UNM wrapped up summer workouts emphasizing a new identity built around size, versatility and basketball IQ. Head coach Eric Olen believes the Lobos’ added length will allow for more defensive flexibility after relying heavily on Tomislav Buljan’s rebounding last season. Returning Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall has transformed his physique while focusing on becoming a better finisher at the rim, though his primary goal remains winning. Olen also praised the passing ability and instincts of several newcomers, including Benjamin Schuch, Rytis Petraitis and Tunde Vahlberg Fasasi. UNM also added 6-foot-6 freshman Nathaniel Muriithi from Oklahoma City.

UNM men’s basketball is still in the early stages of setting the foundation for the 2026-27 season, but Eric Olen believes steady progress is the biggest goal of summer workouts. With nine newcomers, three returners and only eight hours of basketball instruction each week, UNM has spent the offseason developing chemistry and learning Olen’s system. German center Fynn Lastring and Italian forward Federico Grani have added size, shooting and versatility to a rebuilt frontcourt, while Jake Hall and Uriah Tenette begin embracing leadership roles. As the season approaches, Olen’s focus remains on building the foundation that will define the Lobos’ 2026-27 season.

The buzz surrounding Eric Olen's rebuilt roster was evident Wednesday as hundreds of fans packed The Pit for an open summer practice. In interviews with The Pit Press, newcomers Hudson Mayes, Dax Hall, Tunde Vahlberg-Fasasi and Imran Suljanovic discussed their early impressions of Albuquerque, learning Olen's offense and building chemistry with a roster loaded with transfers and international talent. Mayes talks about his passion for rebounding as as guard, Hall said Olen's ball-screen-heavy attack fits his skill set, Vahlberg-Fasasi highlighted the team's unselfish approach, and Suljanovic said his recovery is on schedule and he hopes to be fully cleared soon. Videos interviews included.

UNM continued its international roster build Wednesday with the addition of Italian forward Federico Grani, a 6-foot-9 rim protector who brings professional experience and frontcourt depth to Eric Olen’s second roster in Albuquerque. Grani averaged 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for Moncada Energy Agrigento in Italy’s Serie B Girone A league in 2025-26, showing a physical interior game built around finishing at the rim and low-post scoring. Defensively, he averaged 1.2 blocks per game, including a five-block outing, highlighting his shot-altering presence. While his perimeter shooting remains limited, Grani adds size, rebounding and experience to a developing Lobos frontcourt. He joins a growing group of European players under Olen’s staff as roster construction continues.

UNM men’s basketball added size and rim protection with the commitment of 6-foot-9 forward AJ Pierre-Jerome from Butler Community College. Pierre-Jerome averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and led Butler with 32 blocks during the 2025-26 season, earning All-KJCCC Honorable Mention honors. The redshirt sophomore is expected to enter New Mexico as a junior and fills a major need for a Lobos team that ranked 259th nationally in blocks per game last season.

Pierre-Jerome’s game projects as an energy big who can run the floor, finish above the rim and defend the paint. While his back-to-the-basket style and inconsistent 3-point shooting may create questions about his fit in Eric Olen’s offense, his length and shot-blocking ability address a major weakness from last season. Olen recently acknowledged how difficult it is to acquire rim protection in today’s transfer portal market, making Pierre-Jerome a potentially valuable addition.

The New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball program has dramatically reshaped its roster, highlighted by the addition of German big man Fynn Lastring. Lastring, an 18-year-old stretch forward, brings size, shooting ability, and international experience from Germany’s ProA and ProB leagues, where he showed efficiency as a rebounder and perimeter shooter. He is expected to fill a major void in the post after UNM lost all three frontcourt players. Lastring’s addition puts the Lobos roster currently at at 10 players for the 2025-26 season.

UNM men's basketball added a true all-around contributor in transfer forward Rytis Petraitis for the 2025–26 season. Known for his versatility, Petraitis impacts nearly every facet of the game, combining scoring, rebounding, passing and defense into one package. The 6-foot-7 forward has produced as a primary option at Air Force and adapted to a complementary role at Cal, showcasing his flexibility. He can create offense, attack the rim, facilitate for teammates and disrupt defensively with steals. If healthy, Petraitis’ ability to fill multiple roles should make him a valuable piece and a seamless fit in UNM’s system.