2022 Record: 22-12 (8-10)
Head Coach: Richard Pitino (Career Record 194-168) (New Mexico Record 35-31)
Projected Rotation:
PG: Jaelan House (16.9 Pts, 3.9 Reb, 4.7 Ast)
SG: Jamal Mashburn Jr. (19.1 Pts, 3.2 Reb, 2.1 Ast)
SF: Jemarl Baker Jr (Fresno State 12.5 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 2.9 Ast)
PF: Mustapha Amzil (Dayton 9.3 Pts, 4.8 Reb, 1.7 Ast)
C: Nelly Junior Joseph (Iona 14.9 Pts, 9.3 Reb, 1.1 Ast)
6: PG Donovan Dent (5.6 Pts, 2.0 Reb, 2.3 Ast)
7: PF Isaac Mushila (Texas A&M Corpus Christi (14.5 Pts, 9.9 Reb, 1.2 Ast)
8: SG Tru Washington
9: PF Jadyn Toppin
10: C Sebastian Forsling (1.5 Pts, 1.6 Reb, 0.2 Ast)
11: SG Braden Applehans (1.0 Pts, 1.2 Reb, 0.1 Ast)
12: SG Quinton Webb (RS)
The Lobos return the dominant backcourt of Jaelan House and Jemal Mashburn. House has averaged 17PPG the last two seasons and shot 38% from three this past season. He has shown that he can lead an offense and be a high quality passer. House is also an exceptional free throw shooter. Mashburn Jr was one of the players that followed Richard Pitino from Minnesota to New Mexico. Mashburn was the leading scorer for the Lobos last season averaging just over 19PPG. The combination of House and Mashburn could take New Mexico to new heights this season. Donovan Dent is another returning guard for the Lobos. He showed tremendous promise down the stretch of the season and could find himself in a 6th man type of role this year.
New Mexico took to the transfer portal where they signed Jemarl Baker from Fresno State and Mustapha Amzil from Dayton. Baker is going into his 6th season of college basketball and has previously played for Kentucky, Arizona, and Fresno State. Baker scored his career high average last season with nearly 13PPG. He won’t need to be a primary option offensively on this New Mexico team, but he’ll do enough and he’ll also add some needed experience to the roster. Amzil had a very good career at Dayton. The Finland native showcased what he could be on the offensive end of the floor. Amzil has great size and length. He also has a unique skillset for his size that will be on full display at New Mexico this season.
The final transfers that the Lobos signed were Isaac Mushila from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Nelly Junior Joseph from Iona. Mushila averaged a very impressive 15PPG and 10RPG in the Southland with his 6-5 frame. He will be undersized in the Mountain West, but does seem like the player that could adjust to the increase in competition and size very well. It will be interesting to see if he could put up similar rebounding production after transferring up a level. Nelly Junior Joseph will need to fill the role that Morris Udeze had last season. Junior Joseph can score at a high level and is also the type of interior defender the Lobos need as their defense has been a bit lackluster in past years.
New Mexico also returns players Sebastian Forsling who is a center from Sweden and averaged 2PPG last season. Braden Applehans also returns seeing minimal action this past season and was able to secure a redshirt year. SG Quinton Webb from California redshirted this past season. New Mexico also signed 2 freshman this past season. PF Jadyn Toppin out of Texas was ranked as the #111 player in the country. SG Tru Washington from Compass Prep was a 4 star and ranked #98 in the country.
New Mexico had a decent team last season that was able to make the NIT. This years Lobo’s team has more talent and depth. They should be towards the top of the Mountain West standings this season. New Mexico should return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014 and the first time under Richard Pitino. It could be a very special season in Albuquerque this year.