Head Coach

Gus Argenal
Head Men's Basketball Coach

Gus Argenal enters his first season as head coach of the UC Riverside men's basketball program in 2025–26. One of the most respected rising leaders in college basketball, Argenal brings 21 years of coaching experience across the Division I and II levels, with a proven track record of success in both postseason competition and player development.

"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."

Prior to joining UC Riverside, Argenal spent two seasons at Cal State San Bernardino, where he guided the Yotes to back-to-back NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, a Final Four berth, a West Region Championship, and a CCAA regular season title. His two-year tenure saw CSUSB post 50 wins, and under his leadership, the program ranked among the NCAA's top 50 nationally in 11 statistical categories.

"My family and I are truly excited and honored to join the UC Riverside community," Argenal said. "To have the opportunity to continue coaching in the Inland Empire at an elite academic institution is humbling and inspiring. I am so thankful to Wes Mallette, Chancellor Wilcox, and the search committee for their belief in my leadership and vision for Highlander basketball. I take great pride in our alignment and commitment to raise the bar as we build something special together. Go Highlanders!"

Before his time at CSUSB, Argenal served as an assistant coach at several Division I programs, including Arkansas, Nevada, Cal State Fullerton, Rice, and UC Davis. He helped guide teams to six NCAA Tournament appearances and seven NCAA Tournament wins, including deep runs to the Elite Eight and Sweet 16 while at Nevada and Arkansas. His recruiting efforts helped Arkansas land nationally ranked recruiting classes, including multiple four- and five-star prospects.

A standout point guard during his playing days at UC Davis, Argenal set the program’s single-game record for assists (13) and graduated with a degree in history before earning his master’s in education from Arizona State. His coaching career began soon after, and he quickly established himself as a talented developer of elite players, having coached nine players who advanced to the NBA or G League ranks, including Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, Philadelphia 76ers' Ricky Council, and Dallas Mavericks' Caleb Martin.

Argenal was named to Silver Waves Media’s “50 Most Impactful High Major Assistants” lists in 2022 and 2023, and the “Elite 75 Future Head Coaches” list in 2025.

Originally from Lafayette, California, Argenal and his wife, Hannah Turner — a former UC Davis women's basketball standout — have two sons, Bo and Ace.