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New Mexico Secures Commitment From Iona Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph
Lobos add first commitment of transfer class.
Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire
New Mexico finds their big man for the 2023-2024 season.Â
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Richard Pitino and his staff filled a glaring need on their 2023-2024 New Mexico roster on Tuesday. Securing the commitment from 6-10, Iona transfer big man Nelly Junior Joseph.
💯 committed let’s work Lobos Nation pic.twitter.com/fmeotzwuQH
— Nelly Junior Joseph (@thisisnelly23) April 11, 2023
The Beninese Junior announced his decision his twitter around noon on Tuesday. After a visit to Albuquerque last weekend, which was followed up by a stop in Dallas to visit his other finalist Southern Methodist.
Lobo fans should be familiar with Junior Joseph’s game and what he brings to Albuquerque next season. After a dominant 21 points, 6 rebounds & 3 steal performance (in just 27 minutes of action) against New Mexico inside the Pit back on December 18th, 2022. Coach Pitino and their staff know they are getting a big who can run the floor, play with his back to the basket, excels in open space & has a great feel for off the ball movement.
The need for a demanding offensive force in the paint next season was evident with the departure of Morris Udeze this spring. The 6-8 graduate transfer excelled in Albuquerque this past season. Averaging a near double-double en route to All-MWC Third-Team Honors, but exhausting his college eligibility.
Fellow starters Javonte Johnson & Josiah Allick opted to his the transfer portal last month. Leaving Richard Pitino with two all-conference guards Jaelen House & Jamal Mashburn Jr. as the only returning starters. And an obvious need for an offseason in the transfer portal looking for an impact big man.
Junior Joseph was the 2020-2021 MAAC Freshman of the Year, well also receiving back to back All-MAAC 1st team selections during his time at Iona. Prior to his time in Rochelle, he was a part of the NBA Academy Africa in neighboring Senegal.
“Nelly is one of the premier players to come out of Africa this year. He is a tremendous athlete who is great in the open court. He is a powerful player with a very good mid-range game.” said former Iona head coach Rick Pitino
Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.