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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.
Competing at the D1 level means your recruitment timeline, film quality, and academic eligibility all need to align precisely. Learn how to get recruited to play college basketball and what it really takes to earn a look from a program at this level. Once you're in contact, a strong highlight film is the single most important asset you can send a coaching staff.
What Recruits Should Know About Targeting UC Riverside Highlanders
D1 coaches build rosters through consistent evaluation of film, in-person scouting at exposure events, and referrals from trusted coaching networks. Getting on UC Riverside Highlanders's radar requires more than sending a generic email — it means having your film, eligibility paperwork, and academic transcripts ready before you make first contact.
Players who receive roster consideration at the D1 level demonstrate improvement over time, not just raw talent at a single event. A structured development program that tracks your progress and connects you with the right coaches can significantly accelerate your recruiting timeline.
Coach Connections That Open Doors to UC Riverside Highlanders
FCP's coaching staff maintains relationships with programs across D1 — built through years of placing players at the college level. When an FCP coach calls a staff member at UC Riverside Highlanders, that call gets returned. Those coach-to-coach referrals are often what converts a prospect from "film received" to "offer extended."
Our post-graduate program leverages those connections to create real recruiting opportunities for players who have done the work to be ready. Apply to FCP and join a program with a track record of college placements.
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.
UC Riverside Highlanders Is Within Reach — If You're Ready
The difference between a player who gets offered by a D1 program and one who doesn't often comes down to timing and preparation. FCP prepares athletes for the moment when UC Riverside Highlanders's coaches are ready to evaluate — so you don't miss your window.
Research compiled by the FCP recruiting staff · Last updated April 2026