Pepperdine men’s basketball head coach Griff Aldrich has named his coaching staff for the 2026-27 season, emphasizing a mix of experience across various levels of the sport. The staff includes Associate Head Coach Dan Engelstad, along with Assistant Coaches Ryan Oliver, Matt Palumbo, Noah Ralby, Chase Coleman, Graham Bousley, and Aleks Abrams. Luke Toburen will manage sports performance operations. Aldrich expressed his satisfaction with the staff's commitment to student-athlete development and their alignment with the program's values. Engelstad, formerly of Syracuse, joins a team that aims to build a championship culture at Pepperdine.

By the Numbers
  • Engelstad led Mount St. Mary’s to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021.
  • Ryan Oliver was part of the Spurs' coaching staff that achieved a 62-20 record and reached the NBA Finals in 2025-26.
State of Play
  • The staff boasts experience from the NBA and major college programs.
  • Engelstad's previous success at Mount St. Mary’s and Syracuse is a significant addition to the team.
  • Several staff members have coaching backgrounds that include NCAA Tournament appearances.
What's Next

The coaching staff will begin preparations for the upcoming season by focusing on player development and establishing a winning culture. With a combination of varsity and professional experience, they aim to enhance the program's competitive edge in the West Coast Conference.

Bottom Line

This new coaching staff is poised to elevate Pepperdine basketball through their combined expertise and commitment to the program's core values, laying the groundwork for future success.