Gauchofreg took a look at the current rosters in the BW and he shows us as being guard heavy in a big way at the moment. We definitely need some front court players.

Davis: Unbalanced. Two open rides. Biggest need: frontcourt
PG: 1
Guard: 9
Wing: 1
Forward: 1
Center: 0

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/bigwest/current-status-of-bw-rosters-t29680.html

We have a lot more open slots than that.

Eric Olen has brought in 8 recruits since taking over the New Mexico including several who are highly rated. The MWC is going to be very challenging for the Ags in 2026.

Lobos Land Four Impact Transfers for 2025-26, Including JUCO All-American, USC Duo, and 7-Foot Big Man

The New Mexico men’s basketball team is reloading with serious firepower for the 2025-26 season.

One thing is clear about New Mexico’s new athletic director, Fern Lovo: He knows the kind of coaches he wants to hire and wastes no time hiring them.

Coaches like new Lobo basketball hire Eric Olen from UC San Diego and football coach Jason Eck from Idaho—leaders who come from smaller programs with a mindset focused on great opportunity, not limitations the might have had at past schools.

They’ve proven themselves at the mid-major level and arrive in Albuquerque with a hunger to compete, confident in their ability to succeed in the Mountain West.

Head coach Eric Olen announced the addition of four transfers who bring a mix of size, scoring, pedigree, and potential: junior college All-American Antonio Chol, brothers Kevin and Kallai Patton from USC, and JT Rock, a 7-foot-1 former Top 100 recruit from Iowa State.

Olen, entering his first full recruiting cycle at the helm of the Lobos, is already leaving a distinct mark on the roster by targeting players who bring not just talent, but versatility and long-term upside.

Whole article here: https://www.mwcconnection.com/2025/4/23/24414782/lobos-land-four-impact-transfers-including-juco-all-american-usc-duo7-foot-gaurd-gaurd-uriah-tenette

Jac Mani is headed to Fresno State, per IG

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJR-RjWPwlw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It will be interesting to see if Mani will reach his potential at Fresno State. He was injured a lot here and, when he did finally get some playing time, he seemed to have a tough time with the physicality of defending in the paint. He certainly has a beautiful 3 point shot so maybe Fresno will use him as a tough matchup on the perimeter.

I watched a couple of short highlights videos of Noudjihidi on Hudl and he's long, very athletic and runs the floor really well for a 6'11 post. He looks like he could be an elite defender with the ability to score close to the rim and has a lot of growth potential.

Nice! Hopefully he can put on some muscle between now and next season. He's listed as weighing only 215 which is pretty dang slender for someone who is 6'11.

He is slender for sure but he's quick, can get up and down the floor fast and can leap. I think his quickness and leaping ability can help him become a disruptive, rim protector while staying out of foul trouble.

Nice to see some size coming in. 6’11” and 6’8”. Esso-Essis had a lot of D1 offers including Unlv. Both look to see a lot of time next season

I really like the recruiting class that Les has brought in so far and I'm excited to see these new Ags in action this fall. It feels like we are building towards being ready for the move to the MWC in 2026. I wonder if we have any more scholarships available for this year or if we're done now?

He does seem quick, but I worry about durability if he doesn't put on some muscle. His legs look like twigs. It will be nice to have a big on the roster though.

It looks like we got us a 3 point shooter with the size to play above the rim as well!

I’ve been waiting for this one. He was followed by both coach Vogt and coach nosek so figured there was a good shot at getting him. Good size, good experience and can flat out shoot. Putting together a great recruiting class. Marsh is going to really be challenged this season

Marsh is going to really be challenged this season — Oldbanduhalum

No kidding...I was tongue tied when I told my wife about these new recruits!

Am I correct in this? College athletes are suing the NCAA for restricting the number of years that they can play and if they win, there will be no limit to their eligibility (assuming that they are academically eligible, i.e. to include graduate students)? Thus even sixth year seniors can now transfer but the schools getting them might not really get them in the lawsuit fails? This is nuts!

https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/5/14/marcus-wilson-to-join-mens-basketball-program.aspx

Have we changed our campus name?

"Marcus' work ethic and competitive spirit will be a fan favorite at the UCU." "

I assume university credit union

Marcus is an athletic and explosive guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor,"

I should hope so ! Who needs a guard who can only impact it on one end of the floor ?

That said, impressive group of recruits. Are people still clamoring for Les' ouster here?

High praise for Ylan Esso-Essis from Jim Les:

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ylan to the UC Davis Men's Basketball program," Les said. "Ylan is a highly skilled wing with a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Standing at 6'8", he brings a dynamic presence to the court—able to handle the ball, create opportunities for himself and his teammates, and stretch the floor with his elite shooting range, making him a serious matchup problem for opponents.

"What sets Ylan apart isn't just his physical tools or offensive versatility—it's his mindset. His passion for the game and relentless work ethic make him a true gym rat, and that hunger to improve is what gives him one of the highest ceilings of any player I've coached in 24 years. We can't wait to see the impact Ylan will make as an Aggie. Welcome to UC Davis, Ylan!"

https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/5/16/ylan-esso-essis-to-join-mens-basketball-program.aspx

I wonder if TJ Shorts, who just claimed back to back French league MVP, influenced Essos’ decision to commit to the Aggies.

Well if anyone was wondering if we still had a scholarship left to offer, I guess that was answered with a new offer today for Abdullah Amzil (6'7") from Finland. He already holds offers from South Carolina, Wyoming, and Utah, among some others, so I don't know if we have a chance. But the fact that we offered leads me to believe we have a spot available.

It looks like he has a great inside/outside game. This highlights video is from 2 years ago and he is apparently grown another inch since then. I hope he chooses to be an Aggie!

For what it’s worth, it looks like he just started following ucdavismbb on instagram. Who knows if that means anything, but I do hope he commits. Another wing with good size and a nice outside shot would be a great add

Regardless, it certainly seems like Les has stepped up his recruiting. Wonder if it’s more money to offer or the just the lure of playing in a higher profile conference.

I have to think that we must be offering some NIL but who knows? Our athletics program is so much more than just trying to "buy" players. We go after players who value their education and the all of the support they will get for succeeding in school and in their lives after basketball at some point. It seems like all of these recent recruits are good students with high character so those things are probably as important or maybe even more important to them than simply getting paid to play at this level.

I haven't seen anything more about the big man, Jonathan Noudjihidi. I hope we get him signed. I did see a post where he has one of the tallest standing reaches in the nation at 9'2. With that kind of length he could really be a rim protector!