Former desert basketball standout Caleb Gervin to be head coach at La Quinta
"The buckets never stop."
That's the motto of Caleb Gervin, who is widely regarded as the best basketball player in valley history.
Those who saw him play rave about his game. Several local basketball coaches have said he's the best player from this area and it's not close.
Now, he will coach against them.
Gervin, who turns 40 in October, will be the new head coach at La Quinta high school, pending board approval.
"Thank goodness he's not suiting up for them or we'd be in trouble," said one valley coach.
As a prep player, Gervin was a star at Cathedral City from 1994-1998 under Rob Hanmer, who is now head coach at Rancho Mirage. Ironically enough, the two will coach against each other in the very competitive Desert Empire League for seasons to come.
Gervin led the Lions to undefeated league titles in 1997 and 1998. His junior season, he helped the 1997 team to a CIF championship.
After graduating in 1998 from CCHS, Gervin went on to Louisville where he played 20 games for the Cardinals. He then transferred to Azusa Pacific University where he was a 3-time All-American.
Following his prep and college career, he had stints overseas and in the ABA, before coming back home to the desert where he started a family.
Gervin is no stranger to teaching or coaching. He's served in these capacities before. He was an assistant at College of the Desert for two seasons and has served as a youth minister for the last seven years.
He will now be transitioning into a new role of teaching and coaching at La Quinta high school, home of the same gym where Gervin ended his high school career.
It's a game he still remembers today.
"My last game was actually played at La Quinta high school. CIF quarterfinal, we lost in overtime to Pasadena Muir and that closed out my '98 high school career. Every time I go into that gym I always feel like there's some unfinished business," said Gervin.
This is his first job as a high school head basketball coach.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for any developments on this story and all sports stories in the valley.
