This year marks a brand-new chapter for Milken boys’ basketball—a new coaching staff, new players, and a fresh identity for the program. But the headline story isn’t just about change. It’s about family. For the first time ever, Milken’s new head coach, Ryan Coleman, is teaming up with his son, Grayson Coleman ’27, who transferred from Calabasas High School. Together, they’re stepping into a new era of Wildcat basketball.
Coach Ryan Coleman brings one of the most accomplished résumés Milken basketball has seen in years. Before arriving at Milken, he began at Calabasas High School as a varsity assistant and JV coach, winning two CIF championships in three seasons. He then spent over a decade at Shalhevet, serving 11 years as the boys’ head coach and 6 years with the girls’ program.
Coleman says his first impressions of Milken have been overwhelmingly positive.
“There are a lot of people that are super excited,” he shared. “The groundwork and interest are there. Now, it’s about putting our own hands on the foundation we want to build.”
And he isn’t building it alone.
Coleman brought two longtime assistants from Shalhevet: Coach Simon Fani and Coach Mike Tehrani, both of whom he describes as experienced coaches who understand “work-life balance” and share his philosophy. Joining them is young assistant Luke Jacobs, along with Coach Bryce, who round out the staff.
Milken has also introduced sport-specific program heads for each team, and basketball’s new program director is Tom Lewis, formerly at powerhouse Mater Dei, adding even more experience to the structure of the program.
While the coaching move was planned, the father-son reunion wasn’t.
“This wasn’t the plan,” Coach Coleman said. “But to have Grayson here, to go to practice every day and watch him develop, it’s a dream come true.”
Grayson, who spent his first two years at Calabasas, echoed that feeling. “Dream come true,” he said. “He’s coached me basically my whole life – AAU, training, everything. Now doing it in a real high-school setting is exciting.”
Grayson’s goal for this season is simple. “Win as many games as possible.”
Grayson wasn’t the only new face to arrive at Milken. Nadav Abergel ’27 also joined from Calabasas. Another major addition is Ethan Frank ’28, a talented guard from Crespi.
According to Ethan, the transition has been smooth.
“My experience at Milken has been very, very good,” he said. “Everybody’s welcoming. I’m blessed to be part of this community.”
Both players noted how supportive the teachers and administration have been, saying it already feels like home.
Last year’s varsity squad, led by Coach Thomas Blunt and assistant Coach Kai, finished with a record that ultimately fell short of a playoff berth. While the team showed effort and flashes of potential, this season signals a reset, not a criticism of the past, but an evolution toward the future.
This year, the Wildcats are playing with a completely new system, identity, and coaching philosophy, and are striving to build something long-term.
One major highlight of the early season was the team’s trip to Memphis at the end of October, where the Wildcats competed in a national-level tournament. The trip gave the team valuable experience, bonding time, and exposure to high-level opponents, exactly the type of competition Coach Coleman hopes will elevate the program.
Additionally, the Varsity team has recorded a league record of 2-0. On December 26th, Milken defeated a promising squad from Bishop Alemany in a 65-55 win. Most recently, Grayson Coleman ‘27 dropped 45 points on a very strong Windward team. Despite the loss, Milken held their ground against the #27 ranked team in California.
With a revamped coaching staff, new players hungry to prove themselves, and a father-son duo at the center of the story, the 2024–25 boys’ basketball season represents more than just another year on the court. It’s the start of a new Milken basketball identity, one built on culture, development, and a vision for long-term success.
As the Wildcats continue through their season, one thing is clear:
Milken basketball is entering a new era, and the future looks promising.
This story was first published in the Milken Roar on Jan. 26, 2026.
