IRVINE, CA — Some athletes arrive with noise. Others arrive with presence — a quiet strength that turns heads not with flash, but with purpose. That’s the energy Ariyan Khazand brings to California Intercontinental University (CIU) as he steps onto campus ready to shape a new chapter in the program’s rise.
Coach Gamal Smalley sees it clearly. “Ariyan has a remarkable personality and a tremendous work ethic on the court,” Smalley says. “He brings the type of determination that we need as we build our program.” In a landscape full of talkers, Khazand is a doer — a student-athlete who leads by example, grounded in values carved from family and years of dedication.
His basketball journey began not under the bright lights of a gym, but in the golden glow of a neighborhood park. “I fell in love with basketball when my dad bought me my first basketball at the age of five,” Khazand shares. “He would take me to the park and we’d play pick-up all day long. He always gave me pointers on how to fix my game.” Those early moments became more than memories — they became the foundation of a mindset built on growth and gratitude.
Now, with a steady hand and a sharp eye from deep, Khazand is ready to bring his strengths to CIU. “I hope to bring my shooting capability and, more importantly, a culture of winning and hustle,” he says. It’s not just about making shots — it’s about making the effort that inspires a team, lifts a locker room, and fuels a legacy.
The decision to come to CIU wasn’t just about fit — it was about belief. “I talked to my coaches at El Camino Community College and they said CIU had great coaches,” Khazand says. “To me, as a player, that’s the most important thing — having coaches that believe in you.” That trust is the cornerstone of his confidence, and the launchpad for his next step.
Off the court, Khazand is just as intentional. He’s majoring in healthcare administration — a field that mirrors his values of discipline, service, and long-term impact. And behind every stride he takes, there stands a deeper motivation. “My inspiration growing up were my mom and dad,” he says. “Always seeing them working to provide a better life for me and my brother.”
Ariyan Khazand isn’t just joining a team — he’s helping to build a culture. With the precision of a skilled shooter and the heart of a family-first leader, he’s exactly the kind of player CIU needs as it carves its path forward.
One possession at a time. One purpose-driven step at a time. And Ariyan Khazand is already setting the pace.
