Ryan Beddeo, a combo guard with NCAA Division 1 experience and local ties, has signed to play for The Master’s University men’s basketball team in 2019-2020.

Beddeo played high school basketball 15 minutes from TMU’s Newhall, California, campus before stints at Fresno State and Saddleback College. He holds two years of eligibility and hopes to make the most of it.

“My main goal is to win,” Beddeo said, “and I think a lot of people here have that same goal, to do something special.”

At West Ranch High in Stevenson Ranch, Beddeo was one of the area’s best players, averaging 24 points per game as a senior and winning two Foothill League titles.

He appeared in three games for Fresno State during the 2016-2017 season before transferring to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. At Master’s, he joins a team that went 83-14 over the last three years and has won back-to-back Golden State Athletic Conference regular-season titles.

One thing that caught Beddeo’s attention was the Mustangs’ style of play.

“Just the tempo they play with,” Beddeo said. “They play fast, they have fun, and there’s a lot of talent. … I think as a team we have a lot of guys who play hard and play for each other so that’s the main thing I’m looking forward to, playing with guys who are unselfish and having fun.”

Master’s coach Kelvin Starr believes Beddeo will be crucial as the Mustangs pursue a fourth-consecutive trip to NAIA nationals. TMU graduated NAIA All-Americans Hansel Atencia and Delewis Johnson from last year’s 27-win team, but it returns three starters, including 6-foot-10 senior Tim Soares.

“Ryan is a great addition to an already loaded recruiting class,” Starr said. “He can play both guard spots and will be a key leader for us. He will add athleticism and experience.”

Beddeo will see a familiar face in TMU’s backcourt. He played with senior Darryl McDowell-White at Fresno State, and when both players left, Beddeo encouraged McDowell-White to check out Master’s.

“We’ve stayed in touch and talked every day since, whether he’s in Australia or here,” Beddeo said. “And I’ve still been around a lot. We’re definitely excited to be teammates again.”

Beddeo is also excited to play in front of friends and family on a nightly basis.
“It seems right,” he said.

For an inside look at TMU men’s basketball, visit our Instagram page: @TMUMBasketball.