The University of Idaho’s basketball program unveiled a series of coaching appointments that signal a deliberate effort to preserve the momentum generated by its recent championship run. After capturing the 2026 Big Sky title and securing an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 1990, the Vandals are looking to translate that success into sustained competitiveness.
Retaining the Core Coaching Staff
Central to the strategy is the promotion of Luke Chavez to assistant coach for player development. Chavez spent the previous two seasons as a graduate assistant, during which the team posted a school‑record 26 wins and earned a Sweet 16 appearance. His playing pedigree includes standout years at Saint Martin's under Alex Pribble, where he collected NABC First Team West Region honors and was named GNAC Unanimous First Team All‑Conference.
Joining Chavez are Will Chipman and Anton Webb, both brought in as graduate assistants. Chipman arrives after a stint as a student manager at Washington State and internships with VSL Talent and Verbal Commits, bringing operational insight and a knack for talent identification. Webb, whose collegiate career concluded at Taylor University, contributed an average double‑double and earned First‑Team All‑Crossroads League honors, adding depth to the team's developmental pipeline.
Coach Alex Pribble emphasized that retaining the coaching staff is crucial for maintaining the program's trajectory. By keeping the entire support crew from the championship season, the Vandals aim to blend proven leadership with fresh perspectives, ensuring that the team can capitalize on its recent successes while continuing to evolve.