About Us

Meet the Team! 

Irving Eggleston Jr: Founder/ Program Director BNL Elite Boys AAU

As a Coach, Irving enters his second season as an assistant at Brandeis University apart of the high academic UAA conference. Previously Irving spent two seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at Rhode Island College. Before this Irving spent one season as an assistant coach at Lasell College helping lead the Lasers to the playoffs. Additionally, he started his coaching career at Nichols College helping lead the bison to a program tying record of 25-4, their first Top 25 ranking in school history, and their 2nd Conference Championship. As an assistant coach Irving specialized in player development and recruiting, successfully recruiting an all conference player at each program he was a part of. 

As a Player, Eggleston is a 2016 graduate of Nichols College who was twice named Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Player of the Year. He guided the Bison to three CCC Regular Season Championships and two conference championship contests, and graduated tied for the program’s all-time leader in steals (193) and is No. 12 in points (1,298). Eggleston also ranks in the top 10 in career free throws attempts and makes. During his career at Nichols, he was a two-time CCC First Team selection as well as the 2015-16 CCC Defensive Player of the Year. Following his senior season, Eggleston was also named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Second Team and the D3hoops.com Northeast Region Second Team. Irving was inducted into the Nichols College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

As a Professional, during the 2016-17 Eggleston averaged 16 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 steals for Newcastle University of the National Basketball League (NBL). He helped the Knights advance to the British Universities and Colleges Sport Premier Final Four for the first time in school history, as well as the NBL Division II Patrons Cup Championship.

Eggleston is a native of Manhattan, New York.

Dino Porcic: Founder/ Program Director BNL Elite Girls AAU

Dino Porcic took over the coaching reins of the Johnson & Wales (RI) University women’s basketball program in May, 2023.

Porcic came to JWU after spending the 2022-23 campaign as an assistant coach at Merrimack College, a Division I institution in Andover, Massachusetts. Playing a non-conference schedule which featured two NCAA Tournament teams (Notre Dame & USC) and two more which qualified for the NIT Tournament (Boston University & Harvard), the Warriors won 15 games (10-6 Northeast Conference), which was four more than the previous season. Three MC student-athletes earned NEC All-Conference honors as the Warriors went from seventh-place in 2021-22 to third this past season.

Porcic handled all operations duties for the Warriors, including team meals and travel, scheduling, budgeting, scouting, and academic supervision. He was also a key recruiter for head coach Kelly Morrone, using both the transfer portal as well as relationships fostered with high school, club, and junior coaches.

A 2016 graduate of Nichols College, Porcic cut his teeth in the coaching ranks as an assistant coach with the Lady Rivals AAU program. From there, he moved on to Rhode Island College, where he spent three seasons as an assistant coach (2019-22). Porcic helped the Anchorwomen to back-to-back Little East championship game appearances (2021-22) and the 2022 LEC Championship, which resulted in a berth into the NCAA Tournament. RIC posted a three-year combined record of 56-11 (.836 winning pct.) with Porcic on staff, and he played a key role in recruiting student-athletes from across New England. Working primarily with the guards, he was also responsible for practice planning and created recruiting videos for the program.

Porcic is a native of Putnam, Connecticut, Porcic was a member of the 2012-13 men’s basketball program at Nichols, which advanced to the CCC Tournament. He graduated NC with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Kaylin Reen: Program Director BNL Elite Girls AAU

Reen was a four-year member of the Roger Williams University women’s basketball team and now has found her new home at Johnson and Wales University. In addition to her duties as an assistant coach for the JWU Womens Basketball squad, Reen also serves as the Manager of intramurals and club porgramming at JWU. 

Reen served as team captain her senior year at Roger Williams and lead her team to a program's first, CCC Championship title. A member of the student athlete advisory committee at RWU, she received her Bachelor of Science in math and secondary education in May, 2022. Reen was named to the Dean’s List in five out of her eight semesters in Bristol.

As a senior at RWU, Reen began her tenure as an eighth-grade math teacher at Highlander Charter School, where she worked until this past summer. She was also the founder and head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at Highlander in 2022-23.

With regards to her basketball coaching position at JWU, Reen has previous experience as a camp assistant coach at Celtics Camp (2017-19), as a camp counselor at Norwood Basketball (2016-19), as a coach and scorekeeper at Mass Premier Courts (2014-17), and as an Administrative Assistant with the Mass Mavericks (2020).

Reen is a native of Norwood, Massachusetts.

Jared Thompson: BNL Elite Boys AAU Coach

From the earliest days on the court to the pinnacle of collegiate success, Jared has etched an extraordinary basketball journey filled with remarkable achievements and leadership. His unwavering dedication and sharp shooting skills have made him a force to be reckoned with, earning admiration and accolades at every level of play.

High School Career: Jared burst onto the high school basketball scene at Classical High School, where his talents were undeniable. As a freshman, they secured a spot on the varsity team and immediately made their presence felt, leading the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) in three-pointers made during that impressive debut season. Jareds shooting prowess continued to shine as he moved to La Salle Academy, where he became a consistent starter for three consecutive years. His leadership qualities earned him a role as team captain during his junior and senior seasons, guiding his teammates with passion and determination. In his senior year, Jared achieved the remarkable feat of leading the team in scoring, solidifying his status as a standout player in the state. Additionally, he joined the prestigious 1000 point club, a testament to his scoring ability and impact on the game.

College Career: Transitioning to the collegiate level, Jared carried his winning mindset and tenacity with him, leaving a significant impact.

Freshman Year: Despite limited minutes off the bench, Jared proved his worth, contributing to the team's successful journey to the conference finals, an invaluable experience that set the stage for their future college accomplishments.

Sophomore Year: Jared continued to impress, earning a spot in 21 games and showcasing his prowess as a deadly three-point shooter. His remarkable three-point shooting percentage led the Bison, while his seven triples in a single game set a program record. Jareds sharpshooting skills and consistent performances further solidified his position as a key player on the team.

Junior Year: Jared embraced his role off the bench and emerged as a reliable contributor, playing in 28 games. He displayed his scoring abilities with a season-high 15 points, including an impressive display of long-range shooting, making five of ten three-point attempts in a game against Roger Williams. Notably, he played a pivotal role in securing the ECAC championship for his team.

Senior Year: Jared's collegiate career reached its pinnacle as he helped lead team to their first-ever conference championship. His senior leadership, scoring ability, and determination played a vital role in achieving this historic milestone, leaving an enduring legacy for Nichols Colleges basketball program.

 
Randolf Thurman: BNL Elite Boys AAU Coach

Randolf Thurman completed his 2nd season as an assistant coach with the Johnson & Wales (RI) University men's basketball team.

The former Dean College standout is no stranger to competing at a high level. Coming from Wilbraham & Monson Prep the prep star competed against some of the best players to ever pick up a basketball in New England.

Jontai Williams: BNL Elite Boys AAU Coach

Jontai Williams is from the Bronx, New York. Having grown up in New York City, basketball is a very prominent sport. Jontai's first introduction to basketball was in sixth grade when his older brother taught him about the game of basketball. He played on an AAU Adidas-affiliated basketball team called WizKids where he began to travel and play competitively in many states across America.

In high school, he attended Cardinal Hayes High School where he played on the freshman and junior varsity, and 2 years on the varsity team as a starting guard.  In his varsity season, he was a Captain and was able to help his team achieve the schools first CHSAA AA Catholic High School City/State basketball championship in 2016-17 and was named to the all-tournament team. He was also a top 15 player in NY State at the end of his high school career.

From there Jontai received a full basketball scholarship to play basketball at Division 2 level at Saint Michael's College in Vermont for 4 years. Throughout his career, he was a Captain of the 2021-22 team, achieved 6 NE-10 Academic Honor Rolls, and was a top 5 point guard in the conference in assists per game.

From there Jontai was able to play an extra year of basketball due to COVID-19 and transferred to Johnson & Wales University Wildcats for the 2022-23 season as the starting point guard where he made the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Academic Team. Throughout his career, he was able to help run basketball camps where he was able to help young athletes work on skill development and understanding the game of basketball. Now he is currently the Head Coach of the Moses Brown Boys Middle School A team.

Chris Botolino: BNL Elite Boys AAU Coach

Chris Botolino, current member of the Mens basketball team at Johnson & Wales University. Went to high school at Barnstable High School in Massachusetts, varsity point guard, team captain, Cape & Islands League All Star, Boston Herald All scholastic team as a senior. Played at JWU for the past three seasons, Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-conference academic team selection in 2022-23.

Sam Mancinelli: BNL Elite Girls AAU Coach

Sam Mancinelli, a three-year captain of the Roger Williams University women's basketball team, has joined the Tufts University team's staff as an assistant coach.

Mancinelli was the point guard for a Hawks team which finished last season 25-3 overall and won the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship. She averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 assists per game and was ranked third in the nation for assist/turnover ratio. Her 124 total assists were second in the league and 28th nationally. Mancinelli was an All-Conference selection and was named the CCC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

A 2021 graduate with summa cum laude honors from Roger Williams, Mancinelli earned her degree in criminal justice. She then earned a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2022. Her time at Roger Williams also included serving as the intramurals coordinator and as an administrative assistant.

Mancinelli has been working as an assistant coach with the Rhode Island Basketball Club since March of this year. 

From nearby Peabody, Massachusetts, Mancinelli attended Bishop Fenwick High School where she helped the team win a state championship in 2016.

Derek Shanks: BNL Elite Girls AAU Coach

Derek Shanks begins his second season as an assistant women's basketball coach at Rhode Island College.

Shanks joins the RIC staff after recently graduating with a bachelor’s degree in finance and sports management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While at UMass, Shanks served as the head coach of the women’s club basketball team and was also a practice player with the varsity team.
 
The North Attleboro, Mass. native served as an assistant coach with the Red Rocketeers boys’ varsity basketball program for three seasons.