HENDERSON, NV – MARCH 15: UC Irvine Anteaters assistant head coach Ryan Badrutaray speaks during the Big West Conference basketball tournament semifinals vs. Long Beach State 49ers at Dollar Lawn Center. Reacting from the sideline during the first half of the game. March 15, 2024, Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Zach Krill/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team has added a new assistant coach known for his work with NBA legends.
On Wednesday, SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher announced the hiring of assistant coach Ryan Badrutaray, who spent 19 years at the University of California, Irvine.
“Ryan brings a wealth of coaching and recruiting experience to our program and quickly rose to prominence once this process began,” Dutcher said. “I have known Ryan for 19 years and have high expectations for him and our program next season and beyond.”
Badrutaray has helped develop NBA and international players, but most notably on the court he coached late Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant on strength and conditioning. Bryant won his NBA championship five times, won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and his two Olympic gold medals.
During his time at UC Irvine, Badrutaray spent the past four seasons as the Unteacher's associate head coach. He also served as the team's assistant for 10 years, where he was also involved in recruiting, player development, scheduling, scouting, and academic coordination.
“I am truly excited and honored to join the San Diego State University men's basketball staff,” Badrutaray said. “The opportunity to work with Coach Dutcher and his incredibly talented staff was a dream come true. The program's commitment to the student-athlete experience and pursuit of excellence aligns with my own values. I look forward to contributing to its rich heritage and am excited about the journey ahead.”
Badrutaray's career at the University of California, Irvine produced five Big West regular-season titles and a No. 1 seed into the conference tournament.