Akil Reese was named associate head coach of the Fresno Pacific men’s basketball staff ahead of the 2026-27 season. He brings extensive experience coaching at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, high school and NBA Summer League levels.
Prior to FPU, Reese served 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.
Reese and his wife, Brianna reside in the Fresno area, where faith and family are central to their lives. They enjoy trying new restaurants, mentoring young people, and spending time with their two dogs.
Favorite Quote: “How you do anything is how you do everything."
