RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Surrounded by local media, Highlander supporters, staff, and student-athletes, UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox and Director of Athletics Wesley Mallette formally introduced Gus Argenal as the new head men's basketball coach. Named to the position on May 1, Argenal becomes the 12th overall head coach in program history and the eighth during its NCAA Division I era.

"As I start and look around the room, I have to feel taken aback... The alumni I spoke to, the supporters of this program, the community members..." said coach Argenal. "I want to thank you all for being here. I already feel love and support and we are just getting started today... I could not be more excited about this opportunity."

"Gus's experience is outstanding," said AD Mallette. "He's won at the high major level, he's played and coached at UC Davis. He knows what it takes to be successful in this league. He has high character and brings great energy and an unbelievable pedigree to UC Riverside. Gus Argenal is not only a coach who's ready to lead our program now, he's a good human."

"Attack. Be aggressive. Be confident," coach Argenal said, outlining the style of play Highlander fans can expect. "On offense, we'll get shots up and take care of the ball... On defense, we'll create chaos. I can promise you this: you'll be proud of the product on the floor and the type of men representing you. I couldn't be more excited to get started."

Full remarks from Chancellor Wilcox, AD Mallette, and coach Argenal are below.