Wayne State University Athletics

Men's Basketball 6/26/2025 2:45:00 PM Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Djokaj Named Assistant Men's Basketball Coach

DETROIT -- Wayne State University men's basketball head coach Bryan Smothers has announced the addition of Gjon Djokaj (Jon JOE-ki) as an assistant coach. He began his duties at WSU earlier this week.

"Gjon is a proven winner and an even better person," remarked Smothers. "Over the course of the interview process, he showed his desire to be at Wayne State, and detailed specific examples of how he could make our program better. I am excited to work with and learn from him along the way."

Djokaj spent this past year as the head coach at Oakland Community College helping the Owls to a 24-9 overall record and a berth in the NJCAA DII Men's Basketball Championship after claiming the Great Lakes District Championship with wins over St. Clair County (74-72), Hocking College and Marian University Ancilla (88-79). It was OCC's first appearance at the NJCAA national championship since 1987.

Three of his players received All-Tournament recognition as Linden Holder and Justin Latham both garnered All-Tournament Team awards, while Nick Speiser was selected All-Tournament Team MVP at the District Championship. In addition, Djokaj was recognized with the Great Lakes District A Coach of the Year award after earning the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Eastern Conference Coach of the Year award.

After falling in overtime (74-71) in the quarterfinals to SUNY Niagara, OCC rebound for a 78-77 win over Southeast Community College. His squad ranked 10th nationally in free throw percentage among NJCAA Division 2 schools.

Prior to his position at OCC, Djokaj was the head coach at Warren De La Salle High School for four years (2020-24). During his tenure at WDLS, he guided the Pilots to a 65-28 record, including an MHSAA Division 1 state championship in 2022 following an appearance in the state semifinals in 2021. Djokaj was selected as the 2022 Associated Press Division 1 Coach of the Year.

Djokaj compiled a 45-21 record in three seasons (2017-20) as the head coach at Walled Lake Northern helping the Knights to a share of the 2018-19 Lakes Valley Conference title with a 7-1 league mark. He spent one season (2016-17) as the head coach at Livonia Franklin.

A native of Farmington Hills, Djokaj spent his prep career at North Farmington High School playing for coaches Tom Negoshian and Pete Mantyla. During his collegiate career at Central Michigan, he spent two seasons (2003-04 and 2004-05) as the video coordinator for the Chippewas, while earning a bachelor's degree in Sports Studies with minors in Business and Coaching.

He and his wife, Liz, are the parents of three boys, Andrew, Gabe and Philip.

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