The UC Santa Barbara Men's Basketball program announces the addition of seven newcomers for the 2026-27 season, including five transfers and two freshmen. Notable signings include Jordan Charles, a Canadian guard with impressive international experience, and Antonio Chol, a seasoned player who excelled at Garden City Community College. The roster will also feature Eric Dibami, a standout from Florida International, and Declan Duru Jr., who previously played for the University of Texas. Additionally, RJ Smith and Viljami Vartiainen bring solid collegiate experience, while 6-foot-11 Marco John Wuol joins as a promising freshman from Germany. This move aims to sustain the program’s success, which has seen nine consecutive winning seasons under Head Coach Joe Pasternack.

By the Numbers
  • Jordan Charles averaged 13.0 points, 4.9 assists, and ranked among the leaders in assists at the FIBA U19 World Cup.
  • Antonio Chol averaged 19.5 points and 7.6 rebounds at Garden City Community College.
  • Eric Dibami averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds, starting all 30 games at FIU.
  • Viljami Vartiainen shot 40.4% from beyond the arc and ranked in the top 40 nationally in three-pointers per game.
State of Play
  • The Gauchos have recorded nine consecutive winning seasons and six seasons with over 20 wins under Coach Pasternack.
  • The 2025-26 season concluded with an 18-14 record and 11-9 in Big West play.
What's Next

As the newcomers integrate into the roster, all eyes will be on how they can contribute to maintaining the program's winning tradition and improving the overall performance in the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The addition of these seven newcomers is a strategic move aimed at sustaining UC Santa Barbara's basketball success, ensuring a competitive edge in the coming season while leveraging the diverse talents and experiences of each player.