Basketball Staff Contacts
Loading staff directory…
About UC Riverside Highlanders Basketball
UC Riverside basketball, led by head coach Mike Magpayo, competes in the competitive Big West Conference and offers student-athletes an excellent combination of academic rigor and Division I basketball opportunity. The Highlanders program emphasizes player development within a supportive team culture that values hard work, discipline, and personal growth both on and off the court. Located in Southern California, UC Riverside provides access to a strong academic institution while competing against quality Big West opponents in a challenging conference environment. Coach Magpayo's program focuses on building character and preparing players for success at the collegiate level. High school players seeking a program that balances serious basketball competition with genuine academic support should reach out to the UC Riverside coaching staff. The Highlanders offer the chance to develop as a student-athlete in a program committed to player development and community values.
Getting recruited at this level requires more than raw talent — coaches need to see your film at the right moment, your eligibility paperwork must be in order, and your tournament exposure has to match the standard the program is recruiting to.
How FCP Prepares Players for D1 Programs
Earning a roster spot at a D1 program like UC Riverside Highlanders takes more than athleticism. Coaches evaluate game film, academic eligibility, and competitive exposure before extending offers. FCP's post-graduate program gives players the structured development and national exposure needed to get evaluated by D1 coaching staffs.
Whether you're a current high school player exploring options through our high school program or a graduate looking for a post-grad year, FCP provides the coaching, competition, and college placement support to help you reach programs like UC Riverside Highlanders.
Targeting UC Riverside Highlanders?
FCP coaches understand what D1 programs like UC Riverside Highlanders look for in a recruit. We build players' film, exposure, and eligibility profiles to match exactly what coaches at this level need to see before making an offer.
Research compiled by the FCP recruiting staff · Last updated March 2026