RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Former UC Riverside Men's Basketball student-athlete standout, Lachlan Olbrich, became UCR's highest NBA Draft selection in program history on Thursday, June 26, 2025, going in the second round as the 55th overall pick. Olbrich was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers and traded to the Chicago Bulls, becoming UC Riverside's first NBA Draft pick since Tim Bell was chosen by the Golden State Warriors in 1984. Also, Olbrich joins former UCR teammate, Zyon Pullin, who is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, making it two former Highlanders who are now playing on NBA rosters.
"We are incredibly proud of and happy for Lachlan," said UCR Athletics Director, Wesley Mallette. "From day one when Lachlan arrived, we all saw something super special in him - not just as a player, but as a great human. Coach Magpayo and his staff helped develop him and it is so great to see Lachlan - along with former Highlander, Zyon Pullin - achieving their dreams and playing in the NBA."
Olbrich made an immediate impact during his time at UCR in 2022–23, earning Big West Freshman of the Year honors and an All-Big West Honorable Mention nod. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, and was one of just six players—and the only freshman—to rank in the top six in the Big West in both rebounding and field goal percentage.
Following his time at UC Riverside, the 6-10 forward began his professional career in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). He went on to earn MVP, Grand Final MVP, and Most Outstanding Forward honors in New Zealand's top league in 2024 before winning a championship in the Australian NBL in 2025.
Olbrich's selection marks a new milestone for the Highlanders, reinforcing UCR's growing presence on the global basketball stage. UCR Men's Basketball continues its ascent, having achieved the third best overall (and conference) win-loss record in The Big West over the past five years and earned its first NIT bid this past season after finishing third in the conference and posting a 14-1 record at home. In addition, the program has sent multiple players to Australia's NBL as well as the NBA over the past five years.
