Former Vulcan Anthony Haskett returns to the Big Island to join the Hawai’i Hilo Men’s Basketball coaching staff, as announced by sixth-year head man Kaniela Aiona.
Haskett spent three seasons with the Vulcans from 2019-2022, earning bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences. For the 2021-22 academic year, he was honored as Hawai’i Hilo Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year for attaining the highest GPA on the team.
The Walnut Creek, California native and Las Lomas High School class of 2017 graduate returns to Hilo after spending the last three seasons coaching at Las Positas College (California). He began as lead assistant and was elevated to associate head coach for 2024-25.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Hilo as a Vulcan again. I’m a proud Hawai’i Hilo alumnus and have a lot of love for this island and its community — it was a second home for me,” Haskett said. “From playing on coach Aiona’s first teams to now coaching alongside him, this is a full‑circle moment. I am ready to share my experience and knowledge with our student‑athletes and contribute to the continued success of this program.”
Additionally, Haskett coaches with the Oakland Soldiers AAU program — competing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League — and was selected as one of 30 coaches to lead at the prestigious Nike Elite 100 Camp. He also previously led player-development training throughout the Bay Area.
Haskett started his collegiate journey with two seasons at Diablo Valley College (California), playing under former Vulcan Steve Coccimiglio. He transferred to Hawai’i Hilo in fall 2019, joining then-head coach GE Coleman. After Aiona’s hiring in summer 2020, Haskett finished out his playing career over the next two seasons through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so excited to welcome Anthony back to Hilo,” Aiona said. “He is an up-and-coming coach with an excellent reputation. I’ve really enjoyed following his coaching career and successes with Las Positas, AAU basketball and as a skilled player-development coach. Most importantly, Anthony is a great person and a tremendous representative of Hawai’i Hilo, both on the court and in the community.”
Haskett also earned a Master of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion from Pennsylvania Western University in 2023, concentrating in performance enhancement and injury prevention.
He joins veteran coach Steve Kinder to round out the Hawai’i Hilo Men’s Basketball coaching staff as the Vulcans aim to continue climbing in 2025-26 after earning four consecutive berths in the Pacific West Conference Championships postseason tournament.