Leo Clibanoff entered his second season as assistant coach for the Brewers in 2025-26 and has helped the Brewers to two of its best seasons in program history.
The 2025-26 season marked a record-setting season for the Brewers as Vassar earned its second Liberty League crown after defeating RPI 57-53 on the road. Vassar reached the 20-win plateau for the first time in program history and set a new program record for regular season conference victories with 13. Junior Shea Fitzgerald earned his second consecutive All-Liberty League First Team selection along with sophomore Parker Neuenhaus garnering Second Team All-Liberty League honors. Fitzgerald was also named a NABC All-District selection and earned Second Team D3hoops.com All-Region honors.
In his first year, he helped Vassar set a program record with 12 Liberty League wins and earn a postseason berth as the No. 3 seed. Clibanoff also mentored the program’s first-ever NABC All-American, Shea Fitzgerald ’27, who was named Liberty League Player of the Year. Additionally, he helped Avery Lee ’27 earn First Team All-Liberty League honors.
Vassar College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ryan Mee announced the hiring of Clibanoff ahead of the 2024-25 season following his one-year stint with the Texas Legends, the NBA G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.
“I couldn’t be more excited about bringing Coach Clibanoff on board. His energy and passion for the game is exactly what we need to elevate our program,” said Mee. “He brings fresh ideas, a tireless work ethic, and a real ability to connect with players. I’m confident Leo will help push our team to new heights, both on and off the court.”
Clibanoff spent the 2023-24 season with the Texas Legends as a Basketball Operations Associate, where he played a key role in film breakdowns, scouting reports, and daily player operations. His efforts helped the Legends secure two NBA call-ups and improve their win total by 11 games from the previous season. He also contributed to the Dallas Mavericks’ pre-draft workouts and free agent mini-camp, coaching players through drills and scrimmages.
Texas Legends Head Coach Jordan Sears said, “Leo is a curious basketball mind with a wide range of experiences in such a short coaching career. His youthfulness and level of care will be great assets to the Vassar Men’s Basketball program.”
Before his time with the Legends, Clibanoff spent five years at Wesleyan University (2018–2023) as a student assistant coach for the men’s basketball program. He was responsible for player development, scouting reports, film breakdowns, and practice/game planning. Clibanoff helped guide Wesleyan to a 25-4 record in 2021-22, capturing both the NESCAC regular-season and tournament championships. His work contributed to six All-Conference selections, including a Conference Player of the Year, a Defensive Player of the Year, and a First-Team All-American.
Wesleyan Head Coach Joe Reilly said, “We are thrilled for Leo and his opportunity at Vassar. He was a big part of our program and had a huge impact on our recent success at Wesleyan. Leo has a bright future in coaching, and we wish him the best helping Coach Mee continue to provide a high-level athletic experience for the student-athletes at Vassar.”
Clibanoff has also worked alongside top basketball skills development trainers, assisting with NBA and pre-draft player workouts during the offseason.
A native of Lower Merion, Pa, Clibanoff graduated from Wesleyan University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Data Analysis. Prior to Wesleyan, he served as a manager for the varsity boys’ basketball team at Lower Merion High School.
