DENVER – The University of Denver men’s basketball program has hired Nihilo Ibarra as an assistant coach for skill instruction and recruiting, first-year head coach Tim Bergstraser announced on September 5.
“I’m glad we have the opportunity to bring Nihilo into our staff and program,” Bergstraser said. “He comes from a great basketball and championship background. His experience, work ethic and ability to connect with people and players will be a great addition to what we are building.”
Ibarra joins the Pioneers staff after two seasons as the graduate assistant with the Nebraska men’s basketball program. During his time with the Huskers, Nebraska reached the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and won both the Diamond Head Classic and the College Basketball Crown Championship in 2025. At Nebraska, Ibarra assisted with positional, offensive and defensive practice stations, and played mock defense of scouting coverages to assist in student-athletes preparation. In his role off the court, Ibarra assisted in opponent video scout.
“It’s a great privilege to be a part of University of Denver Athletics along with Coach Bergstraser and the coaching staff he has brought into the men’s basketball program,” Ibarra said. “I am excited to help this program reach new heights and be a part of a proud Pioneer family.”
Prior to his time at Nebraska, Ibarra was a student-manager and eventually the head manager for San Diego State’s men’s basketball program during his undergrad. While with the Aztecs, SDSU made the national championship game in 2023, its third of three NCAA Tournament appearances in his time in California.
Ibarra earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a focus on fitness. The San Diego native then earned his master’s degree in integrated media communications from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
