From Brazil to the Big Sky: The Global Rise of Idaho’s Arthur Moreira

This week on The Krista Redpath Show, we’re taking you Around the Big Sky in Women’s Hoops — and our next stop is Moscow, Idaho, with one of the most compelling rising leaders in college basketball: University of Idaho head coach Arthur Moreira, the first Brazilian head coach in NCAA Division I history.

In this conversation, Krista and Coach Moreira trace his journey from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where sports culture and competition shaped his early years, to the Big Sky Conference. Moreira reflects on discovering basketball in a soccer-centric country, the values he learned growing up in Brazil, and how those roots continue to influence his coaching philosophy today.

The episode also dives into Idaho’s rapid turnaround under Moreira’s leadership. In his debut season, he led the Vandals to 18 wins and a top-three seed in the Big Sky Tournament, laying the foundation for the program’s momentum as it enters Year Two. Idaho quickly became one of the elite defensive teams in the nation, ranking among the national leaders in opponent shooting percentage and rebounding.

Krista and Coach Moreira break down his defensive identity, global recruiting approach, and the evolution of the Vandals’ roster. They discuss the impact of last season’s breakout star Olivia Nelson, as well as the continued rise of current standouts Kyra Gardner and Hope Hassmann as Idaho builds toward sustained success.

This is a powerful conversation about culture, roots, defense, and how a global perspective is shaping the future of Idaho women’s basketball.