New Mexico Basketball: Uguak likely transferring from program
Freshman Aher Uguak reportedly transferring after one season with New Mexico program.
The New Mexico Lobos’ basketball program might have thought they were done with players transferring from the program, but it seems like they aren’t just yet.
Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports reported Thursday that freshman guard Aher Uguak will reportedly transfer from the program.
Uguak is only the latest player to leave the program. Several others opted to transfer, including leading scorer Elijah Brown.
The 17-14 Â season, plus the transfers, wound up leading to the team dismissing Craig Neal and hiring Paul Weir from New Mexico State.
New Mexico recruited Uguak, who played basketball at Harry Ainlay High School in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
With Weir in the fold, Uguak participated in a fast-paced offseason workout in late April.
What made Uguak decide to transfer is not immediately known, and no word yet on schools that are interested in him.
This is a tough loss for the New Mexico basketball program. Uguak didn’t have a lot of playing time as a freshman, however.
It’s tough for the team because, at that fast-paced practice in April, only eight players, including Uguak participated.
With the loss of Uguak, New Mexico loses another player that would’ve brought experience to the team in the upcoming season.
It’s going to be tough for New Mexico, especially with other teams in the Mountain West bringing back their fair share of experience, including Boise State and the defending champion Nevada Wolf Pack.
In 2016-17, Uguak played in 19 games, averaging seven minutes per game. He scored 1.2 points per game.
Uguak’s most significant game came in a start versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff Dec. 17. During that game, Uguak scored five points in 17 minutes of game time.
Next: Weir hired to be new Lobos head coach
The game led to an 83-43 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Uguak would start the next game versus Arizona but didn’t start the remainder of the season.