Eric Olen Continues to Tab International Prospects with the Addition of Federico Grani
Photo of UNM signee Federico Grani while he was playing for his professional team in Italy courtesy of fedegrani_, Instagram Account for Federico Grani
The Lobos’ growing European pipeline added another piece Wednesday as UNM men’s basketball landed 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 played professionally in Italy and averaged 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for Moncada Energy Agrigento in the Italian - Serie B Girone A league in 2025-26.
His highlight clips show he is another big body who can finish inside and particularly at the rim. His offensive game does not seem to stretch beyond shots more than 8 feet from the basket, but he does have some low post moves and an ability to finish.
Grani also makes some impact on the defensive end of the floor. He averaged 1.2 blocks per game last season. He blocked a season-high five shots on Apr. 5 against Pallacanestro Aurora Desio. He had 12 games with two or more blocks.
Grani becomes the second post player Eric Olen and has staff announced this week after having nearly a month since announcing Fynn Lastring’s signing on April 24. With the 6-foot-9 Grani and UNM’s other two most recent signings Fynn Lastring, the 6-foot-10 center from Germany and AJ Pierre-Jerome at 6-foot-9, UNM has built some depth in its frontcourt.
The biggest question surrounding Grani may be how much offensive versatility he can provide in Eric Olen’s offense. Grani did not shoot well from the 3-point line or the free-throw line last season. He was 1-of-8 from deep (12%) and only 53-of-101(52%) from the free throw line. He does seem to have a little bit of soft touch and may be able to knock down a mid-range jumper. He must have some upside offensively or Olen would not have brought him in.
Defensively, Grani is a strong rebounder and a solid rim protector. He will have to adjust to the speed and athleticism of Division I college basketball. There will be games in conference play where he will not be the biggest body on the floor.
His place in the rotation is way too early to be determined without a complete roster and with limited film available. He looks like a solid rotation piece who can fight for minutes and who also has valuable professional experience.
Grani turned 23 years-old on May 20. His eligibility at UNM is difficult to predict because he played professionally in Italy. Under its current eligibility rules, the NCAA will look at whether Grani received only “actual and necessary expenses” during his professional career in Italy. If Grani received the basics of lodging, healthcare, equipment, etc. How much money he made playing professionally or if he received benefits that could be equated to compensation are factors the NCAA will consider.
Grani becomes the fourth player signed directly from Europe, further underscoring the staff’s international recruiting reach. Associate head coach Tom Tankelewicz is believed to have established strong connections overseas, helping facilitate that pipeline. Alongside commits Tunde Vahlberg Fasasi and Rytis Petraitis, both with European ties of their own, UNM’s roster is beginning to take on a distinctly European identity
The Lobos are expected to fill a roster below the 15-player cap. With twelve confirmed players, UNM has likely spent most of its revenue sharing/NIL money. Grani and Pierre-Jerome were likely deals at the cheaper end of the spectrum as both look like rotational pieces who can help off the bench but their offensive games do not stand out. At minimum, Grani gives UNM another experienced body in the paint with rebounding and rim-protection ability with upside on the offensive end.
