Isabel Gonzalez
@cisabelg
The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team officially announced JJ Caldwell signing with the Lobos on Friday. The former Texas A&M point guard will be eligible immediately during the 2019-20 campaign as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
“I chose UNM for the great tradition and the coaches,” Caldwell said on a statement. “The coaching staff told me the truth from the start and told me it was not going to be easy. I’m just glad I get to represent the Lobos and hopefully help reach our goals.”
Last May, Caldwell announced he wanted to turn pro, but now he is back to continue his college career.
The former ESPN Top 100 recruit redshirted during his true freshman season as an Aggie in 2016-17. The following year he appeared in 16 games, averaging 16 minutes and 2.9 points per game. He averaged 1.9 rebounds per game while also collecting 41 assists, 12 steals and two blocks.
Caldwell announced his commitment to New Mexico early this January, but the signing just became official.
Former Texas A&M guard JJ Caldwell has committed to New Mexico (per his Twitter) 📺:pic.twitter.com/Z6QqsiMP1w
— The Lair New Mexico (@thelairnm) January 5, 2019
“JJ is a terrific point guard with the type of speed and passing ability that will be a tremendous boost for our team,” said UNM head coach Paul Weir on a statement. “He loves the game of basketball and we look forward to his impact on the court for the Lobos.”
After the 2018-19 season, New Mexico had two seniors graduating (Anthony Mathis and Dane Kuiper) and one player leaving early to pursue a professional basketball career overseas (Karim Ezzeddine). The coaching staff is recruiting heavily, but the scholarships are limited and the school has now gone over.
In November, the team officially signed Emmanuel Kuac. Earlier this week, the first day of the regular signing period, it was announced that Mathis will be returning for one more year. UNM still has a couple players who have committed but not signed, while no Lobos from last season’s roster have entered the transfer portal.
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