UC Santa Barbara men's basketball prepares for season opener

The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos are set to begin their men's basketball season with a home game against San Francisco State. The team enters the season with high expectations after being picked to finish third in the Big West Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Coach Joe Pasternack highlighted the team's experienced depth, specifically noting the return of veteran guards Miro Little and Aidan Mahaney. Mahaney has been granted an additional year of eligibility due to recent NCAA rule changes. Little was named to the All-Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team alongside CJ Shaw.

The roster has been bolstered by several additions, including transfer Eric Dibami, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Florida International University, as well as Antonio Chol and Declan Duru. The Gauchos aim to replicate the success of their 2021 and 2023 NCAA tournament seasons.