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Akil Reese Returns To Otters As Assistant Coach

Reese rejoins raft after stint at Idaho State

July 14, 2025

By: Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)
SEASIDE, Calif. — Former Cal State Monterey Bay Otter men's basketball student-athlete Akil Reese is returning to his alma mater to become the lead assistant coach for the team.

Reese, who earned his bachelor's degree in human communications from CSUMB in 2020, was the Otters' team captain as a senior. He most recently served as an assistant coach at Idaho State, from which he earned his master's in sports administration.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Akil back to CSUMB," said Head Coach Isaac Williams. "As a former Otter who's grown tremendously in his coaching journey, he brings a passion for the program, a strong player-first mindset, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed here — on and off the court."

Reese's coaching career also includes stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans NBA Summer League teams, and the high school level, earning success at each stop. Returning to Monterey Bay, however, is a special opportunity for Reese.

"It's where I played college basketball, and it's where my coaching journey truly started," Reese said. "I had plenty of opportunities while being injured and facing a little adversity while being at Monterey to look at the game in a different light.

"The opportunity to give back to the program and help elevate it alongside Coach Williams was something I couldn't pass up. I'm a big believer in paying it forward, so there is no better opportunity to give back to CSUMB and try to build something special here."

Reese was a two-year member of the Otter men's basketball team from 2018-20, starting eight of 13 games in a pair of injury-shortened campaigns. Now, as a coach, Reese understands the importance of his role and how he can leverage his experience as an Otter student-athlete.

"I'm able to relate to the players," Reese said. "I've been in their shoes not too long ago in the same exact program. I want to help them understand how hard it is to win and the habits you must create daily to accomplish that."

Reese was unsure of his future after graduating from CSUMB. He didn't expect to be back on the sidelines as a coach just a few years later, but he's grateful for the opportunity to return to his alma mater.

"Everything happened organically, and I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing," Reese said. "After facing a lot of adversity during my career, I realized how powerful it was to have some sort of mentorship, someone you can relate to and guide you through life. I got into coaching to be a steady presence for young men."

Reese started his coaching career at the high school level, learning valuable lessons along the way as he moved up the ranks to coach at the collegiate level.

"My goal is to help the guys create winning habits, help them grow on and off the court, and compete at a very high level every time we step on the floor," Reese said. "And if we can have that type of approach and mentality every day, we'll find ourselves in a great spot."


 
GO OTTERS!





 
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