Pepperdine University Athletics

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles, Calif. … Named league MVP his senior and freshman year … First-team all-CIF selection and First Team all-state in 2025 … First Team all-CIF and all-state in 2024 ... Second-team all-CIF and all-state selection in 2023 … Averaged 32.8 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists as a senior … Ranks 15th all-time in California high school basketball history in points with 2980 … Had his jersey retired at Pilibos.

NATIONAL TEAM: Represents Armenia on the national stage … Joined the senior national team at 16 as youngest player on roster ... Became first Armenian player to receive Division I scholarship.

PERSONAL: California native from Glendale ... Born to Armineh Balian and Sako Balian … Has a brother, Kevork … Majoring in sports administration … Hopes to play basketball professionally while inspiring others … Chose Pepperdine because “Coach Shilling believed in me and I am close to my family.”

FAVORITES: Favorites include the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers (pro teams), Kobe Bryant and Shohei Ohtani (pro athletes), The Weeknd (musical artist), Kite Runner (book), Creed (movie), Outer Banks (TV show), and sarma (food).