By Staff Writer: Jacob Mattox
The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team will experience significant roster changes following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. Under the leadership of head coach Richard Pitino, the Lobos finished with a 27–8 overall record and went 17–3 in Mountain West Conference play, securing the regular-season championship and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Although the team achieved much success this season the Lobos will have a much different look come next season. The departure of head coach Richard Pitino is perhaps the biggest loss for the program. Pitino finished his career as head coach of the Lobo’s with a record of 88-49 over four seasons. He will be the new head coach for Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio starting next season.
As if losing the coach that brought so much to the University wasn’t enough, the Lobo’s also have several key players either graduating or joining the transfer portal. Junior guard Donavan Dent, who was awarded Mountain West player of the Year this season is among those names in the portal. Others include guard Tru Washington, sharpshooter Braden Applhans, and guard Quinton Webb.
The Lobo’s signed head coach Eric Olen this spring to take the program over in hopes of repeating similar success. Olen was previously the head coach for the UC San Diego Tritons, and is known for his success in building the basketball program for the Tritons from the ground up.