HAYWARD, Calif. -- Cal State East Bay head men's basketball coach Gus Argenal has announced that Phoenix, Ariz. native Drew Bender has committed to join the Pioneers for the 2015-16 season. Bender brings Division I experience to East Bay, having spent one year each at Rice University and Northern Colorado.

"Drew is a high level competitor with a knack for making big plays in big games," praised Argenal. "I am fired up to have him join our family and help move East Bay basketball to new heights."

A 6'5" guard, Bender won the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award while at Pinnacle High School. He averaged 17.5 points per game as a junior and 14.1 as a senior, earning Phoenix Player of the Year honors in 2013. He was also selected as an All-American by the Arizona Coaches Association.

Bender was recruited by Argenal prior to the 2013-14 season when the latter was an assistant coach at Rice. He joined the Owls and ended up playing 26 games as freshman in Conference USA, making the commissioner's honor roll. He shot 32 percent from the field, scoring 68 total points and grabbing 37 rebounds for the season.

Bender then spent the 2014-15 season at the University of Northern Colorado, where he competed in nine games for the Bears in the Big Sky Conference. He shot 59 percent from the field (10-for-17), 50 percent from three-point range (7-for-14), and scored in double figures twice with a career high 14 points against Florida A&M. 

"Drew is an extremely skilled player offensively who can play multiple positions and will fit perfectly with our style of play," Argenal added. "Most importantly, he has great character and an infectious work ethic. The Pioneer community will enjoy watching him in the future."