Coachella Valley Lakers hold introductory press conference for head coach Alex Cerda
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella Valley Lakers officially introduced new head coach Alex Cerda on Tuesday.
Cerda answered questions from the media, including News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.
"It's an honor to be here, super grateful for the opportunity, looking forward to uh a really rewarding season, hoping to get these guys to better basketball opportunities at the end of the day. That's the name of the game for us," Cerda told Blake Arthur.
The Dallas, Texas native has a bit of a history with our desert. He said his stepdad was in the Marines for 20+ years, and at one point was stationed in Twentynine Palms.
"I lived in Dallas, Texas with my father, but every summer I've been coming out to the desert, so I know this area pretty well. So to be here, being able to coach professional basketball in this area in front of my family, it's a surreal moment, full circle moment, and I'm gonna definitely look forward to this season," Cerda told reports during the news conference.
Cerda has been the CV Lakers assistant coach for the past three seasons, when they were the South Bay Lakers.
Before joining the Lakers organization, Cerda has had a few stops throughout his career.
Cerda served as a student basketball manager while studying at the University of Texas, Austin, graduating with a degree in Kinesiology in 2016. His professional career started in 2016, working as a head video coordinator and player development for the Indiana Mad Ants. He held that position until 2018.
From 2018 to 2020, he worked in the video department of the Los Angeles Clippers. He then went on to join the Texas Legends as an Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator from 2021-23.
Cerda also previously operated a player development training program in Dallas, Texas. He has worked with numerous NBA athletes in the off-season such as: Jared Butler, Carlik Jones, Shake Milton, Justin Jackson, AJ Lawson & Jericho Sims
The CV Lakers will officially tip off their inaugural season at Acrisure Arena on Friday, November 6 against the Salt Lake City Stars. The 2026-27 campaign will feature 48 total games.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Coachella Valley Lakers.
