In just 3 seasons, “Coach Ruv” helped 6 student-athletes earn scholarships to play basketball at the next level, equivalent to the number of scholarship athletes in the prior 6 seasons combined at Alameda. Under Coach Bhambhra, Alameda had an NCAA Division II signee (Petar Mijatovic) for the first time in school history.
Before taking over at Alameda, Bhambhra helped lead Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa to their best two seasons in school history. As Donnie Jackson’s lone assistant, Bhambhra helped the Mavs finish at #7 in the NJCAA Division I National Poll in back-to-back years. Tonkawa also made back-to-back NJCAA National Tournament appearances, earning the #2 Overall Seed in 2022 (2021 cancelled due to Covid). They won a Region 2 Title, and had a remarkable 52-6 record with Bhambhra on staff.
Prior to NOC-Tonkawa, Bhambhra was at City College of San Francisco and worked for Justin Labagh, a future Hall-of-Famer. Bhambhra helped the 2017-18 Rams win the CCCAA State Championship (CA). Bhambhra was responsible for the scouting report in the championship game en route to the title. In addition to scouting, Bhambhra led 7am workouts and was also heavily involved in recruiting; in the offseason, he helped secure two Division I transfers from Cal.
In the three seasons immediately prior to taking over at Alameda, Bhambhra compiled a record of 86-8 as an assistant coach at the community college level, good for a 0.915 winning percentage! The run includes three banners and two rings, in two different states: two conference championships, a CCCAA State Title, a Region 2 Postseason Tournament Title, and consecutive trips to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship.
Before San Francisco, Bhambhra reunited with another mentor he calls Coach, legendary high-school and junior college coach Peter Diepenbrock. In both seasons, (2015-17), the varsity reached the Northern California State Championship game. Bhambhra led the JV squad to the League Championship.
While at Cañada College (2009-2013), Bhambhra helped Coach Diepenbrock revive a program. The Colts earned a trip to the playoffs and won a playoff game for the first time in over a decade, climbing as high as #3 in the 3C2A State Poll.
Coach Bhambhra has worked with and helped develop countless NCAA Division I players and pro’s; he has been instrumental in their growth. A brief list includes 3C2A State Player of the Year Terrell Brown (New Mexico State), Eddie Stansberry (Hawaii), Michael Steadman (Montana), Demaree King (Jacksonville State), JD Ray (Sam Houston State) and Tyrel Morgan (Texas State).
Bhambhra has had the opportunity of learning from some elite coaches, and Coach Giacomazzi will be no different. “I’m excited to work with and learn from another future Hall-of-Fame coach in Coach Giacomazzi here at LPC,” Bhambhra said. “Extremely grateful to Coach Gio for the opportunity and excited to get to work!”
Coach Bhambhra holds a B.A in Psychology from The University of Arizona (2009), and an M.A in Kinesiology, emphasis Sport Psychology, from San José State University (20. He has gained insights from elite coaches (mentioned), also including Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson, and he has participated in various high-level basketball camps nationwide.
At 39 years old, Bhambhra is a native of the Bay Area. His commitment to basketball, passion, and player development continues to shape the programs he is a part of, aiming to foster success both on and off the court.
