SMC California Athletics

A familiar face will be joining the Saint Mary's Men's Basketball coaching staff, as Gael alum EJ Rowland '05 joined Head Coach Randy Bennett's staff for the 2024-25 season. Rowland has enjoyed a 20-year professional career, playing on four different continents (North America, Australia, Europe and Asia) and brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to the SMC bench. 

"We're extremely excited to announce the return of our former player EJ Rowland to the Saint Mary's Men's Basketball Program," stated Head Coach Randy Bennett, "After retiring from a very successful professional basketball career, EJ will be a terrific addition as an assistant coach to our program." Bennett went on to say, "EJ's knowledge, high basketball IQ, leadership and character will be immediately beneficial to our players, staff and overall Saint Mary's community, and we are excited to welcome both him and his family to our Saint Mary's family."

Rowland played for Coach Bennett and the Gaels for two seasons (2003-05). He started at point guard for the Gaels in each of his two seasons in Moraga, helping Saint Mary's to a 25-9 record and an NCAA Tournament berth (the first under Bennett's tutelage) in 2005. In his two seasons as a Gaels, Rowland appeared in 63 games, starting 57. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, while shooting 41.8% from the field. 

Following his time as a Gael, Rowland spent a season with the Florida Flames of the NBA Developmental League before continuing his career overseas. Rowland's career hit a high point in 2013 while he was playing for VEF Riga. That season, Rowland led his team to a Latvian League Title, earning Playoffs MVP honors. In the seven game playoffs, Rowland averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He also was named the VTB United League MVP, leading the league in scoring at 17 points per contest. He most recently played for JL Bourg in the LNB Elite, the top league in France, appearing in 29 contests.