Jake Hall Returns: A Defining Moment for Lobo Basketball

He also earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors, cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest young stars.

The Portal Frenzy

When Hall entered the transfer portal, the response from Lobo fans was immediate, “Here we go again.” Seeing some top Lobo players from both Lobo football under Jason Eck and Lobo basketball under Eric Olen.

Programs like Duke, UConn, Kansas, North Carolina, and IU quickly showed interest, recognizing his value as one of the most dynamic young scorers in college basketball.

For a week, uncertainty hovered over Albuquerque for the Lobo faithful fan base.

Then came the decision that changed everything—Hall stayed.

Family, Fit, and the Future

Ultimately, Hall’s decision was about more than basketball—it was about trust, relationships, and belief in the program.

The Hall family’s connection with Eric Olen runs deep, dating back to when Olen first began recruiting Jake at age 14.

That relationship played a significant role in his return. Although other programs offered major NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities, the foundation laid in Albuquerque proved stronger.

While the details of those opportunities remain private, one thing is clear: the Hall family believes in New Mexico.

And now, that commitment has grown even stronger.

On Wednesday, Jake’s younger brother, 6-foot-1 point guard Dax Hall, signed with the Lobos after earning CIF San Diego Section Player of the Year honors—following a similar path to his brother, though at a different school.

Next season, The Pit will feature not just one Hall—but two.

Roster Continuity and New Additions

Hall’s return headlines what is shaping up to be a deep and balanced roster.

New Mexico brings back key contributors, including:

• Uriah Tenette, who stepped into a starting role late in the season
• Chris Howell, who started the first 11 games before a season-ending injury

The Lobos have also added exciting new pieces:

• Freshmen Dax Hall and Ben Schuch, a 6-foot-9 forward from Austria
• Transfer Imran Suljanovic, a 6-foot-8 forward from St. John’s and Austrian national teammate of Schuch
• Guard Hudson Mayes from UC San Diego

The blend of returning experience and new talent gives New Mexico both continuity and upside. With improved depth, versatility, and pace, the Lobos are poised to elevate their transition game, perimeter shooting, and defensive presence.

A Statement to the Conference

In today’s transfer-heavy era, retaining a player like Jake Hall is as impactful as any major signing, and it also underscores coaches’ relationships with younger athletes and the athlete’s respect for the loyalty owed to both the coach and the program.

This decision represents more than roster stability—it reflects culture, trust, and belief in a program that continues to build momentum.

Hall had every reason to explore his options. The offers were real. The attention was national.

But he chose to stay.

Looking Ahead

With another offseason to develop and a system built around his strengths, Hall enters the year as a strong Mountain West Player of the Year candidate.

His return—combined with a strengthened roster and the addition of his younger brother—raises expectations across the board.

For Lobo fans, the message is clear:

The star is staying. The family is growing. And the future in Albuquerque has never looked brighter.

One has to give major props to head coach Eric Olen, his hardworking staff, and the players who want to stay in the “Lobo Band.” For now, the future looks very bright for this program.

With the new look Mountain West Conference next season, the UNM Lobo program is set up on so many levels to be the most dominant team in the conference.

You can bet new Athletic Director Ryan Barryman is all smiles coming into this Athletic Department, “for such a time as this” If you know, you know.