Gus Argenal Appointed as Head Coach of UC Riverside Men’s Basketball
Gus Argenal, a highly regarded rising coach in men’s college basketball, has been named the 12th head coach in UC Riverside men’s basketball history, marking the ninth within its NCAA Division I era. This decision follows a comprehensive national search, as announced by Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Wesley Mallette.
Success at UC Riverside
Argenal takes the helm of a UC Riverside men’s basketball team that has recently experienced its most successful five-year period in the Division I era. Notably, the program recorded its first-ever postseason appearance in the 2024-25 season by securing a spot in the NIT, along with two seasons of over 20 wins in the last three years and the second-best win-loss record in The Big West during this time—all under former coach Mike Magpayo.
Introduction to the Community
He will be formally introduced to the UC Riverside community on Tuesday, May 6th at 12 PM in the SRC Arena multipurpose room. Mallette expressed great excitement about Argenal’s arrival, highlighting his understanding of the program’s current trajectory and commitment to elevate it further.
Coaching Experience and Achievements
With 19 years in collegiate coaching, Argenal has a remarkable track record, including six NCAA Tournament appearances and 12 wins, holding a personal record of 5-2 in the tournament as a head coach. He has also played a role in advancing nine players to the NBA or G League, featuring talents like Anthony Black, Ricky Council, and Caleb Martin.
Previous Success at Cal State San Bernardino
Prior to UCR, Argenal enjoyed a successful tenure at Cal State San Bernardino, accumulating 50 wins over two years. He led the Yotes to consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Final Four, while also claiming the CCAA regular season title. His inaugural season saw him achieve a record 27 wins and significant accolades, establishing new standards for the program.
Prior Coaching Roles
Before his time at Cal State San Bernardino, Argenal served as an assistant coach at several Division I programs, including Arkansas, Nevada, Cal State Fullerton, Rice, and UC Davis. His contributions at Arkansas and Nevada contributed to four NCAA Tournament appearances and established him as a top-tier recruiter, achieving national rankings and signing prominent prospects.
Background and Education
As a player, Argenal was a standout at De La Salle High School and later at UC Davis, where he set a school record for assists. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Davis and a master’s in education from Arizona State. Argenal and his wife, Hannah, have two sons and have both made notable contributions to college basketball.
