RIVERSIDE, Calif. - UC Riverside head coach and 2022-23 Big West Coach of the Year Mike Magpayo has bolstered his squad for the 2024-25 season with the addition of seven newcomers - including three from the transfer portal - who will add size, athleticism and skill to both the Highlanders' frontcourt and backcourt.
UCR also brings in assistant coach Anthony Lorenzo and includes the promotion of Eddie Hill to associate head coach to augment a talented corps of new Highlanders.
"The excitement around the program from our eight returning student-athletes has already been high," Magpayo said. "Now adding this kind of character and positional size throughout the roster gives us all the more reason to root hard for this team."
Joel Armotrading
C | 6-10 | Sr. | London, England / Cal Poly
Joel Armotrading needs no introduction to the Big West, making the trip south from Cal Poly after spending the previous season with the Mustangs. Armotrading averaged 18.9 minutes per game in San Luis Obispo after spending two years at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) alongside current UCR guard Isaiah Moses. In addition to leading the Big West in block percentage last season, Armotrading also ranked fifth in the conference in offensive rebound percentage.
Rikus Schulte
F | 6-9 | So. | Münster, Germany / Davidson / SLZB
Rikus Schulte comes to the Inland Empire after spending last season at Davidson. Schulte comes to UCR fresh off playing with the German National Team in the FIBA U20 European Championship in Poland. Along with his international experience, he adds a combination of skill and toughness to the Highlanders' frontcourt.
"Joel and Rikus are impact transfers who play a style of basketball that we need," Magpayo said. "Both will provide toughness and paint protection while also empowering our offensive attack with skill and athleticism."
Parker Strauss
G | 6-4 | RS Fr. | Costa Mesa, Calif. / Northwestern / Pacifica Christian HS
Parker Strauss returns home to California after a redshirt year at Northwestern. Strauss was a McDonald's All-American nominee out of Pacifica Christian High School and brings versatility to an experienced backcourt with his size and wingspan. He possesses a high basketball IQ and brings toughness, leadership and a winning attitude to the program.
Tyler Jones
G | 6-2 | Fr. | Morgan Hill, Calif. / Archbishop Mitty HS
Tyler Jones will add depth to the Highlanders' backcourt out of Bay Area powerhouse Archbishop Mitty High School. Jones, a San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team selection and CalHiSports All-State nominee, was ranked by PrepHoops as one of the top players across Northern California. Jones can shoot the ball from both deep and midrange and can showcase his skills on the other end of the floor as a lockdown defender who can guard multiple positions.
"The perimeter additions of Parker and Tyler give us more shooting and playmaking, and again, positional size at the guard position. Parker especially will be a Swiss Army knife who can do it all on both ends of the floor."
Abass Bodija
F | 6-10 | Fr. | Brisbane, Australia / Centre of Excellence
Abass Bodija comes from the famed Centre of Excellence in Canberra, Australia. Bodija is a perimeter offensive threat who runs the floor and rebounds well. He possesses a 7'3" wingspan and quick feet that are sure to affect the defensive side of the ball.
Jack Whitbourn
C | 6-10 | Fr. | Melbourne, Australia / Melbourne Tigers
Jack is a former Melbourne Tiger of the NBL1 who averaged 11.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. He led Australia to gold at the 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Junior Championship. He joins a long line of international student-athletes to come through the UCR program from Oceania. Whitbourn possesses a soft touch around the rim and a solid frame that will be a major asset down low to Magpayo's squad.
"From summer workouts, it's clear that Jack brings a lot to the program: IQ, skill, size and a competitive streak - and along with his mate, a very talented Abass Bodija also from Australia, the duo brings depth to the frontcourt."
David Manea
F | 6-6 | Fr. | Irvine, Calif. / Golden State Prep
David Manea is a skilled forward from Golden State Prep who excels at using his body to score, ultimately knowing how to confidently score at every level. His strength and aggression allow him to attack the basket without hesitation. Manea carried a 4.0 GPA at Orange Lutheran High School before moving to Golden State Prep.
