Mike Magpayo, the first-ever Asian-American to coach in NCAA Division I, made history anew as he was awarded the 2021 CollegeInsider.com Joe B. Hall award.
The Filipino-American who coaches UC Riverside bested Wichita State’s Isaac Brown, Georgie Southern’s Brian Burg, Texas State’s Terrence Johnson, Loyola Marymount’s Stan Johnson, Southeast Missouri State’s Brad Korn, ETSU’s Jason Shay, and UNCW’s Takayo Siddle for the award that honors the best rookie coach in the US.
“Dealing with the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the future of athletics at UC Riverside, Mike Magpayo led the program to a historic season,” said Angela Lento, Vice President of CollegeInsider.com.
“Coach Magpayo’s attention to detail and leadership are second to none. He’s a star in the profession.”
Magpayo coached UC Riverside to its best season in the DI-era. The Highlanders were 14-8 overall and finished in third place in the Big West with an 8-4 record and the program’s second-ever appearance in the conference tournament semifinals.
The first-year head coach also had four players earn All-Big West honors, with Arinze Chidom, Jock Perry, Dominick Pickett, and Zyon Pullin all earning recognition.
A longtime Kentucky assistant, Joe B. Hall was given the task of following the legendary Adolph Rupp at the school. In his first season, Hall finished 20-8, won the SEC and advanced to the NCAA Regional Finals.
