RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside head men's basketball coach Gus Argenal announced the additions of Daniel Tobiloba and Denzel Hines to the Highlanders' 2025–26 roster. The two bring size, athleticism, and high-level experience to a roster that continues to gain depth and versatility.
Tobiloba, a 7-foot center from Lagos, Nigeria, joins UC Riverside after spending the past two seasons at South Florida. He appeared in 19 career games with five starts. He shot 62.5 percent from the field (5-for-8) and added 25 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in limited action.
Before his time at USF, Tobiloba earned All-State honors at Grand View Christian High School in Iowa, where he averaged 8.5 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game as a senior. He helped lead the Thunder to back-to-back deep postseason runs, including a state finals appearance.
"Daniel has the unique makeup to impact a game in a variety of ways," said coach Argenal. "We are looking forward to his defensive ruggedness and his presence on the interior. He is a lob candidate and rim finisher who will provide intensity and great pace. Each year he has added range to his game and with his worth ethic this will continue to grow. Having played in the America Conference, he is battle tested, and ready for the challenges of the Big West in 25-26."
Hines, a 6-foot-7 sophomore wing from Fontana, Calif., comes to UC Riverside after playing the 2024–25 season at Coastal Carolina. He appeared in all 32 games, making 21 starts, and averaged 7.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game. Hines also added 40 assists, and seven steals on the season while shooting 43.0 percent from the floor.
He posted a career-high 14 points against NC State and grabbed a personal-best 12 rebounds at Bowling Green. A product of Colony High School, Hines returns home to Southern California with a strong reputation as a high-motor, two-way contributor.
"Denzel is returning to the Inland Empire bringing with him a proven body of work scoring and rebounding at the Div. I level," said coach Argenal. "He has the ability to get double digit rebounds and points on any given night and excels in a position-less style of play. He runs the floor hard and takes great pride in his defense and matchups. Each team has an identity and we feel Denzel matches the versatility and motor that is a part of the Highlander DNA."
Together, Tobiloba and Hines provide physicality, effort, and defensive upside to a Highlander roster that continues to build momentum heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
