GUNNISON, Colo.  Western Colorado University Head Men's Basketball Coach Zac Claus has announced the addition of Jagir Johal to the Mountaineer men's basketball program as a graduate assistant.

Johal joins the Mountaineers after completing his collegiate playing career at Bellevue University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in history in the spring of 2026. During his three seasons with the Bruins, Johal was part of multiple championship teams and postseason runs, including the 2024 North Star Conference regular-season and tournament championships and a NAIA National Tournament appearance.

In 2026, Johal helped Bellevue capture the NAIA Region Championship and advance to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. He was also recognized as the Frontier Conference Champion of Character.

Before his time at Bellevue, Johal played two seasons at Yuba College, helping the team capture the 2023 Bay Valley Conference Championship. He began his collegiate career after playing at Marysville High School, where he was a member of the 2020 league championship team and earned team MVP honors.

Along with his playing experience, Johal brings several years of coaching and player-development experience to Western Colorado. He served as an AAU coach with Hoop Skills Academy for two seasons, coaching seventh- and ninth-grade teams while creating practice plans and helping develop young athletes.

Johal has also worked as a basketball trainer, leading individual and group sessions for youth athletes ages 5 to 13 and emphasizing fundamental skill development. His coaching background includes designing structured practices, teaching basketball fundamentals and working with athletes of varying skill levels.

As a graduate assistant, Johal will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Western Colorado men's basketball program while helping with player development, practices and other program responsibilities.

Johal brings a combination of collegiate playing experience, youth coaching experience and a strong understanding of basketball fundamentals to the Mountaineer program as he begins his coaching career in Gunnison.