Kaleb Canales has been officially named the head coach of Weber State men's basketball, marking the 11th head coach in the program's Division I history. With nearly 20 years of NBA coaching experience, Canales most recently served as the associate head coach at Troy, leading them to a 22鈥�12 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. His journey includes stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and various coaching roles in the NBA G League and international competitions.

By the Numbers
  • Led the Troy Trojans to a 22鈥�12 record last season, securing Sun Belt regular-season and tournament titles.
  • Became the first Hispanic head coach in NBA history during his interim role with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012.
Yes, But

Despite his impressive resume, Canales faces the challenge of transitioning from primarily professional and G League coaching to developing young collegiate athletes, which can differ significantly in approach and expectations.

State of Play
  • Weber State men's basketball is looking to rebuild under Canales' leadership following previous performance seasons.
  • Canales' extensive coaching background may bring a fresh perspective to the program's tactics and player development.
What's Next

As the new head coach, Canales will likely work on establishing his coaching philosophy and recruiting strategy as the team prepares for the upcoming season. His immediate focus will involve integrating new players and enhancing team performance to compete effectively in the Big Sky Conference.

Bottom Line

Kaleb Canales' appointment as head coach signals a potential shift in Weber State's basketball program, blending his extensive professional experience with a commitment to developing collegiate talent. He will need to prove his adaptability to succeed in this new environment.