The Idaho men’s basketball team, under second-year coach Alex Pribble, aims to build on its recent improvements as it prepares for the 2024-25 season. The Vandals will host Northwest University on Monday at 6 p.m. at the ICCU Arena for their season opener.
After struggling with a 1-21 record in the 2020-21 season, Idaho has shown progress each year. The team went 9-22 and 10-22 in the final two seasons under former coach Zac Claus. Last year, Pribble guided the Vandals to an 11-21 record.
Pribble believes the returning players will help create a positive culture within the team. “We have a nice group of returners. It starts with the 10 players we bring back on the court from last year,” he said. “The culture is set, and guys are holding a high standard. We are excited about the five new players joining us.”
Senior Julius Mims is a key returner for the Vandals. He averaged 11.1 points per game last season after transferring from North Idaho College. The 6-foot-9 forward was named to the 2024 Big Sky All-Defensive team, recording 48 blocks, the sixth-most in program history. He also led the team with 7.2 rebounds per game and shot 63.3% from the field. Pribble noted that Mims has worked hard in the offseason, adding about 12 pounds of muscle.
Another senior, Kyson Rose, also returns. The 6-9 forward started in 26 of 32 games last season and averaged 6.6 points per game. He was effective from beyond the arc, making 27 three-pointers.
Junior guard Trevon Blassingame, expected to return, will instead take a medical redshirt this season after successful hip surgery. This leaves open opportunities at the guard position, which Pribble targeted during recruiting. Four transfers will see significant playing time at these spots.
Kolton Mitchell joins Idaho after a season at Idaho State. Isaiah Brickner averaged over seven points per game at Marist last year. Jack Payne, a graduate of Owyhee, played two seasons at Colorado State before transferring to Idaho. Jojo Anderson, a Spokane native and Northwest Conference MVP, played three seasons at Whitworth.
Pribble expressed confidence in the new guard lineup. “Our guard play has taken a step in the right direction,” he said. “New players like Kolton, Isaiah, Jack, and Jojo can make a real impact.”
Returning sophomore Kristian Gonzalez will also contribute. Pribble noted that Gonzalez averaged 16 minutes per game last season and has gained valuable experience. “He is a talented and hardworking young man who will have a much better sophomore year,” Pribble added.
Titus Yearout, a standout from Lapwai, has improved his offensive skills while maintaining his strong defensive presence. “Depth is a big strength of ours this year,” Pribble said. “We have guys who will be key parts of our rotation.”
After the opener against Northwest University, Idaho faces a challenging nonconference schedule. The Vandals will host UC Davis on Nov. 7, then travel to Pullman to take on Washington State on Nov. 11 and BYU in Utah on Nov. 16.
“It gets started quickly, so I’m excited to see where we are at,” Pribble said. “We have high expectations this year, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Idaho will play three more home nonconference games against Evergreen State on Nov. 19, UC Riverside on Nov. 30, and UC San Diego on Dec. 15. The Vandals will open Big Sky play on Jan. 2 against Montana State. The team was picked to finish seventh in the Big Sky by coaches and eighth by media in the preseason polls.
“Everyone is excited to see someone new,” Pribble said. “We’ve been competing hard in the offseason, and we’re ready to face new competition.”
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