UNM transfer tracker: Tomislav Buljan commits to Maryland, Tru Washington reunites with Pitino at Xavier

Former Lobos forward Buljan heads to Big Ten, while guard Washington joins ex-coach Pitino in Big East

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college basketball game or match, with sharp planes of blue, orange, and green overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The fluid nature of college basketball's transfer portal is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the constant roster changes and player movement across the sport.Albuquerque Today

Former UNM Lobo forward Tomislav Buljan, who averaged a double-double last season, announced he will transfer to Maryland. Meanwhile, ex-Lobo guard Tru Washington is reuniting with former head coach Richard Pitino at Xavier after a year at Miami.

Why it matters

These transfers represent significant roster changes for both UNM and the Mountain West conference as a whole, with several high-profile players entering the portal and switching programs. The moves also highlight the continued fluidity of the college basketball landscape with the ongoing transfer portal era.

The details

Buljan, a 6-foot-9 forward from Croatia, was the only player in the Mountain West to average a double-double last season (13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds). After initially being granted just one year of eligibility at UNM, the NCAA later approved an additional season for 2026-27. Washington, a 6-foot-4 guard, averaged 11.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals for Miami this past season after leading UNM in steals in 2024-25. He'll now reunite with former Lobo coach Pitino at Xavier.

  • Buljan announced his transfer commitment to Maryland on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Washington announced his transfer to Xavier on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Tomislav Buljan

A 6-foot-9 forward from Split, Croatia who averaged a double-double (13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds) for UNM last season and has one year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Tru Washington

A 6-foot-4 guard who played for UNM in 2024-25, averaging 11.1 points and 4.0 rebounds, and is now transferring to Xavier for his senior season after a year at Miami.

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What they’re saying

“Blessed and grateful to announce my commitment to the University of Maryland.”

— Tomislav Buljan

“I'm excited to reunite with Coach Pitino and the Xavier program.”

— Tru Washington

What’s next

Buljan and Washington will begin preparing for the 2026-27 season with their new teams, while UNM and the Mountain West conference continue to see significant roster turnover in the transfer portal.

The takeaway

These high-profile transfers highlight the continued fluidity of the college basketball landscape, with players leveraging the transfer portal to find new opportunities. For UNM, it represents the loss of two key contributors, but also an opportunity to reload the roster through the portal.