Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Lobos players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. Nigerian Nelly Joseph, a 24-year-old center standing at 6'10'' who graduated from New Mexico in 2025 after helping them secure the MWC Regular Season Champion title that year, currently plays professionally in Greece. In the recent game, Joseph, even though playing for AEK, could not prevent his team from suffering a heavy 88-58 defeat on the road against the higher-ranked (#6) Aris. Despite the loss, Joseph displayed an outstanding performance by being the top scorer with 20 points and contributing 4 rebounds in 30 minutes of play. This remarkable performance is particularly noteworthy as it is only Joseph's second season in professional basketball. It should be noted that this marks Joseph's first year playing for the team. Despite the team's recent setback, Joseph has been excelling individually throughout the season, averaging an impressive 19.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game in the two games he has played so far. As the season progresses, there is still much potential for Joseph and his team, and anything can happen in the world of basketball.
#2. Experienced champion Alex Kirk, a 6'11'' center who is 34 years old and an alumnus of Lobos from 2014 where he helped them win the MWC Tournament that year, is currently playing professionally in Japan. In his latest game with the Kawasaki Brave Thunders (2-4), Kirk faced off against the Alvark in Tokyo, the current leaders in the Eastern Conference. Despite Kirk's solid performance of scoring 14 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and providing 3 assists in 30 minutes of play, the ninth-placed Kawasaki Brave Thunders ultimately fell short, losing 82-94. This season marks Kirk's first with the team, and he has been showcasing impressive statistics, averaging 11.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game over six matches. It is notable that Kirk holds both American and Japanese citizenship, allowing him to play in Japan as a domestic player.
#3. Sudanese champion Makuach Maluach, a 6'7'' forward/guard aged 28, who graduated from New Mexico in 2021 and received the All-MWC Third Team award that year, currently plays professionally in Australia. In a recent game, despite Maluach's solid performance, the Sydney Kings (3-1) suffered a defeat at the hands of the lower-ranked (#7) Adelaide 36ers, with a final score of 78-84 in Findon. Maluach contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 26 minutes on the court. This loss marked the first for the Sydney Kings after securing three consecutive victories. Despite the outcome of the game, Maluach showcased his skills and determination against Adelaide, underscoring why he is recognized as a finalist player. Throughout the season, he has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 15.0 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game across four matches. Additionally, it is notable that Maluach holds dual American and Sudanese citizenship, enabling him to play as a domestic player in Sudan if he chooses to do so.
#4. Tony Snell, a 6'6'' guard and 34-year-old Lobos alumnus from the class of 2013, currently plays professionally in France. Known for his achievements, such as winning the All-MWC All-Tournament MVP award in 2013, Snell continues to impress on the court. In a recent game, he played a crucial role in Cholet Basket's victory over Pau-Lacq-Orthez, scoring 6 points and securing 1 rebound in 22 minutes of play. This performance helped propel his team to an 85-79 win, solidifying their position as the champion. Cholet Basket, with a record of 2-1, currently holds the sixth spot in the league standings. Throughout the season, Snell has been averaging 5.7 points per game and 2.0 rebounds per game in the three games played so far, showcasing his skills and contribution to his team's success as a finalist.
#5. Swedish champion Sebastian Forsling, a 7'0'' center aged 24 and a graduate of New Mexico in 2024 where he helped them become MWC Tournament champion that year, currently plays professionally in Sweden. In a recent game, Forsling, a finalist, was unable to lead Norrkoping (2-1) to victory against Sodertalje (4-0) in the Swedish Basketligan. Despite his best efforts, Norrkoping was defeated 85-94 at home by the dominant Sodertalje team. Forsling displayed an impressive performance during the game, contributing 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 17 minutes of play. Throughout this season, the talented champion is averaging 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across three games.
#6. Finnish player Mustapha Amzil, a 6'9'' forward aged 25 and an alum of Lobos from 2025, played a crucial role in helping them secure the MWC Regular Season Champion title that year. He currently plays professionally in Turkey but recently faced a tough match against Efes while representing Denizli Basket. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Amzil's performance fell short in the game, where he only scored 2 points and grabbed 1 rebound in 10 minutes of play. Denizli Basket suffered a 76-85 loss to Efes, and Amzil expressed disappointment in his individual contribution, considering it as not one of his best games. Despite the finalist's efforts, the team couldn't clinch the victory. In the current season, Amzil has been averaging 1.7 points per game in the three matches played so far.
#7. Jemarl Baker Jr., a 6'5'' guard who graduated from New Mexico in 2024 after helping them win the MWC Tournament that year, currently plays professionally in Germany. Recently, he was unable to lead Science City Jena to victory against Telekom Baskets. Despite playing for 22 minutes, Baker Jr. only managed to score 5 points as his team suffered a heavy defeat, losing by 47 points with a final score of 115-68. In a separate match against Bonn, Baker Jr. showcased a solid performance by contributing 5 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. Unfortunately, his individual efforts were not enough to secure a win for his team. Throughout the season, Baker Jr. has maintained relatively good statistics, averaging 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over four matches.
#8. Bahamas Deyton Albury, a 6'2'' guard and 24-year-old Lobos alumni from 2026, currently plays professionally in Switzerland. In his debut game for Fribourg this season, he faced Oradea but unfortunately could not lead his team to victory. Albury displayed his abilities by scoring 7 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and providing 4 assists in just 17 minutes of play. Despite his solid performance, Fribourg was defeated by Oradea with a significant 26-point margin, ending the game at 93-67. Albury's efforts on the court were commendable, but his team fell short in securing a win against the opponent.
#9. Tanzanian player Ally Atiki, standing tall at 6'10'' and at the age of 25, graduated from New Mexico in 2025, where he played a key role in helping them clinch the MWC Regular Season Champion title that year. Currently, he is showcasing his talent as a professional player in Spain. In a recent game, Atiki demonstrated his skills on the court, contributing significantly to Huesca's 3-point victory over the 11th-ranked Clavijo with a score of 90-87 in the Spanish Segunda FEB (third division) last Saturday. During the game, Atiki scored 6 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and played for 29 minutes. His standout performance against Clavijo included not only scoring and rebounding but also providing 2 assists to his teammates. Atiki's exceptional display of talent was crucial in securing the victory for his team, highlighting his capabilities as a champion. This season, Atiki has been maintaining an average of 6.0 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game, 1.5 blocks per game, and 2.0 steals per game over the course of two games. His consistent contributions on both ends of the court further solidify his reputation as a skilled player and a finalist.
Other former University of New Mexico players, who play in pro basketball:
Jamal Mashburn Jr. (6'2''-G-2001, played in 2021-24) played for Long Island Nets in the NBA G League
Emmanuel Kuac (6'7''-G/F-2000, played in 2019-23) played for Nassjo in Swedish Basketligan
Karim Ezzeddine (6'9''-F/C-1997, played in 2018-19) signed for Sagesse in Lebanese DLBL
Luke Haupt (6'7''-G-2005, played in 2025-26) signed for Lucenec in Slovakian Tipos SBL
Corey Manigault (6'9''-F/C-1998, played in 2018-20) signed for Nuwaidrat in Bahrain Premier League
Jaelen House (6'0''-PG-2001, played in 2021-24) plays for Vancouver Bandits in CEBL
CJ Noland (6'4''-G-2002, played in 2024-25) plays for The Enchantment - New Mexico Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament
Antino Jackson (6'0''-PG-1996, played in 2017-18) plays for Tigers in Rwandan RBL
Morris Udeze (6'9''-F/C-1999, played in 2022-23) signed for YKE in Taiwanese PLeague+
Carlton Bragg Jr. (6'10''-PF-1995, played in 2017-17) plays for JHX Hoops - Kansas Alumni in the The Basketball Tournament
Phillip McDonald (6'5''-G-1989, played in 2008-12) plays for Gotham City Bockers in the The Basketball Tournament
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of University of New Mexico basketball alumni.
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