Just as the University of California San Diego men’s basketball program is getting a chance to enter the Division I ranks, so will Cade Pendleton.
The 6-foot-10 senior from East Hamilton has signed with UC San Diego, a decision Pendleton celebrated with a ceremony Wednesday, and he’ll join the Tritons as they seek to make a name for themselves at the NCAA’s highest level of competition.
The Tritons have reached the NCAA tournament quarterfinals in Division III (1991) and Division II (2016, 2017), and they’ve made multiple tourney appearances at both of those levels. After finishing their time in D-II with a 30-1 record in the 2019-20 season – when the coronavirus pandemic canceled the NCAA tournaments – the Trions transitioned to D-I and the Big West Conference the following season.
“I want to win championships,” Pendleton said. “I want a Big West championship and to help take them to March Madness one day. If I am a big scoring piece or the sixth man, I just want to provide a spark and championship edge. I am excited to grow and adapt and truly believe my second year is the one where I will really take off.”
UCSD is coached by Eric Olen, who has a 185-86 overall record in eight seasons. The Tritons won’t be eligible to compete in the NCAA tournament until the reclassification period ends in 2024, which would be Pendleton’s sophomore season if he doesn’t redshirt.