SAN JOSE, Calif. - Robert Vaihola, a 6-8 transfer from Minnesota, will rejoin the San José State men’s basketball team for the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Tim Miles.
Robert Vaihola, 6-8, Forward/Center, San Mateo, Calif. / Minnesota
- Joins the Spartans for his senior season
- Vaihola is the first Spartan men's basketball player to transfer back to SJSU after transferring out since the introduction of the transfer portal in 2018
- Previously played at SJSU in 2022-23 and 2024-25, both seasons in which the Spartans made postseason play
- Currently ranks 10th in SJSU history in career blocks
- Has seven career double-doubles as a Spartan
- Appeared and started in 31 games for the Spartans in 2024-25, averaging 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting .536 percent from the field, helping the team make the NIT for the first time since 1981
- Averaged the fourth most rebounds per game and the second most offensive rebounds per game in the Mountain West in 2024-25
- In 2022-23, averaged 7.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and shot .712 from the field, helping the Spartans win over 20 games in a season since also 1981
- Appeared and started in five games for Minnesota in 2025-26, averaging five points and 7.6 rebounds per game and had one double-double against Alcorn State
- Began collegiate career at Fresno State, playing in 22 games for the Bulldogs in 2021-22
- Graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School
Coach Miles on Rob:
“We are thrilled to bring Rob back home to SJSU. In Rob’s two playing seasons as a Spartan, he helped lead the program to 36 wins, the first two Mountain West tournament wins in school history, and two postseason appearances. Rob is a winner both on and off the court.”
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