UNM ready to pull back curtain on 2023-24 Lobo men’s basketball season

On Oct. 25, the Pit was unusually quiet in the afternoon. Upstairs, the UNM Lobo men’s basketball team was engaged in a film session, reviewing their offensive strategies. Meanwhile, a handful of reporters waited patiently for the team to begin their practice session before their highly anticipated exhibition opener for the 2023-24 season. However, amidst the calmness, four individuals who play a crucial role behind the scenes took advantage of the moment. Nate Castillo, Logan Russell, Lucas Loe, and Aaron Ortiz, like a well-coordinated NASCAR pit crew, swiftly positioned folding chairs in front of the Lobos’ team bench. These chairs were meant for head coach Richard Pitino and the team members during timeouts this season.

Wednesday marked the final dress rehearsal for everyone associated with the Lobo men’s basketball team, including the team managers. The following day, at 7 p.m., the Lobos would unveil their abilities to the public during an exhibition game against Division II CSU-Pueblo. Mustapha Amzil, a transfer forward from Dayton, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, conveying the anticipation and enthusiasm that overwhelmed him. Reflecting on the crowd at the Pit, he mentioned hearing positive feedback about the fans.

While the Lobos were practicing in the Pit on Wednesday, their head coach Richard Pitino seemed significantly more engaged than during the preseason. The reason behind his revived energy was the presence of Nelly Junior Joseph, the team’s starting center. Joseph had just arrived in Albuquerque the previous evening after resolving a student visa issue that had kept him away from the United States. Originally from Nigeria, Joseph had returned home for the summer but encountered delays in obtaining a renewed visa due to his desire to play for his national team and spend time with his family.

Coach Pitino explained the challenges they faced during this period: a lack of communication for two months and the subsequent rushed process once they were finally contacted. Notably, this wasn’t the first time Joseph had faced visa delays, having experienced a similar situation in 2020 when he joined Iona. Throughout his absence, Pitino maintained regular Facetime calls with Joseph, providing support and ensuring his academic progress.

Besides Pitino’s efforts, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Melanie Stansbury also assisted the university in expediting the process. Recognizing their support, UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nuñez expressed gratitude on behalf of Lobo Athletics.

Despite his arrival, Joseph still had much to learn in terms of team plays and concepts. However, Pitino anticipated that Joseph would participate in the exhibition game on Thursday.

This season, the team elected three captains through a player vote: guard Jaelen House, guard Jamal Mashburn Jr., and guard Jemarl Baker Jr. Baker earned this leadership position due to his experience from multiple injuries and a COVID-affected season. Baker’s presence in the locker room, given his academic achievements, further solidified his veteran role.

In terms of injuries, House would be absent from Thursday’s exhibition game due to a leg injury, with freshman Donovan Dent starting in his place. Another injured player, Isaac Mushila, had his cast removed, and there was a possibility of him being ready for the start of the season.

During Wednesday’s practice, Mustapha Amzil, originally from Finland, was jokingly asked about a rivalry between himself and teammate Sebastian Forsling, a center from Sweden. Amzil initially sarcastically replied that they didn’t get along and explained further, displaying a deadpan expression. However, moments later, he revealed that Forsling was a good guy and that they had played against each other in international competitions.