FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Akil Reese as associate head men's basketball coach.  Reese becomes head coach Daniel Dyck's first hiring to his inaugural staff ahead of the 2026/27 season. He began his duties on July 1.

"We are incredibly blessed to be adding Akil to the Fresno Pacific community," Dyck said at the time of Reese's appointment. "Akil elevates every room he walks into, and along his professional journey has left each of his stops better than when he arrived. He has an intimate knowledge of the league and region, and what it looks like to lead at this level. His commitment to both The Fresno Pacific Idea and holistically developing our student-athletes will be felt across campus and will continue to make this place special."

Very much a coach on the rise, Reese has already gained extensive experience coaching at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, high school and NBA Summer League levels. He comes to FPU after serving as an assistant coach at Cal State Monterey Bay during the 2025-26 season, helping the Otters to a fourth-place finish and 17 wins, the most victories in program history at the NCAA Division II level. During his time at CSUMB, Reese helped develop multiple All-CCAA performers including Jaden Tengan and Michael Mora, while assisting in recruiting, scouting, player development, academics, travel coordination and daily program operations.

Prior to his time at CSUMB, Reese spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant coach at Division I Idaho State University, where he helped the Bengals to their best Big Sky regular-season finish since 2015-16. Reese was also instrumental in the development of Big Sky Player of the Year Dylan Darling and contributed to the program's recruiting, player development, scouting, game planning and operations.

Reese also has experience at the high school and professional levels. He served as an assistant coach at Clovis North High School during the 2023-24 season, helping the program capture CIF Central Section and TRAC Championships. He has also worked in NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 and the New Orleans Pelicans from 2022-23. In addition, Reese served as a player development coach with RIZE Management from 2022-24, working with athletes on skill development, preparation and growth.

As a player, the Los Angeles native competed collegiately at Western Oregon University, Fullerton College and Cal State Monterey Bay. He served as a team captain at CSUMB from 2018-20, giving him first-hand experience as a leader within a collegiate program.

"I'm thankful to Coach Dyck for the opportunity to join Fresno Pacific," Reese said. "His vision for the program and commitment to developing young men made this an exciting opportunity. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the Fresno community and serving at a faith centered university. I'm excited to build relationships with our players and help them grow in their faith, the classroom, and on the court."

Reese and his wife, Brianna, are excited to be part of the Fresno Pacific community.  Please join us in welcoming Coach Akil to the Sunbirds.

In addition to the hiring of Akil Reese, head coach Daniel Dyck has confirmed assistant coaches Jerry Razo and Tyler Revis have been retained.


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