New Lobos Emphasize Size, Versatility and Basketball IQ Entering 2026-27
As UNM men’s basketball wraps up summer workouts, Eric Olen believes the 2026-27 Lobos will look much different than last season’s team.
Rather than relying heavily on one dominant rebounder, Olen expects this year’s roster to be bigger, more versatile and better equipped to defend multiple styles of play.
Last season, the Lobos leaned heavily on center Tomislav Buljan, whose physical presence accounted for more than a quarter of UNM’s rebounds and 35% of the team’s offensive rebounds. That reliance often forced the Lobos to keep Buljan near the basket, limiting their ability to switch ball screens defensively.
"We needed (Buljan) to rebound so much that it was hard to switch him or do things where he got away from the basket," Olen said.
With more size throughout the roster, particularly on the wings and in the frontcourt, Olen believes UNM will have greater flexibility on defense.
"I think some of the positional size at the other spots allows for more of that," Olen said. "Our hope is we can have a few more solutions to different problems than maybe we did last year, specifically defensively."
Jake Hall Adds Strength
Returning Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall has noticeably transformed his body over the offseason, adding what appears to be roughly 10 pounds of lean muscle while maintaining his athleticism.
After announcing his return to Albuquerque, Hall identified becoming a better finisher inside as one of his biggest offseason goals. Through two open summer practices, he has already shown improved explosiveness around the rim, finishing dunks with ease and appearing more capable of absorbing contact.
"I wanted to get my body right," Hall said. "Get faster and more athletic. That will translate into becoming a better 2-point scorer."
Despite the individual improvements, Hall said his primary focus remains team success.
"I just want to win," Hall said. "All the great players win. I came back to win. Winning cures everything. Winning brings personal accolades to everyone on the team."
High Basketball IQ Fits Olen's System
Basketball IQ and unselfishness remain defining characteristics of Olen's offensive philosophy, and Hall believes the new roster reflects that identity.
"Everyone has a high basketball IQ and great feel on the court," Hall said. "That's kind of what Olen and his system looks for, so I think they did a great job bringing in the right guys. It's been really fun in this free-flowing offense with the reads guys make and the cuts. It's been great."
Several newcomers fit that mold.
Six-foot-seven forwards Tunde Vahlberg Fasasi and Rytis Petraitis both arrive with proven playmaking ability. Petraitis averaged 3.7 assists per game during his sophomore season at Air Force, while Vahlberg Fasasi averaged 2.5 assists last season at William & Mary.
Olen has also praised 6-foot-9 Austrian forward Benjamin Schuch for his instincts as a passer.
"Benny Schuch is one of the most instinctual players I've been around just with the creativity that he plays with as a passer and playmaker," Olen said.
Schuch averaged 5.9 assists per game for Austria at last summer's FIBA U20 European Championship, giving the Lobos another skilled frontcourt facilitator. Combined with the additions of Petraitis and Vahlberg Fasasi, UNM has significantly increased its size and playmaking compared to a year ago.
Lobos Add Oklahoma Forward
UNM also announced the addition of 6-foot-6, 215-pound freshman Nathaniel Muriithi from Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City.
Muriithi averaged 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds as a senior before an impressive summer in 2026 with Club Mokan. At Nike Peach Jam, he recorded 11 points and 14 rebounds, including a game-winning putback on July 17 vs. AB Elite.
His physical frame should immediately help the Lobos on the glass and around the rim. While he attempted just six three-pointers during his senior season and shot 60% from the free-throw line, Muriithi projects as a physical interior presence that can reobund, with room to expand his offensive game.
UNM concludes summer workouts this week before hosting Eric Olen's team camp next week. The Lobos will then have approximately three weeks away from campus before returning for the start of the fall semester.
