Nevada men’s basketball welcomes Lo Leath as assistant coach

RENO, Nev. (Nevada Athletics) - Nevada Men’s Basketball has announced the hiring of Lo Leath as an assistant coach, effective April 2025. A respected coach and mentor with a strong track record of developing players at the collegiate and grassroots levels, Leath brings a championship mindset and family connection to the program.

Leath comes to Reno following a season as an assistant coach at the University of Utah. Prior to that, he spent two years on staff at his alma mater, Sacramento State. During his first season with the Hornets, the team posted 14 wins, the most by any first-year coaching staff in the Division I era and the third highest total in program history. That team also earned a top-six finish in the Big Sky standings and secured the program’s first-ever first-round tournament bye since joining the conference in 1996. The Hornets led the Big Sky in rebounding margin and offensive boards and ranked third in scoring defense while finishing with a plus-six scoring margin that ranked among the top 15 nationally.

Before transitioning to college coaching, Leath made a major impact as a coach and executive with the Oakland Soldiers. From 2012 to 2022, he played a major role in helping the program win multiple EYBL titles while producing over 100 Division I athletes. Eleven players went on to reach the NBA or G League, including Aaron Gordon, Jalen Green, Ziaire Williams, and Josh Christopher. Leath also created Soldiers chapters in multiple cities throughout California and started the Lady Soldiers program. For his work, he was named one of the 100 most impactful people in men’s college basketball by Silver Waves Media.

As a player, Leath had a decorated career at Sacramento State from 2005 to 2009. He ranks fifth all-time in scoring at the school and is the only player in its Division I history to average double figures in every season of his career. His 240 made three-pointers are the most in the Division I era. He was inducted into the Sacramento State Hall of Fame in 2016 and later played professionally in Europe.

Leath also has a unique bond with the University of Nevada. His cousin, Kevin Pinkney, starred for the Wolf Pack and helped lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004, marking one of the most memorable runs in school history. That connection makes Leath’s arrival in Reno especially meaningful.

“I’m blessed and thankful to join the Nevada family,” said Leath. “Coach Alford is someone I’ve respected for a long time and I’m excited to work under his leadership. Nevada has a proud tradition and strong culture, and I look forward to building on that and helping our players grow on and off the court.”

Nevada Head Coach Steve Alford welcomed Leath with high praise. “Lo has great energy, strong recruiting ties, and an outstanding track record for developing players and building relationships. His background speaks for itself and we’re excited to have him join the Wolf Pack family. His connection to Kevinn Pinkney and our program history makes it even more special.”