Casey Hill is set to join the California Golden Bears men’s basketball program as an assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a 16‑year résumé of professional and collegiate experience to the Bay Area.
A seasoned strategist returns to the West Coast
Hill’s journey began in Japan and the minor leagues before he climbed the ranks to NBA staffs, most recently serving five years as an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans. His coaching tree stretches back to the early 2000s, when he first worked under Doc Rivers, Willie Green and Stan Van Gundy, learning from some of the league’s most innovative minds.
Championship pedigree and development
Before his NBA tenure, Hill guided the Santa Cruz Warriors to a D‑League title in 2015 and previously helmed the Agua Caliente Clippers and the Los Angeles Clippers’ development squad. He also spent a season as head coach of the Tokyo Apaches, where he honed an up‑tempo, three‑point‑heavy scheme that later influenced his work in the NBA.
The Golden Bears finished the 2025‑26 campaign with 22 victories, their most wins since 2016, and secured a postseason berth highlighted by eight games with 90‑plus points. Hill’s arrival is timed with a roster that features five players ranked among the nation’s top‑100 statistical categories, offering a fertile environment for his strategic imprint.
Strategic vision for the Golden Bears
In his new role, Hill will focus on in‑game adjustments, player development and the implementation of emerging trends such as positionless lineups and advanced defensive schemes. His appointment signals the program’s intent to blend veteran acumen with fresh analytical perspectives as it seeks to extend its recent resurgence.