It’s been a busy week in Lobo Nation as New Mexico’s athletic programs made major additions on the court, in the pool, and on the sidelines. From exciting new signings in men’s basketball and tennis to historic track accolades and coaching promotions in softball and diving, the Lobos continue to build momentum heading into the 2025-26 athletic season.
International Duo Joins Lobo Men’s Basketball
The Lobos added firepower and versatility to their men’s basketball roster with the signing of Tomislav Buljan (Croatia) and Timéo Pons (France), two European standouts poised to make an immediate impact.
Buljan, a 6-foot-9 forward from Split, Croatia, brings a high motor and elite rebounding to the frontcourt. He led Croatia’s Premijer Liga in rebounds last season (8.8 rpg) and averaged 12.5 points per game for KK Cedevita Junior. His dominant triple-double last May – 18 points, 20 boards, 12 assists, and seven steals – showcased the well-rounded skill set that head coach Eric Olen says will “create matchup problems on the offensive end and the glass.”
Said Buljan: “This isn’t just a team to me – it’s a family I’m ready to fight for. I’m honored to be a Lobo and I’m all in.”
Pons, a 6-foot-8 guard from Nanterre, brings size and scoring to the perimeter. He led Nanterre 92’s U21 squad with 14.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game and is set to compete with France’s U19 team at the FIBA World Cup this week.
Olen praised Pons’ versatility: “He can shoot, pass, and defend. His best basketball is ahead of him, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to be part of Lobo Nation.”
Lobos to Face Nebraska in Hall of Fame Classic
The 2025 Hall of Fame Classic bracket was unveiled Thursday, with New Mexico matched up against Nebraska in the tournament’s opening semifinal on Nov. 20 in Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center.
The Lobos’ 5:00 p.m. MT tipoff against the Cornhuskers will be streamed live on Peacock and NBC Sports Now, with Kansas State and Mississippi State facing off in the nightcap.
All four teams finished in the NET top 75 last season, with UNM and Mississippi State earning NCAA Tournament bids. Nebraska, meanwhile, captured the inaugural College Basketball Crown.
It will be the second time UNM plays in T-Mobile Center and the first meeting with Nebraska since a 2009 NIT win. The championship game is set for Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Lobo Men’s Tennis Adds Proven Transfer Nishant Dabas
On the heels of a Mountain West championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, the Lobo men’s tennis team continues to retool, adding senior Nishant Dabas to its 2025-26 roster.
A native of New Delhi, India, Dabas brings high-level experience, having previously earned All-Horizon League honors at Youngstown State and contributed to a Big East title with St. John’s. Most recently, he played at Montana State, where he won three of four singles matches in his lone 2024 tournament appearance before missing the remainder of the season.
“He’ll be an immediate impact player,” said head coach Rob Bareford, who originally signed Dabas to Montana State. “He brings all-conference experience and will add depth and leadership.”
Historic Track & Field Season Garners National Recognition
It was a season to remember for Lobo Track & Field, and two standout freshmen — Ishmael Kipkurui and Pamela Kosgei — now stand among the semifinalists for The Bowerman, college track’s highest honor.
Kipkurui shattered the collegiate 10,000m record (26:50.21) and earned a national title in the event while also posting the fourth-fastest 5,000m time in NCAA history (13:09.24). Kosgei dominated the distance double, winning both the 5K and 10K at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and ranking No. 2 all-time in both events.
The duo helped lift UNM to its highest combined national finish ever — 5th for men, 9th for women — and earned a school-record eight First-Team All-America honors between them. New Mexico is the only non-Power Five program to land both men and women in the national Top 10 this year.
Lobo Softball Promotes Spearman, Welcomes Back Hathoot
As the Lobo softball team eyes a step forward in 2026, the program announced a pair of significant coaching moves. Morgan Spearman, a key architect of UNM’s recent offensive resurgence, has been promoted to Associate Head Coach.
A former standout for the Lobos, Spearman’s hitting guidance has helped UNM post its best batting numbers in over a decade, including 75 doubles in 2025 — the sixth-most in program history. Off the field, she’s overseen a team GPA that has broken records in four straight semesters.
Joining her on staff is Rachael Hathoot, a two-time All-MW First Team infielder and UNM alum, who returns to the program after completing her master’s at Oklahoma State. Hathoot ranks among the program’s top 10 all-time in hits and triples.
Hallie Roman Takes Over as Diving Coach
The Lobo swimming and diving program has tapped Hallie Roman as its new Head Diving Coach, replacing Logan Andrews.
Roman, a former Nebraska diver and multi-time NCAA Zones qualifier, brings coaching experience from both the Cornhuskers and the Nebraska Diving Club. She’s widely respected for her technical expertise and mentorship with divers from youth to collegiate levels.
“She will bring an infectious enthusiasm to our program,” said head coach Naya Higashijima. “Her energy and knowledge will be invaluable to our student-athletes.”
With new faces on campus and national buzz around Lobo athletics, the momentum heading into 2025-26 has never been stronger. Whether it’s on the hardwood, the court, the track, or in the pool — the Pack is poised for another year of excellence.