Barry “Slice” Rohrssen was an American college basketball coach and the former head men’s basketball coach at Manhattan College. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was named the 22nd head coach in Manhattan Jaspers basketball history on April 25, 2006-2011. He has also served as an assistant under John Calipari at Kentucky[3] and at St. John’s University under Chris Mullin.

Prior to being appointed at Manhattan, Rohrssen served as an assistant coach at St. Francis College (his alma mater), the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the University of Pittsburgh. He was later promoted to associate head coach at Pittsburgh. He is well known for his ability as a recruiter (particularly in New York City) and was directly responsible for opening the pipeline from New York City to the University of Pittsburgh, University of Kentucky and St John’s University.

Leadership Beyond the Game

Barry “Slice” Rohrssen stands out in college basketball due to several key aspects of his career, relationships, and leadership across the sport.

Recruiting Excellence

• • Known as a “Recruiting Ace”: Rohrssen is renowned for his skills in identifying and attracting talent, especially from the New York City area.
  • Building Connections: He’s recognized as one of the most well-connected recruiters in the game, building strong relationships with players, coaches, and others in the basketball community.
  • Opening Recruitment Pipelines: Rohrssen was particularly effective at establishing a pathway for New York City prospects to attend universities like Pittsburgh, recruiting notable players such as Levance Fields and Carl Krauser.

Overall, Barry “Slice” Rohrssen’s unique blend of recruitment prowess, commitment to player development, and varied life experiences contributes to his reputation as a respected and special figure in the world of college basketball, where everyone loves him.

Philanthropic Leadership

• Tom Konchalsky Foundation: Barry played an instrumental role in helping to form the Tom Konchalsky Foundation. He continues to serve on its Board and remains one of its most active advocates and ambassadors.
• Respected Throughout the Basketball World: Rohrssen is widely known and deeply respected by college coaches, recruiters, and professionals across every level of the basketball world.

Mentorship and Player Development

• Focus on Service: Rohrssen emphasizes helping young men, stating that a key motivation for him is to be available and support them, reflecting his own positive experiences with coaches.
• Developing NBA Talent: He has a reputation for developing players, including those who were less-known recruits, into NBA draft picks.
• Prioritizing Academics: Rohrssen is committed to his players’ academic success, ensuring high graduation rates among his senior classes.

Unique Background and Personality

• “Slice” Nickname: He earned the nickname “Slice” from his days working at the legendary Five Star Basketball Camp.
• Acting Experience: Rohrssen is also known for having worked as an actor, appearing in several films, including “Glengarry Glen Ross” and Uncle Drew
• Dedication and Service: Beyond coaching, he’s actively involved in charitable efforts, supporting causes like the V Foundation for Cancer Research and visiting troops overseas, as well as being instrumental in the formation of the Tom Konchalski Foundation.
• Strong Values: His Catholic faith and education have heavily influenced his approach to coaching and his dedication to service.