New Mexico Basketball: Talent quickly bolting out of Albuquerque

Something is going on with New Mexico basketball this spring as five players have declared their intent to transfer.

New Mexico basketball was picked third in the Mountain West to start the season. The Lobos did not meet those expectations en route to a 10-8 fifth place finish in the conference. They finished just 17-14 a year after going 17-15. It’s safe to say head coach Craig Neal’s seat is getting hotter down in Albuquerque.

Senior Tim Williams and Obij Aget were already on track to depart via graduation, but five additional names will leave the program. Elijah Brown, Sam Logwood, Jalen Harris, Anthony Mathis, and walk-on Holt Shelley have all shed New Mexico’s cherry and silver uniforms for new opportunities.

Four of those guys accounted for 42 percent of the offensive production, excluding Holt. UNM has now lost 67 percent of its points scored between the five transfers, Williams, and Aget. The seven departures also accounted for 57 percent of rebounds, 60 percent of assists and 61 percent of steals. So what is left in Albuquerque?

The leading returning scorer is Dane Kuiper. The 6’7″ sophomore averaged 6.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this past season. He has definite potential with his size and 38 percent shooting clip from deep. Kuiper needs a ton of help to keep this program afloat, though.

Jordan Hunter remains at point guard after putting up 5.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He also shot 43 percent from deep. Damien Jefferson is the only other true regular back after those two. The 6’5″ Jefferson is a likely favorite for a perimeter spot next year after contributing 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game as a freshman. Those three are the likely core right now.