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PRICE - A former professional coach from Brazil who has also been on the coaching staff of Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah, was named to head up the men's basketball team.
The announcement of the hiring of Adjalma Vanderlei Becheli, Jr., came April 18 from USU Eastern Chancellor Joe Peterson and Athletics Director Dave Paur.
Becheli, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, came to Price in 2008. His professional career in Brazil spanned 13 years that included "Coach of the Year" recognition - the youngest in Brazilian basketball history to be so honored.
"Coach Vando," as he is known in the community, will become the first internationally born head coach in USU Eastern history. He has been the school's assistant women's basketball coach for the past two years. Previously, Becheli was a USU Eastern assistant men's coach under Chris Craig, including the 2009-2010 season in which the Golden Eagles placed third in the NJCAA national tournament.
"I know Coach Vando will do a great job," Paur said. "He is an excellent recruiter and has been placing kids from Brazil all over the United States. I have had the privilege to work with him the past two seasons as my assistant. We're confident he'll take us to the next level."
Becheli has worked with, and coached former and current NBA players including Rafeal Araujo, Nene Hilario and Leandro Barbosa.
"I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity the school and administration has given me," Becheli said.
The new head coach inherits a basketball program that finished 16-13 this past season and 4-11 in the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC).
"The teams are so good here," he said. "It is an extremely tough conference, one of the best in the country."
He replaces interim head coach Brian Edelstein, who was appointed to that position following the untimely death of Coach Brad Barton three weeks prior to the start of the 2011-12 season.
"We appreciate Coach Edelstein's stepping up and helping us get through a very difficult period," said Vice Chancellor Brad King. "We are excited to have Coach Vando selected as the new head men's basketball coach. He brings a wealth of coaching and recruiting experience to the program."
Becheli was selected from a field of 157 applications.
"The search committee had a difficult job," King said. "We have great confidence that Coach Vando will bring stability and success to USU Eastern."
Peterson said Becheli brings together all the necessary components of a great coach.
"He is competitive, committed to athletics and academics, and is involved in the community," Peterson said. "He will create a program that we can be proud of."
Becheli received a bachelor's degree in physical education at Fefisa, Sao Paulo. He is married to the former Mariana Gornati.
