LOS OSOS, Calif. --- Biola Men's Basketball got a lot taller and a lot tougher with the addition of UC Irvine transfer, Solomon Ruddell. Ruddell spent the last two seasons at UCI and made a NCAA Tournament run with the Anteaters this spring, which included a historic win over No. 4 seed Kansas State Wildcats.

He's listed at 7-foot-1-inches and plays the role of a classic center. The big man averaged just about four minutes-per-game as a redshirt freshman with the Anteaters in 2018-19. He shot 60 percent from the field, 70 percent from the free-throw line and had a couple big blocks for UCI in 19 total appearances.

"I am excited to come to Biola and be part of a Christian community," said Ruddell. "I am excited to push myself on the court and in the classroom and hope to contribute to the basketball program."

Prior to his time at UCI, Ruddell played high school ball at The Hill School in Pennsylvania. At The Hill School he led the nation in blocks, averaging 6.6 stuffs-per-game. He was also a part of the all-tournament team for the Mid-Atlantic Prep League tournament.

Throughout high school he was an honor roll student and he plans to study sociology when he arrives to Biola. His career goals revolve around his desire to help people within the community.

He already does quite a bit of community service, which should continue as he enters the Biola Athletic community. He's helped at the Second Harvest Food Bank in the OC and also assists the elderly in his hometown of Los Osos.

Ruddell does not just excel at basketball, but he's also a certified expert in chess. He is classified as a "United States Chess Expert" and coaches the game to youth. When he was in high school he oversaw a chess club for inner-city kids.

Catch Ruddell and the rest of the Biola Men's Basketball newcomers this October when they tip-off the 2018-19 season and seek their first berth in the PacWest Conference Tournament. More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.