MOSCOW, Idaho – With under 30 days until Vandal Men's Basketball opens their season with an exhibition against Boise State, Idaho Head Coach Alex Pribble announced three updates to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. 

Associate Head Coach Brandon Laird, alongside assistant coaches Matt Jones and Adam Ellis, return for their third season in Moscow as members of Coach Pribble's staff. 

Luke Chavez also return for his second season as a Vandal, this year with an expanded role as a Graduate Assistant with a focus on player development. Chavez played under Coach
Pribble for two seasons at Saint Martin's University, earning a shout as a Unanimous GNAC First Team  All-Conference player and NABC First Team West Region honoree following his senior season in 2019, where he was a part of the Saints' team that made a trip to the 2019 Division II Sweet 16.

"Luke was an All-American for us at St. Martin's and played professionally after that," Pribble said of Chavez. "As a coach, he approaches the game with the same work ethic and love for the game that he had as a player. His positivity is contagious. Everyone in our program respects him, and he has a tremendous impact on our guys every day."

There are two additions to Coach Pribble's staff this season, with Kolton Rap joining as a Video Coordinator and former Vandal great BJ Blake returning to Moscow as a student assistant for player development. 

Rap arrives in Moscow following a one year stint as an assistant coach at NAIA Taylor University in Indiana. However, Rap is no stranger to the Northwest, spending time as an assistant coach at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon and a head coach for Select NXT PRO, a club team based in Boise. 

"Kolton is a very bright and hard working coach," Pribble stated."He creates a lot of value with his film and analytics work. He has good coaching experience, and very good regional connections for recruiting. He is a big addition to the program and has a bright future as a coach."

Following seven years playing overseas, Blake rejoins the Vandals, this time as a student assistant. The Seattle native spent two seasons in Moscow as a student-athlete, claiming an All-Big Sky honor for his senior season, where he averaged 17 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, recorded 12 double-doubles, and helped lead Idaho to a 22-9 overall record. 

"It's great to have BJ back in Moscow," Pribble proclaimed. "Now that his professional career has finished, he's eager to dive into coaching, and his energy has already made a big impact on our program. He will take on a lot of player development responsibilities, and work with our guys individually. He's been a part of a lot of winning programs, including here at Idaho, so we're excited to welcome him back to the program."

LOOKING AHEAD
The Black and Gold will open their 25-26 campaign at Idaho Central Arena with an exhibition contest against Boise State on Friday, October 17, squaring off against the Broncos for the first time in 11 years. The Vandals kick off the regular season on November 3, with the 280th Battle of the Palouse at Washington State. Idaho's home slate begins with Whitman on Friday, November 7. 

TICKETS
Grab your tickets to watch the Vandals take on Boise State at Idaho Central Arena. Tickets are on sale now through the Idaho Central Arena box office. 

Tickets are also available for Idaho's Holiday Hoops Classic on November 26 and 28. Watch the Vandals and Idaho State take on CSUN and Sam Houston State in downtown Boise.
Tickets can be purchased through the Idaho Central Arena box office today!

Season tickets are on sale now! For more information, call the Vandal ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or visit GoVandals.com/tickets. 

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