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Vandals back in March Madness after 36 years
13 Mar
Summary
- Idaho secured its first NCAA tournament bid in 36 years.
- Coach Alex Pribble's team embodies his unselfish, defensive-minded personality.
- The Vandals' journey includes four wins in five days as the No. 7 seed.
The Idaho Vandals have earned their first NCAA tournament bid in 36 years, achieving this milestone by winning the Big Sky Conference championship. This victory marks a historic return to March Madness for a program that has not participated in the tournament since 1990.
Coach Alex Pribble, now a prominent figure in Moscow, Idaho, has instilled his core values into his team. Observers note that the Vandals reflect Pribble's unselfishness, lack of ego, and strong defensive focus. Their recent performance included four wins in five days as the No. 7 seed, showcasing their ability to disrupt opponents and adapt their strategies.
Pribble's coaching journey began after his playing career at Cal, where he was a walk-on guard from 2003 to 2007. He served as a graduate assistant for Ben Braun before coaching at Tamalpais High, San Francisco State, and Eastern Washington. His first college head coaching role was at Saint Martin's (Division II), leading them to two playoff appearances, including a Sweet 16 run.
Before taking the helm at Idaho for his third season, Pribble spent four years as an assistant at Seattle U. Now, he and his players are set to experience the NCAA tournament for only the fifth time in the program's 112-year history. The team's resilience and chemistry were crucial in their championship run.
