POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State men's basketball Head Coach Ryan Looney has announced the addition of Rob Rodriguez to the Bengals' coaching staff, as Rodriguez joins the program as an assistant coach.
Rodriguez comes to Pocatello after helping lead College of Southern Idaho to one of the top seasons in program history last year, bringing extensive experience in professional basketball operations, international coaching, player development, and skill training to the Bengals' staff.
"Rob is a great addition to the staff," Looney said. "Players love him. He has already made a great impact with the construction of our roster. We look forward to working with him."
During the 2025-26 season, Rodriguez helped CSI finish 34-3 overall and advance to the NJCAA National Championship game, where the Golden Eagles finished as national runner-up. CSI's season included a Scenic West Athletic Conference title, Region 18 Championship, District title, and national tournament second-place finish.
Rodriguez said his path to Idaho State came through relationships, recruiting, and a shared vision with the Bengals' staff.
"My relationship with Idaho State started during my time at the College of Southern Idaho, when Coach Looney and Coach CJ came up to recruit," Rodriguez said. "Through that process, we were able to build a strong connection. Coach Looney and I already had a relationship through basketball, and when this opportunity came up, it felt like a natural fit."
Rodriguez joined the College of Southern Idaho men's basketball staff in the fall of 2025 after spending the summer of 2025 as an assistant coach and head of player development with a team in the Chinese Basketball Association. In that role, Rodriguez led team practices, oversaw skill development programs, and worked directly with professional athletes to enhance individual performance and team execution.
Prior to his time in China, Rodriguez spent four seasons with the Stockton Kings, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, working in basketball operations. During his time with the organization, Rodriguez played a role in the Stockton Kings' run to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and the team's NBA G League Championship in 2025.
With Stockton, Rodriguez's duties included player development, scouting support, skill training, and building relationships with NBA and G League athletes. He also contributed to Jr. NBA initiatives and community outreach programs with the Sacramento Kings.
Rodriguez also brings international coaching experience to Idaho State. He previously coached in Xi'an, China with the United States Basketball Academy, serving as head coach and player development coordinator while working with professional athletes and national team prospects.
Throughout his coaching career, Rodriguez has placed a strong emphasis on mentorship and player development, working with youth, high school, college, and professional athletes.
"Mentorship and player development have always been a major part of who I am as a coach," Rodriguez said. "I have been fortunate to work with young athletes, college players and professionals, and those relationships have helped shape my approach to coaching. I take a lot of pride in helping players grow on and off the court."
Rodriguez began his coaching career at the high school level, serving as an assistant varsity coach at Inderkum High School in Sacramento. During his four-year tenure, the program went undefeated in conference play in each of those seasons, posted a 60-11 overall record, and was consistently ranked among the top five teams in California, including No. 1 in Northern California. Rodriguez also played an integral role in developing multiple ESPN-ranked recruits and future college players.
As a player, Rodriguez competed professionally in Mexico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Luxembourg, and China, and earned invitations to multiple NBA G League workouts.
Rodriguez began his college basketball journey at Texas Tech University, where he trained with the men's basketball team during summer workouts under head coach Pat Knight. He then transferred to Yuba College, helping lead the program to back-to-back conference championships and undefeated league records, establishing Yuba as one of the top junior college programs in California.
Rodriguez finished his collegiate career at Trinity Western University in Canada, where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior.
Since arriving in Pocatello, Rodriguez said he has enjoyed the community and the atmosphere surrounding Idaho State.
"I have really enjoyed my time in Pocatello so far," Rodriguez said. "The people here have been extremely welcoming, and there is a genuine college-town feel that makes this place special. I am excited to be part of this community and to get to work with our players and staff."
Known for his energy, leadership, and ability to connect with players across all levels of basketball, Rodriguez brings a wide-ranging coaching and player development background to the Bengals' staff.
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