
Forward Bizimana Joins Mustangs as Transfer from Eastern Illinois
6/27/2023 11:01:00 AM | Men's Basketball
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Arriving to Mott Athletics Center to provide backcourt depth and scoring, 6-9 junior forward Paul Bizimana became the Cal Poly men's basketball program's seventh offseason addition Tuesday, joining the Mustangs as a transfer from Eastern Illinois.
A native of Haltom City, Texas (outside of Dallas), Bizimana – with two years of eligibility remaining – intends to major in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in sports management.
"We're very excited to add a player of Paul's status this late in the portal. He provides us much needed depth in the frontcourt," fourth-year head coach John Smith said. "He's a very versatile forward that can score on all three levels and his motor and experience should be felt right away.
"Paul's best days as a collegiate athlete are ahead of him. I'm extremely excited about his desire to be great and his character is an asset we covet. He comes from a very academically driven family that fits the Cal poly brand."
Breaking into the Eastern Illinois lineup as a true freshman during the 2021-22 season, Bizimana started during 16 of his 28 appearances and finished fourth among Panthers with 7.4 points per game while averaging 4.1 rebounds per night. With 10 double-digit scoring games – including a career best 22 points at Murray State (Jan. 20) and 20-point nights versus Belmont (Jan. 24) and Tennessee State (Jan. 29) – Bizimana also led Eastern Illinois in scoring during Ohio Valley Conference play at 9.7 points per game.
As a sophomore last season, Bizimana made a further six starts in 22 appearances and scored a season best 11 points against Lindenwood (Feb. 2).
A 2021 graduate of Haltom HS, Bizimana was named UIL Class 6A District 3-6A Most Valuable Player as a senior after leading his team to a 17-win season. Bizimana was also a two-time all-area selection.
The seventh member of Cal Poly 2023-24 incoming class, Bizimana joins 6-3 graduate point guard Jarred Hyder (San Bernardino, Calif./California), 6-2 junior combo guard Logan McLaughlin (Carrolton, Texas/New Mexico JC), 6-9 junior center Joel Armotrading (London/College of Southern Idaho), 6-8 junior power forward Cam Malray (Kansas City, Mo./Dodge City CC), 6-5 freshman shooting guard Quentin Jones (Hazel Crest, Ill./Marian Catholic HS) and 6-4 freshman point guard Justin Page (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria HS).
A native of Haltom City, Texas (outside of Dallas), Bizimana – with two years of eligibility remaining – intends to major in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in sports management.
"We're very excited to add a player of Paul's status this late in the portal. He provides us much needed depth in the frontcourt," fourth-year head coach John Smith said. "He's a very versatile forward that can score on all three levels and his motor and experience should be felt right away.
"Paul's best days as a collegiate athlete are ahead of him. I'm extremely excited about his desire to be great and his character is an asset we covet. He comes from a very academically driven family that fits the Cal poly brand."
Breaking into the Eastern Illinois lineup as a true freshman during the 2021-22 season, Bizimana started during 16 of his 28 appearances and finished fourth among Panthers with 7.4 points per game while averaging 4.1 rebounds per night. With 10 double-digit scoring games – including a career best 22 points at Murray State (Jan. 20) and 20-point nights versus Belmont (Jan. 24) and Tennessee State (Jan. 29) – Bizimana also led Eastern Illinois in scoring during Ohio Valley Conference play at 9.7 points per game.
As a sophomore last season, Bizimana made a further six starts in 22 appearances and scored a season best 11 points against Lindenwood (Feb. 2).
A 2021 graduate of Haltom HS, Bizimana was named UIL Class 6A District 3-6A Most Valuable Player as a senior after leading his team to a 17-win season. Bizimana was also a two-time all-area selection.
The seventh member of Cal Poly 2023-24 incoming class, Bizimana joins 6-3 graduate point guard Jarred Hyder (San Bernardino, Calif./California), 6-2 junior combo guard Logan McLaughlin (Carrolton, Texas/New Mexico JC), 6-9 junior center Joel Armotrading (London/College of Southern Idaho), 6-8 junior power forward Cam Malray (Kansas City, Mo./Dodge City CC), 6-5 freshman shooting guard Quentin Jones (Hazel Crest, Ill./Marian Catholic HS) and 6-4 freshman point guard Justin Page (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria HS).
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