IRVINE, Calif. --- Biola Men's Basketball took a big step towards establishing itself as a competitor in the PacWest Conference by signing Michael Bagatourian out of Crean Lutheran High School.
 
Bagatourian is a small forward/power forward who earned three All-CIF first team honors during his high school career and was twice named the MCP of the Academy League, which features CLHS, Brethren Christian HS, Oxford Academy, Sage Hill School, St. Margaret's Episcopal and Whitney HS.
 
"Michael is a very skilled player," said Head Coach Dr. Dave Holmquist. "He can handle the ball well and shoot. He also passes very effectively. With his size, our coaching staff feels he has great potential to be a real strong player for us."
 
Bagatourian is 6-foot-7-inches and just under 200 pounds. His size and skill should help the Eagles immediately in their first season in the NCAA. He was a two-time all-county performer and was named the All-City MVP for his numbers in 2016-17.
 
During his four seasons with the Saints he helped the team to an 86-29 overall record and incredible 41-7 league record. The team went undefeated in league play during his junior and senior seasons.
 
Over the course of his high school career he broke the Crean Lutheran school records for rebounds, points, blocks and steals.
 
"I feel that at Biola I have the best chance to help my team succeed in any way necessary," said Bagatourian. "I also feel that I will be surrounded by people who will help me in many aspects of my life outside of just athletics."
 
Bagatourian will enter Biola in the fall and has not chosen a major yet. He knows that he wants to work towards a career working in athletics in some way, shape or form.
 
Catch him on the court when the Eagles begin their 2017-18 season with a home opener against Antelope Valley on Nov. 14.