New era at Rancho Mirage: Caleb Gervin in first year as Rattlers’ head basketball coach

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) -- Back in 1997, Caleb Gervin was a junior for Cathedral City high school. He led the Lions to a CIF championship, playing for head coach Rob Hanmer, who has long said Gervin is the best player he's ever seen in the desert.

Fast forward 28 years later, Gervin is now the head coach at Rancho Mirage, replacing his former coach and friend, who finished with 513 wins over 26 varsity seasons.

"Hanmer has been a great support system, a great help, and he's still heavily involved," said Gervin.

"I am excited for just bringing a new brand of basketball and to be able to have the opportunity to coach again," said Gervin.

It's a full circle moment for Gervin in regards to that, but it's also a dream come true, getting a chance to coach his son Cash, one of the top young players in the valley.

"Kind of always been kind of like the plan and the dream was that one day I may have the opportunity to coach him. And so, it's a blessing to be able to have his leadership and to see him and hold him accountable, not just, as a player, but also as a son. And then, you know, a lot of times him being my son, he has to take, you know, the L's with me."

This isn't the first head coaching job for Gervin who had a short stint at La Quinta during COVID. But wherever he is, expectations will follow.

"The goal is always to compete at the highest level. A three-way tie last year, so we feel like we are in the running for being able to compete for first place again. Obviously a new coach, young players, I don't have any pressure. I think we're listed at 3rd right now as far as expectations go, so hat's a good place to be. Anything we do above that is obviously is going to exceed the expectations of others, so we're looking forward to that," said Gervin.

Desert Empire League basketball play starts in two weeks.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school sports.