Lobos Reload After Breakout Season, Aim to Keep Star Freshman

UNM men's basketball looks to build on 26-win campaign, retain key players like Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:19pm

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The University of New Mexico men's basketball team is facing a critical offseason after a surprise 26-win season under first-year head coach Eric Olen. With several key players departing, including the league's top rebounder Tomislav Buljan, the Lobos are focused on retaining star freshman guard Jake Hall and adding size, shooting, and depth around him. The team is also waiting on a decision regarding a potential medical redshirt for guard Chris Howell, who suffered a season-ending injury midway through the year.

Why it matters

The Lobos' breakout campaign put them on the national map, but maintaining that momentum will require deftly navigating the transfer portal and NIL landscape to keep their core intact while addressing glaring needs. Retaining Hall, the Mountain West Freshman of the Year, is paramount, as he is the centerpiece of Olen's system. How UNM reloads this offseason could determine if they can build on last year's success and contend for a conference title.

The details

After losing their entire roster and coaching staff from the previous season, Olen led the Lobos to 26 wins, a conference tournament semifinal appearance, and an NIT semifinal berth in his first year. Now the focus shifts to keeping that momentum going, starting with retaining star freshman guard Jake Hall. The team also needs to address the loss of top rebounder Tomislav Buljan, as well as the departures of senior guards Deyton Albury and Luke Haupt. Olen is targeting international big men Benny Schuch and Fynn Lastring to help fill the void in the frontcourt, while also seeking players who can shoot, handle the ball, and make smart decisions on both ends of the floor.

  • The transfer portal opened on Tuesday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Lobos' season ended with a loss in the NIT semifinals on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Jake Hall

The Mountain West Freshman of the Year, Hall is the centerpiece of Olen's system and the Lobos' top priority to retain this offseason.

Uriah Tenette

Another talented freshman guard who the Lobos hope to build around alongside Hall.

JT Rock

A 7-foot-1 redshirt sophomore center who the Lobos will look to as a key piece in the frontcourt.

Tomislav Buljan

The league's top rebounder, Buljan is entering the transfer portal and leaving a significant void for the Lobos to fill.

Chris Howell

A 6-foot-6 guard who was a key starter before suffering a season-ending injury, Howell is awaiting a decision on a potential medical redshirt.

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What they’re saying

“We got to figure out what everybody's doing, so we'll have conversations with those with eligibility remaining.”

— Eric Olen, Head Coach, UNM Lobos

“I'm going to ride it out until a decision (comes). I want to play (again), not just in general, but want to be here. It's a special place.”

— Chris Howell, Guard, UNM Lobos

What’s next

The Lobos are awaiting a final ruling from the NCAA on whether Chris Howell will be granted a medical redshirt for the 2025-26 season. The team is also working to secure commitments from international big men Benny Schuch and Fynn Lastring to help address their frontcourt needs.

The takeaway

After a surprise 26-win season, the Lobos face a critical offseason as they look to build on their momentum. Retaining star freshman Jake Hall is the top priority, but the team must also find ways to replace key departures like Tomislav Buljan while adding size, shooting, and depth around their young core. How Olen navigates the transfer portal and NIL landscape will be crucial to the Lobos' chances of contending for a Mountain West title in Year 2.