Men's Basketball Finalizes Coach Staff

Men's Basketball

UC Riverside Men’s Basketball Finalizes 2025–26 Coaching Staff

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside men's basketball head coach Gus Argenal has announced the completion of his 2025–26 coaching staff with the additions of Tim Bross, Blake Wetherington, Reuben Williams, and Matthew Musselman. The ensemble brings a combined wealth of experience across Division I, II, and III programs, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and the development of NBA and professional players.

Bross joins the Highlanders after two highly successful seasons as the lead assistant at Cal State San Bernardino, where he helped guide the Yotes to a 50-20 record, a 2024 CCAA Regular Season title, a NCAA Division II West Region Championship, and a trip to the Final Four. As recruiting coordinator, he signed 20 players in two years, including multiple All-CCAA honorees and the West Region Tournament MVP. His coaching career includes head coaching experience at Cal Maritime and assistant roles at Redlands, Chaminade, Hawaii Pacific, and Hawaii.

"Tim is one of the best coaches on the West Coast who brings head coaching experience, elite recruiting ties and a tireless work ethic," coach Argenal reflected. "He embodies the character that a mentor to our student-athletes should exhibit. His ability to connect, lead and coach will make the entire athletic department better. I am lucky to have someone who I have worked side by side with over the last two seasons, where we won championships, raised banners and changed the academic standards. We welcome Tim and his family — Crista, Lee and Makana — to the squad."

Wetherington brings an elite recruiting and scouting pedigree to UC Riverside, most recently serving on the Virginia Tech staff in 2024. His résumé includes two seasons at Arkansas, where he contributed to a Sweet 16 appearance and helped sign a McDonald's All-American and a top-five transfer class, as well as four seasons at Iowa State highlighted by a Sweet 16 run and a Big 12 Tournament title. He began his career at Murray State, working with future NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant.

"Blake is a unique coach who has competed and coached against some of the best programs in America, having been in the ACC, SEC and Big 12," said coach Argenal. "Not only does he have high-level experience, but that experience is highlighted by winning programs that have produced multiple NBA players and pros along the way. He is relentless in his efforts to help our student-athletes grow on and off the floor and will bring new and innovative ideas to the program. I am lucky to have another assistant coach who knows our verbiage, culture and the identity we want to build here at UCR. Blake will hit the ground running in terms of recruiting, on-floor development and creating our brand."

Williams arrives in Riverside after two seasons at Montana, helping the Grizzlies to 49 wins, their first postseason victory since 2006, and a Top-25 mid-major ranking. He played a key role in recruiting and developing standout players, including the Big Sky Tournament MVP and All-Conference selections. His previous experience includes a season at Arkansas during a Sweet 16 run and three seasons at Long Beach Poly High School, where he coached future NBA wing Peyton Watson.

"Coach Williams is a Southern California native from Long Beach and has roots in AAU and high school basketball across the region. His stops at Montana and Arkansas have given him a winning edge and experience working with teams competing year in and year out for championships," coach Argenal added. "His energy is contagious and will impact everyone in our department on a daily basis. I want coaches who are self-starters and passionate, and Reuben is a perfect example of character, leadership and determination. He is an elite recruiter at all levels and has the ability to connect with young people. I look forward to being reunited with this rising star in our profession and having him be a part of the Highlander community."

Musselman joins the Highlanders after serving as a graduate assistant at USC in 2024–25, where he played a key role in bringing in the nation's No. 7-ranked transfer class and a five star McDonald's All-American. He previously worked as a graduate assistant at Arkansas during a Top-25 season. The son and grandson of longtime NBA and Division I head coaches, Musselman brings experience in scouting, player development, and recruiting operations from multiple high-level programs.

"I have known Matthew for over a decade and have watched him develop into an outstanding coach. He brings Big Ten and SEC experience and has seen programs running at an elite level," Argenal said. "His energy, effort and enthusiasm as a coach separate him from the pack and is one of the reasons he is currently one of the youngest Division I coaches in the country. He will be integral in our day-to-day operation and our growth of the program in recruiting, scouting and overall performance. You win with great people, and Coach Musselman is the type of person you want to represent this university and the city of Riverside."

With his coaching staff now in place, coach Argenal turns his focus to leading UC Riverside into the 2025-26 season — his inaugural year at the helm of the Highlanders. Backed by a staff rich in experience, recruiting connections and a shared vision, Argenal is set to guide the program into a new era.