Former University of California, Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball standout Kyle Owens passed away on Sep. 30. after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was 24.
Owens played two seasons with the Highlanders (2022-2024) under former head coach Mike Magpayo.
“‘This is so unfair’ are the feelings of his former teammates…and I feel the same. I’m also inspired that, hopefully, God put him in this position to inspire all of us to live as he did. I’ve cried and laughed with many of his former teammates over the last [few weeks]; we are reminding each other to carry on his legacy. To live each day on purpose. Rest in Peace KO,” were coach Magpayo’s parting words on a tribute from UCR Athletics.
“Whether it was off the court, where he managed to graduate with two degrees with honors (including an MBA), or it was the work ethic he showed to make himself a great player…Kyle had it all: a great mom, dad and brother, a wonderful girlfriend of many years and many best friends who all looked up to the 6’8 lefty because everyone knew Kyle’s heart was pure and true.”
Owens was a key player that facilitated the growth of UCR men’s basketball under Magpayo and his legacy will continue to be felt with Highlanders today and in the future.
In the same press release, UCR Interim Athletics Director, Michelle Almazan reflects back on Owens’ career. “I have had the privilege of working with many talented young people throughout my career, but Kyle was different. He carried himself with a quiet strength and a genuine heart that touched everyone around him.
“Kyle showed us what it means to face adversity with courage and grace. Even in the most difficult times, he reminded us of the power of perseverance and positivity. He will remain an example for all of us, not just as an athlete but as a human being who lived with purpose and heart.
“As an athletics family, we will honor him by carrying forward the lessons he taught us, and his legacy will continue to inspire Highlanders for generations to come.”
Kyle Owens played a pivotal role in shaping the most successful era of UCR men’s basketball. As a key leader on the court, his impact was felt throughout the program’s rise. While the foundation was built through the leadership of Magpayo and former Athletics Director Wesley Mallette, it was players like Owens who brought that vision to life.
“Rest easy my brother ❤️,” wrote former teammate and Highlander Isaiah Moses on Instagram.
The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) worked alongside the Owens family and UCR to organize a donor drive for Owens who was in need of a bone-marrow transplant. In an interview with ESPN, Owens shared, “Obviously I want to find a match for myself, but it’s important to just get more people to register.”
NMDP’s mission is to “save more lives through cell therapy” and in doing so, they are “accelerating the journey to a world where every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy.”
The Highlander reached out to NMDP for a comment after Owen’s passing. They shared, “We are deeply saddened by Kyle’s passing. He was inspiring and courageous in sharing his search for a blood stem cell donor. Hundreds answered his call to join the NMDP Registry. His story reached far beyond his community in Southern California, and will continue to make an impact as people who joined on Kyle’s behalf are called to donate to other patients in the future. We honor Kyle’s memory by remaining steadfast in our efforts to diversify the registry so that more people can receive cell therapy. Our hearts are with his loved ones at this time.”
