Few college basketball players navigate a journey that brings them back to where it all started.
For Boise native Rayzhon Bergersen, transferring from Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) to Boise State meant stepping into a higher level of competition and joining a program led in part by someone he’s known his entire life: his father Roberto.
After dealing with injuries and inconsistencies early in his collegiate career, Bergersen needed a new direction. Boise State offered a chance to elevate his game beyond NNU where he could be supported through enhanced facilities, an experienced coaching staff and a brotherhood of guys who want to see him grow. More importantly, it offered an environment centered on culture and accountability.
One of those brothers, Ryzin, understands Ray’s competitive spark better than anyone. They shared success in ways other sibling-athletes dream of. They first shared the court at Borah High School during a run to a state championship, then reunited for two seasons at NNU, taking part in a conference title.
“We always had a connection I didn’t have with anyone else on the court,” Ryzin Bergersen said. “His energy is contagious, and when he touches the court, he gives 110% every single time.”
The most unique part of the return home is the new dynamic between him and his father.
Roberto Bergersen, a Boise State Hall of Famer, now serves as an assistant coach. The pair’s relationship extends beyond basketball, but on the court, their roles stay strictly professional.
Separation helps maintain a sense of trust within the locker room. Since joining the program in May, Bergersen has made meaningful connections with some of the players, such as sophomore guard Julian Bowie and sixth-year forward Dominic Parolin. His teammates respect him, understanding he earns his athletic opportunities.
“He’s always been a competitor, ever since he was a young kid,” said Roberto Bergersen of his son. “He went through a couple tough years with injuries, being challenged physically, but he did a good job coming back strong.”
Competitiveness has been a part of Bergersen’s identity since childhood. Growing up with older brothers meant getting pushed through tougher workouts, guarding stronger matchups and learning how to adjust under pressure.
“Being a child of God and surrounding myself with the right people has been big for me,” Bergersen said. “I want to be the best version of myself as a man, pushing through adversity and staying consistent.”
Bergersen is a pass-first guard who doesn’t hunt shots. He understands tempo, angles, spacing and defends with pride, the kind of intangible production coaches rely on to win games.
He wasted no time getting into the building, studying film, lifting early, staying late and learning how his teammates operated on and off the court. The more time he spent around the group, the more he felt like he belonged.
“You spend so much time with these guys, going through hard times in the gym or on the road,” Bergersen said. “I’ve made strong connections with teammates I never expected.”
Roberto believes Boise State’s program provides his son with a supportive culture where he can truly thrive, both as a person and an athlete.
He also pointed to the joy of watching his son’s growth in a space surrounded by the right people, noting how fulfilling it is to see everything come full circle at his alma mater.
“This is a place where culture matters,” Roberto Bergersen said. “He’s surrounded by the right people here, and that’s been fulfilling to watch.”
Bergersen’s family backed the decision to transfer as well. His parents and brothers were excited for the new opportunity, especially after watching him battle through injuries at NNU. His brothers, both former players themselves, understood how rare it was for an opportunity like Boise State to present itself. He mentioned his mother has supported him every step of his career.
Playing under his father adds meaning to his journey. Roberto coached his sons since they were young, learning when to teach, when to push and when to simply be a dad.
The family connection runs even deeper through Bergersen’s jersey number. He now wears No. 11, the same number Roberto once wore at Boise State. That number belonged to a close friend and fellow teammate of Roberto’s who passed away from a heart attack.
Seeing it back on the court and in his son’s hands hit harder than expected. Roberto said it “choked him up a little” when he placed Bergersen’s name on the game matchup board. Bergersen carries that legacy forward each time he steps on the court and serves as a reminder of how basketball has connected his family across generations.
