NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of New Mexico of last decade

9. Marek Olesinski – Air Force

Olesinski is a 6’9 forward originally from Roswell who played great at the high school level and spent his collegiate days in the Air Force. The Falcons haven’t been a great program in recent memory, struggling mightily in the MWC, but Olesinski was part of the program’s most recent finish above .500. He arrived on campus back in 2011, leaving four years later after a pair of seasons as a starter and important contributor.

For his first two seasons, Olesinski was a bench player with limited minutes, though he got a bit more run as a sophomore, with two strong outings at the end of the season. He was a starting forward each of the next two years, averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds as junior; with comparable numbers the following season. He had career-highs with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a game against Boise State while also dishing a career-high 8 assists in a game against a non-D1 team.

Olesinski didn’t win any awards or stand out against the other forwards in the MWC, but his final two seasons were pretty useful for the Falcons. He ranked among the conference leaders in rebounds and 3-point field goals, becoming one of those bigs who could step outside and knock down long-range shots. He wasn’t a star but he was a consistent piece in those two years where he got his chance.