Sports Briefs

EWU’s Pribble hired at St. Martins

The recent success of the Eastern Washington University men’s basketball team has led to players departing early for their next basketball opportunity, and now it’s happened on the coaching staff of head coach Jim Hayford.

Alex Pribble, an Eagle assistant coach the past two seasons, was named April 20 as the head coach of Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Wash. The Saints are a member of NCAA Division II and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

“I am truly grateful for the support and guidance that coach Hayford and athletic director Bill Chaves have provided throughout the past two years,” said Pribble. “I have no doubt that this program will continue to build upon its recent success. I will miss the players, coaches, and the entire Eagle family, as I take this next step in my coaching career.”

Hayford said he will move as expediently as needed to fill the void on his coaching staff, which also includes veteran assistant coach Shantay Legans and David Riley. Pribble spent two seasons at EWU after serving the previous two years as the top assistant at San Francisco State. He is a 2007 graduate of Cal and received his master’s degree the next season.

“Alex has been a great addition to our staff the past two seasons,” added Hayford. “Our program could not be happier for him and this next step of advancement in his career.”

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Eagles add four new players

Fresh off a NCAA Tournament appearance, Eastern Washington University men’s basketball coach Jim Hayford has bolstered his roster for the 2015-16 season with the addition of four players, including a pair who signed letters of intent to attend EWU.

Guard Ty Gibson from Issaquah (Wash.) High School and forward Enrico “Rico” Nuno from Diablo Valley College in California signed with the Eagles. Nuno is a 2014 graduate of Half Moon Bay (Calif.) High School and will be a sophomore next season at EWU.

Australian forward Geremy McKay will transfer to EWU from the University of Albany, where he redshirted the 2014-15 season. He is from Melbourne, Australia – home to a pair current Eagles Venky Jois and Felix Von Hofe and one early signee – and will sit out next season because of NCAA transfer rules.