From the time Sauk Valley Predators owner Brad Grenoble announced his team would join the Premier Basketball League, he’s preached the importance of being a fixture in the community.
On Wednesday, he tapped one of the Sterling community’s rising stars to guide the second-year club by naming Ryan Vasquez the team’s new coach.
Vasquez, in his sixth season coaching the Sterling High School sophomore boys team, served as an assistant for the semi-professional Predators last season. It ended with a two-game sweep at the hands of eventual champion Rochester and a 13-8 overall record.
“The Predators’ organization has been wonderful to me,” said Vasquez, a Sterling native and member of the Golden Warriors’ Class of 2001. “I’m very excited and humble about the opportunity I’ve been given. I’ve had good mentors, and I’ve coached great athletes. Without them, who knows where I’d be.”
Kevin Keathley coached the Preds during their inaugural season, but Vasquez took over running practices down the stretch.
He caught Grenoble’s eye when he got on Preds standout Justin Tubbs for lack of hustle on defense during a practice.
“He put Tubbs in his place, earned his respect, and they grew together,” Grenoble said. “That jumped out to me, that this guy demands respect. He wasn’t going to put up with crap from one of our top players.”
“I’m just a firm believer that, if you put in the work, good things will come,” Vasquez said. “If you do things half-heartedly, you’re going to get half-hearted results.”
But Vasquez was an unknown quantity when Grenoble was laying the organization’s brick and mortar. In fact, he initially sought him out to referee Preds games at Musgrove Fieldhouse.
“I didn’t know the guy, but he earned my respect right away,” Grenoble said. “He cares about the Sterling area, and he’s got the same dreams we had. For me, Coach V came out of nowhere.
“If I would’ve known him before last season, I would’ve hired him on the spot.”
The Predators put an emphasis on their players giving back to the Sauk Valley and being visible figures off the basketball court.
They took part in several community outreach events last season, including numerous meet and greets at Buffalo Wild Wings. Vasquez helped conduct the Predators’ youth camps.
As for on the court, he echoes the team’s uptempo philosophy.
“I want us to be a great defensive team and a great rebounding team,” he said during an interview Wednesday afternoon. “Our defense is going to create our opportunities.”
During that interview, he used the term “opportunity” more than a half-dozen times. He recognizes the fan base’s role in the team realizing its potential.
“We’re looking to create one of the most intimidating environments to play in the league, just like it was last year at Musgrove Fieldhouse,” Vasquez said. “The fans have a lot to do with it.”
Grenoble did not disclose terms of Vazquez’s contract, but said, “We hope to have him here for a very long time.” Vasquez, like any young coach, has big dreams.
“It’s all about taking baby steps and working to get where you want to be,” he said. “I’m not worried about moving on. I’m worried about becoming a better coach.”
Vasquez earned his degree in Psychology from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, and also coaches special teams for the Sterling football team.
Unmarried, he says his family often jokes and compares him to Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, in that he spends an unreasonable amount of time around the game.
Being compared to the NBA’s coach of the year is a joke Vasquez can take in stride.
“I’m married to the game of basketball,” he said. “I just live the game. My family is my team and my players.”
Expanded glance
Negotiations of the Premier Basketball League’s merger with the International Basketball League are expected to be finalized Friday, leading to the former 10-team PBL growing to 18-24 teams.