James Spinelli joins the Rutgers sideline for the first time ahead of the 2025-26 slate. Spinelli spent the last two seasons at Northeastern as an assistant coach after serving as the Video Coordinator at Notre Dame and Temple.
Spinelli has an extensive background in the space of digital media design, and will oversee the program's internal media needs in regard to recruiting and heavy involvement in scouting. He has earned the reputation as a players coach, always making the relationships built with players paramount as well as the overall importance of team bonding.
While with the Huskies, he coached the wings as well as serving as the lead scouter on staff and running in-practice skill development for the guards. He was instrumental in signing multiple impact players with the Huskies including wing Abby Jegede, who he worked with closely to help become the third leading scorer in the CAA.
Spinelli was also responsible for all the analytics utilized by Northeastern.
The Long Hill, New Jersey native handled all internal video needs for the Fighting Irish for five seasons, from the perspectives of scouting and analysis under head coach Niele Ivey. He oversaw all game and scout film exchange, while assisting in the editing of scout film. Spinelli also produced analytical content through video for the program's internal use.
While on staff with the Fighting Irish, Spinelli helped the team to runs in the NCAA Sweet 16, Final Four and National Championship game.
In addition, Spinelli oversaw all internal graphic and video needs for recruiting and assisted with media efforts. In addition, he was in charge of running the Notre Dame women's basketball summer camps.
Spinelli worked directly with Coach Coquese Washington while she was associate head coach at Notre Dame. He was instrumental in the recruiting of 5-star prospect Hannah Hidalgo while at ND and also aided in the development of No. 3 2025 WNBA draft pick Sonia Citron.
Before his time in South Bend, Spinelli spent four seasons as the video coordinator at Temple, working for the program's all-time winningest head coach, Tonya Cardoza. He graduated from Temple in 2014 with a B.S. in Sport & Recreation Management.
Spinelli resides in New Jersey with his wife Cassandra Spinelli and son Nicholas.
