Former UCSB basketball star Cole Anderson joins impressive coaching lineup with Central Coast’s Prospects Basketball Association

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Adding to an already impressive arsenal of coaches that includes deep connections to both NCAA Division 1 and the NBA, the Central Coast-based Prospects Basketball Association (PBA) is proud to announce the addition of former UCSB star Cole Anderson as Coach and Advisor to its growing player development and competitive basketball programs.

Anderson, a California native, has already begun working with athletes and will serve as a full member of the coaching staff for the upcoming spring season.

In his role, Anderson will work with LevelUp Creator and Program Director Darnell Campbell, contributing across multiple levels of the PBA development pathway, including LevelUp skills development, PRO/SPECTs regional competition teams, and the Soldiers AAU/Elite program.

“Santa Barbara has deep meaning to me, and I believe in paying it forward,” Anderson said. “So many coaches poured themselves into me, and I look forward to doing the same. The commitment to proper development — on and off the court — is something that resonates with me. It stands out in a time when amateur basketball has become a booming business — but the way of the Prospects, LevelUp and the Oakland Soldiers is one where we don’t sacrifice the joy of basketball, instead we are building our program with that at the center of everything we do. I’m proud to contribute to an already impressive culture.”

Anderson brings elite playing experience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to player development. Raised in Fresno alongside his two older sisters — both Division I basketball players — Anderson emerged as one of the most accomplished high school athletes in Central California history at Clovis West High School. He became the school’s all-time leading scorer and finished second in Central Section history with 2,730 career points, while ranking third in California state history with 464 made three-point field goals. He earned First Team All-State honors in 2021and competed on the prestigious Adidas Gauntlet Gold Circuit from 2018–2021, receiving 12 Division I scholarship offers before committing to UC Santa Barbara.

During his four-year collegiate career at UCSB, Anderson demonstrated rare consistency and loyalty, appearing in 127 of 128 games with 67 starts, all while maintaining elite academic performance. He graduated with a 3.52 GPA, earned Academic All-Big West honors from sophomore through senior seasons, and was named UCSB Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2025. Known nationally as one of college basketball’s premier shooters, Anderson connected on more than 40% from three-point range in all four seasons, finishing third in the nation in three-point percentage (47.4%) during the 2024–25 season and earning All-Big West Honorable Mention honors.

Anderson cites the value of the UCSB education, as well as the lifelong relationships he’s made in the Santa Barbara community, as core reasons for maintaining his deep ties to the Central Coast. That will continue through coaching and mentorship with PBA athletes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cole Anderson to the PBA Level Up Basketball family,” said Program Director Darnell Campbell. “As a former Division I standout and one of the top shooters in the country, Cole brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our program. We’re lucky to have him on board and excited to see the impact he’ll make.”

Assistant Director Cass Gordon emphasized the immediate connection Anderson brings to young athletes:

“Cole has an incredible basketball résumé, which is amazing for our kids. I also think it’s incredibly valuable to have another young coach on staff that our players can easily relate to and connect with. That relatability, combined with his knowledge of the game, will make an immediate impact on our program. We’re fortunate to have him join our family and can’t wait to see the growth he helps create on and off the court.”

Prospects Basketball Association continues to expand its mission of developing complete athletes through its integrated pathway of foundational skills training, regional competition, and elite AAU opportunities.

Prospects Basketball Association is always accepting players into its LevelUp Skills Sessions and is currently evaluating athletes for the PRO/SPECTs and SOLDIERS Spring Competition Teams.

For more information, visit www.prospectsbasketball.org.

ABOUT PROSPECTS BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Prospects Basketball Association (PBA) is a California non-profit corporation pending 501(c)(3) approval.  Headquartered in Santa Barbara, It is the parent organization of the Central Coast Soldiers and the Pro/spects, and was created to promote youth basketball by providing training, competition, mentorship, and educational opportunities to young athletes.

A number of well-known coaches — inside and outside of the Santa Barbara community — will be leading the Central Coast Soldiers, including Darnell Campbell, Cassandra Gordon, Eric Lee and Taylor Adnan.

Here’s a look at their credentials and why they are leading the charge across the Central Coast:

• Darnell Campbell, Director for Soldiers Central Coast Chapter: Recently announced as the new head boys basketball coach at Laguna Blanca, Campbell initially came to Santa Barbara to oversee athletics and mental wellness at Riviera Ridge School. Since his arrival, he has also founded LevelUp, a local youth basketball program that “believe skills development coupled with character development are the keys for success for athletes that aspire to play at the next level.” Campbell has an impressive resume, as he has provided 1-on-1 player development for NBA stars such as Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, Al Jefferson and Jaime Jaquez), while also working with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
• Cassandra Gordon, Assistant Director for Soldiers Central Coast Chapter: She is a household name along the Central Coast, as she starred at Santa Barbara High where she was team MVP and All-CIF.  Her performance led her to being recruited by Georgetown University, where she played 28 games as a freshman and sophomore, becoming a starter during the second year. She would transfer before her junior year to Loyola Marymount University, where she finished her college career. Gordon has most recently played professionally in Italy before returning home to become a teaching assistant at Vieja Valley Elementary and an assistant coach with the Riviera Ridge girls basketball team. In high school, Gordon played in the EYBL on Diana Taurasi’s club team.
• Eric Lee, Coach, Mentor, Strength and Conditioning: The co-owner of the popular Santa Barbara gym, The Void, Lee helps with both coaching of the LevelUp program, as well as strength and conditioning. Lee is a lifetime Southern California native, coming to Santa Barbara in 2006 and never looking back. The addition of the Soldiers chapter along the Central Coast is one that he always thought was needed, but not expected. “I’m still mind-blown every day that this is happening. I think it’s going to open more doors.”
• Taylor Adnan, Coach and Advisor: A veteran of youth and high school coaching both in Florida and Santa Barbara, as well as a San Marcos High grad and Central Coast native, Adnan is also the CEO of Rad Sourcing, a U.S.-based boutique manufacturing firm located in Santa Barbara. “I wanted to be involved with the grassroots nature of what is going on with the organization, as we can provide opportunities where maybe the athlete and their families couldn’t otherwise afford the time and expense of the commitment. With this new venture, we find ways to include everyone.”

MEDIA INQUIRIES

If you’d like to connect with the PBA, please contact Nick Masuda via email or by texting (407) 618-6203.