Utah State head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson has hired Gameli Ahelegbe as an assistant coach. Ahelegbe arrives from Northern Iowa, where he contributed to the program's improvement over four years, including a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2026. His past roles include coaching positions at St. Thomas, South Dakota, and North Dakota, where he achieved notable success with multiple championships. Ahelegbe's playing career included stints at Neosho County CC and Minnesota State-Mankato, following with professional play in the ABA. He holds a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in athletics administration.

By the Numbers
  • Ahelegbe coached at UNI for four seasons, resulting in three campaigns with 19-plus wins.
  • Under Ahelegbe, South Dakota won a Summit League championship in 2016-17 and had a 26-9 record in 2017-18.
Yes, But

While Ahelegbe's coaching resume is strong, transitioning to a new program always carries challenges, including adapting to different team dynamics and expectations. Additionally, the competitive landscape of college basketball may present hurdles in replicating past successes at Utah State.

State of Play
  • Ahelegbe joins Utah State as the team prepares for upcoming seasons post-spring recruiting.
  • Utah State's recent history includes strong performances in tournaments, raising expectations for the program.
What's Next

Ahelegbe will look to build on previous successes by recruiting talent and developing players to enhance Utah State's competitive edge in upcoming seasons. The coaching staff will likely focus on integrating Ahelegbe's experience into the team's current strategies.

Bottom Line

The addition of Gameli Ahelegbe signals Utah State's commitment to enhancing their basketball program through experienced coaching. His proven track record offers potential for growth and improvement as the team aims for further success in NCAA competitions.