OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — The Weber State Wildcats announced Kaleb Canales as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program.
According to Weber State Athletics, Canales arrives in Ogden with nearly two decades of NBA coaching experience. He spent last season as the associate head coach at Troy and helped lead the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach of Weber State men’s basketball,” Canales said. “I want to thank President Leslie Durham and Director of Athletics Tim Crompton for their belief in me and my vision for this program. We will build a culture that is connected on both ends of the floor, connected in the classroom, and connected to the community. This is a program with a proud tradition, a world-class institution and a passionate fan base. I’m ready to get to work.”
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Canales was the Portland Trail Blazers’ interim head coach for 23 games and became the first Hispanic head coach in NBA history. He also served as the Trail Blazers’ head coach in the NBA Summer League.
“I’m very excited to welcome K to the Weber State family,” said Weber State general manager and NBA star Damian Lillard. “A major change like this is hard for me as someone so connected to the program through coach Rahe and coach Duft’s tenure. As GM, my goal is to help build the program to a high level, and someone with coaching experience at all levels, like Kaleb, is perfect for that.”
Canales also spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, two years with the New York Knicks and one season with the Indiana Pacers. His 18-year NBA career began in 2005 as a video intern.
“Weber State basketball is defined by a rich history of excellence, and we were determined to find a leader who respects that legacy while possessing the modern vision to elevate it,” Crompton said. “Kaleb is an exceptional person and a world-class tactical mind who is widely regarded across the industry as a premier mentor and developer of talent.
“Following a national search involving an outstanding pool of candidates, I am grateful for our committee’s hard work and the partnership of Jeff Schemmell with College Sports Solutions. Kaleb’s extensive background at the highest levels of the game, combined with his elite ability to evaluate and recruit talent, makes him an outstanding fit for our program. His infectious energy will resonate deeply with our fans, and we are thrilled to welcome Kaleb, Cristi and their family to the Wildcat family.”
Canales becomes the 11th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history.
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