WINNER AND LOSER: NEW MEXICO LOBOS

Tom McKrackin · May 2

In mid-April, New Mexico coach Richard Pitino joked on Twitter (or X, whatever) that he only had to wait 15 more days until he could be mean to his players again.

Two young studs, JT Toppin and Donovan Dent, were the top pieces New Mexico was trying to keep out of the transfer portal.

The Lobos went 1-for-2.

Pitino getting Dent back for Year 3 is tremendous. The dazzling point guard was one of the top pick-and-roll maestros in the sport last year. With Jamal Mashburn Jr. charting off to Temple and Jaelen House exhausting his eligibility, the table is set for Dent to have a monster year.

His frontcourt running mate will not be joining him. Dent was an elite play-creator, and Toppin became one of his favorite play-finishers. The Mountain West Freshman of the Year averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He was fabulous. But Toppin entered the transfer portal in the final hour, and he's quickly become one of the top small-ball big men in the transfer portal. Toppin has boatloads of Big 12 interest.

Getting a potential Mountain West Player of the Year candidate back will keep New Mexico's floor high, but the ceiling changes without Toppin. Oh, what could have been...

read more: https://247sports.com/longformarticle/oregon-unc-iowa-headline-college-basketball-transfer-portal-deadline-retention-winners-losers-231218138/amp/

emmitt01 · May 2

Where's the reference to North Texas?

Jason Howeth · May 2

Yeah I truly don't give a crap about New Mexico unless they're on our schedule.

If it helps, step outside for some fresh air.

Cooley · May 2

The only thing remotely related is their star freshman, JT Toppins, being from Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy. Unfortunately, there's no chance he transfers to UNT based on the amount of national interest.

meangreenfaninno · May 3

Didn't CJ end up transferring there? Wonder why he wasn't mentioned.

NM Green · May 4

I watched some New Mexico last year and was curious about how such a storied program with amazing fan support would fare. Looks like even the stronger programs struggle in this new culture, so we are not alone. I feel Ross is built for this new way to build and play.

interesting read.

GMG