From Razorback Roots to Highlander Heights: Gus Argenal Named New Head Coach at UC Riverside, Begins Division I Era with Big Dreams and Bold Vision
In a move that blends experience, momentum, and vision, UC Riverside has officially named Gus Argenal as its new head men’s basketball coach, marking a significant chapter not just in Argenal’s career, but in the trajectory of Highlander basketball. The announcement, made Thursday, comes after a nationwide search to replace former head coach Mike Magpayo, who departed to take the reins at Fordham University.
Argenal’s appointment signals UC Riverside’s commitment to building a competitive program in the Division I landscape, and few could be more fitting for the role than a coach whose journey has spanned every level of college basketball—with success at each stop.
From Assistant to Architect
Argenal, 46, brings a wealth of experience to Riverside. He most recently served as head coach at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), where he led the Coyotes to an impressive 50-20 record over two seasons, capped by a run to the 2024 NCAA Division II Final Four. His tenure at CSUSB proved he could turn a program into a national contender, a blueprint he now hopes to replicate—and elevate—at the Division I level.
“This is a dream come true,” Argenal said in the official statement released by UC Riverside. “My family and I are truly excited and honored to join the UC Riverside community. To have the opportunity to continue coaching in the Inland Empire at an elite academic institution is humbling and inspiring.”
Ties to the Top
Argenal is no stranger to top-tier basketball. From 2021 to 2023, he served as an assistant coach under Eric Musselman at the University of Arkansas, one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference. During his time with the Razorbacks, Arkansas remained a consistent NCAA Tournament threat, known for its high-intensity defense and NBA-caliber development system. Argenal was often seen courtside offering strategic input and motivating players with the kind of fire that reflected his own passion for the game.
When Musselman left Arkansas after the 2023-24 season to take over the USC program, Argenal seized the opportunity to return to California and once again lead from the front as a head coach.
A Full-Circle Moment
Though UC Riverside marks Argenal’s first opportunity as a Division I head coach, it’s far from his first time wearing the head coach title. From 2013 to 2017, he served as the head coach at California State-East Bay, where he began shaping his coaching philosophy—one rooted in discipline, player development, and team-first basketball.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Arizona State in 2004 and has since held assistant roles at Cal State Fullerton, Nevada, Rice, UC Davis, and Chico State, showcasing a wide network and deep understanding of both West Coast and national recruiting landscapes.
A Vision for UC Riverside
UC Riverside’s move to bring in Argenal is strategic and ambitious. As a university balancing academic excellence with athletic growth, the program is seeking a leader who can elevate the Highlanders’ basketball program to new competitive heights while maintaining the culture and values that define the institution.
“I take great pride in our alignment and commitment to raise the bar as we build something special together,” Argenal said. “We want to develop leaders on and off the court, compete at the highest level, and bring pride to the Highlander community.”
What’s Next?
With Argenal at the helm, UC Riverside is poised for a new era. His reputation for player development, relentless energy, and sharp basketball IQ has already generated excitement among players, boosters, and alumni. Recruitment efforts are expected to intensify as Argenal taps into both local and national pipelines to build a roster capable of contending in the Big West Conference.
The 2025-26 season will not only serve as a litmus test for the program’s new direction but as the launchpad for Argenal’s vision—a team defined by toughness, talent, and togetherness.
