Courtesy of College Insider Inc.

BOSTON, Mass. -- UC Riverside's Mike Magpayo is the recipient of the 2021 Joe B. Hall award.

The first Asian-American to lead a Division I program, Magpayo coached UC Riverside to its best season in the DI era. The Highlanders were 14-8 overall and finished in third place in the Big West with an 8-4 record and the program's second-ever appearance in the conference tournament semifinals.

"Dealing with the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the future of athletics at UC Riverside, Mike Magpayo led the program to an historic season," said Angela Lento Vice President of CollegeInsider.com. "Coach Magpayo's attention to detail and leadership are second to none. He's a star in the profession."

The first-year head coach also had four players earn All-Big West honors, with Arinze Chidom, Jock Perry, Dominick Pickett and Zyon Pullin all earning recognition.

The Joe B. Hall award is presented annually to the top first-year coach in Division I college basketball.

A longtime Kentucky assistant, Joe B. Hall was given the task of following the legendary Adolph Rupp at the school. In his first season, Hall finished 20-8, won the SEC and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals.

Hall coached the Wildcats from 1972 to 1985. He won two-thirds of his games (297-100), received four SEC

Coach of the Year honors and won a National Championship in 1978. He also steered the program to two other Final Fours, won eight Southeastern Conference regular season championships and one Southeastern Conference tournament championship (1984).

2020-21 JOE B. HALL AWARD FINALISTS