Statement from UC Riverside Athletics Director, Wesley Mallette, Regarding Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Magpayo’s Departure to Fordham
3/29/2025 10:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Saturday, March 29, 2025
After five seasons at the helm, it was announced earlier today that UC Riverside Head Men's Basketball Coach Mike Magpayo has accepted the same position at Fordham University.
On behalf of UC Riverside Athletics, I would like to thank Coach Magpayo for five outstanding seasons leading our Men's Basketball program to levels it had not seen in our 24-year Division I era, and I cannot thank Mike enough for the tremendous impact he and his staff have made on UCR Athletics, our campus, and our community. The success of our Men's Basketball program has been instrumental for the growth of our entire Athletics department and has helped lead the turnaround that we have experienced. We wish Mike and his beautiful family nothing but the best as he takes the next step in his career, and we look forward to watching his continued success leading, building, and developing student-athletes.
We have built a special culture within UCR Athletics; one that cares about and invests in its people, and one that is truly built on high academic accomplishments and athletic achievements. The results and success we have enjoyed over this span includes, but is not limited to, the second-best overall win-loss record in The Big West Conference; the program's first-ever Division I postseason appearance with an invitation to the NIT this season; two 20-plus win seasons; four seasons finishing above .500; multiple wins over Power Four and NCAA Tournament teams like Arizona State, Colorado State, and Washington; multiple All-Conference selections, back-to-back Freshman of the Year honors; and a Coach of the Year nod.
The Big West has risen to be a top 10 conference for men's basketball in the country, and as the league continues to elevate nationally, we remain focused on ensuring UC Riverside Men's Basketball is at the forefront of the league.
As we begin a national search for our next leader on the hardwood, we are invigorated by the tremendous early interest in our institution and the position. It is evident that we have developed a basketball brand people are excited about and want to continue that momentum with the hiring of our next head coach.
I ask that all interested candidates contact Katy Young Staudt with TurnkeyZRG as she is leading our search for our next head men's basketball coach.
Wesley Mallette
Director of Athletics
UC Riverside
