RIVERSIDE — New UC Riverside men’s basketball coach Gus Argenal knows he only gets one chance to make a first impression, so he’s going big.

“We really focused on getting bigger players (and) getting premier size at each position,” Argenal said.

With only two guards — 6-foot-2 Tyler Jones and and 6-foot-4 Parker Strauss — returning from UCR’s NIT qualifier last year, Argenal tried to emphasize recruiting players 6-6 or taller to the Highlanders in his first season.

“It was a scramble for me to find the right guys,” Argenal said. “You can’t really recruit players just to recruit players. You have to recruit players who fit what we want.”

Prioritizing rebounding and interior defense, UC Riverside begins its season at home against La Sierra University on Monday night. Tipoff at SRC Arena

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