph's graduate, Sullivan was a member of the Hawks' men's basketball team that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2004 and the NIT Championship game in 2005.

"I had the opportunity as an undergraduate to play at St Joe's for Coach (Phil) Martelli, had some awesome team success, including that special Elite Eight team in 2004. Coach Martelli gave me my first shot in the business. After graduation, I became the director of basketball operations, and the beauty of that position at St Joe's is I literally learned the business from the ground up."

Sullivan's teammate in college, and current assistant general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jameer Nelson, has been impressed with Sullivan's adaptability in the ever-changing world of college athletics, going back to his playing days.

"The dynamic of being able to communicate effectively with the coaches, players, and donors is something he does exceptionally well," Nelson, who played 14 seasons in the NBA, said. "The main thing about him is he's real. In this business we all work in, being real is a huge characteristic that you need when working with people, and he has that."
A two-time team award recipient for leadership and spirit, he also excelled academically, earning honors on both the SJU Athletic Director's and Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Rolls.

Current New York Knicks Senior Vice President, Head of Player Development and former head coach of the St. Joe's men's basketball team (2019-25), Billy Lange, said Sullivan pioneered the General Manager position, aiding a vision that re-booted a brand and built a culture during critical changes to the college basketball landscape.

"Rutgers basketball made a great hire in Rob Sullivan," Lange said. "Rob has unique skills due to his varied experiences in the college hoops landscape. He has been a part of a No. 1-ranked team in the nation as a player, he has served an NCAA Tournament program in the critical role of Basketball Operations, he has excelled in the field of sports agency and has run his own player development company where he trained players from young ages to the professional ranks."

Sullivan will begin his role on Monday, Nov. 10 and work closely with the basketball staff and Rutgers Athletics leadership.