Canales was most recently the associate head coach at Troy University. But, with 18 years of NBA coaching experience, his hire got the attention of a broad range of basketball personalities as word spread nationally across social media, including four fire emojis from former NBA guard and coach Earl Watson.

Here’s a look at more of those reactions and comments as gathered by the Standard-Examiner from various platforms.

“We are going places … let’s get it!” — Damian Lillard (Instagram story)

“Incredible hire for Weber State! Congrats Kaleb!” — Adrian Wojnarowski, former NBA reporter for ESPN and current general manager for St. Bonaventure (Instagram comment)

“Great pick up” — Former Weber State guard Cody John, who played against Canales’ team in the CEBL last summer (Instagram comment)

“They got themselves a competitor, not just a coach but someone that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win.” — Former NBA guard Khyri Thomas, who played for Canales in CEBL last summer (Instagram comment)

“Kaleb will be an amazing leader of men, connector with his genuine approach & high level care factor. Amazing coach, but one of the best people I’ve ever met or been around.” — Tevin Juwan Brown, basketball coach and current video coordinator with the Dallas Mavericks (X post)

“Big time!!” — 14-year NBA veteran Harrison Barnes, who played for Canales with the Dallas Mavericks (Instagram comment)

“Great hire by Weber St. Kaleb knows the game and how to connect with players.” — Former Gonzaga and NBA guard Dan Dickau, current TV and radio color commentator (X post)

“Really like this hire for Weber. Fascinating resume, plus the Dame connection always helps.” — Trilly Donovan, the pseudonymous, popular college basketball writer and commenter (X post)

“Big time hire!!! (Canales) is going to crush it!” — Scott Cross, Georgia Tech head coach who worked with Canales at UT Arlington and Troy (X post)

“Welcome to Utah coach!!! Great guy that brings the great vibes and enthusiasm.” — Former BYU star Kyle Collinsworth, who was part of the Dallas Mavericks organization at the same time as Canales (X post)

“TREMENDOUS hire for Weber State. He was getting looked at for NBA head coaching jobs at one point…” — Deseret News writer Ryan McDonald (X post)

“Arguably no coach has worked his butt off for a longer period of time to land a HC job than Kaleb Canales.” — Jazz fan and NBA social media commenter @getsit (X post)

“TOUGH! Well deserved for sure. Happy for my guy” — Jordan “Jelly” Walker, current pro in Europe who played for Canales with the NBA G League Texas Legends (Instagram comment)