Idaho has mixture of high school recruits, transfers and returning players after trip to NCAA Tournament: 'We are selling what we accomplished'
May 23—MOSCOW, Idaho — In the era of the transfer portal, a necessary skill for any college basketball coach is having a vision of a complete team and being able to put it together on the fly. The University of Idaho won the Big Sky Conference Tournament last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. But that roster has scattered to the winds between graduations and players seeking more lucrative financial opportunities or more playing time elsewhere.
"Things move quickly. That keeps your edge going," Idaho head coach Alex Pribble said. Idaho has emerged from this portal season with a retooled team featuring five players signing out of high school and six transfers to join top returners like Kristian Gonzalez, a junior guard who averaged 11.
4 points per game in 2024-25 but who missed last season with a foot injury, and Miles Klapper, a redshirt sophomore guard who also sat out last season. "They are our culture carriers," Pribble said. Idaho was picky about who it signed, and Pribble feels confident the new additions can quickly mesh with the returners and keep the Vandals focused and efficient.
"Some teams use a fishing net. If you have the talent and the size, they will recruit you. We use a sniper rifle," Pribble said.
The coaching staff did a deep dive on each potential addition, he says, and in his mind, he sees the team Idaho puts on the floor next season reflecting the work ethic and the ability to thrive at the UI and Moscow that last year's team showed. "That's why we prioritize character," Pribble said. "We want players who are successful off the court as well as on.
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