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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Larry Muniz

New Mexico Secures Commitment From Iona Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph


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. 

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.

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.

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