The UNM men's basketball team has been losing players at a blistering rate this season, but the Lobos finally have added a player while squashing rumors of another one's departure.
One day after releasing Ashanti Cook from his national letter of intent, UNM head coach Ritchie McKay announced the signing of junior college All-American point guard Javin Tindall on Tuesday.
McKay also announced that junior guard Ruben Douglas will be back for his senior season, quieting speculation that he would enter the NBA Draft.
"Ruben Douglas' decision to remain in our program another year definitely benefits Ruben in his quest to heighten his draft position," McKay said in a University statement. "It means a great deal to Lobo basketball and its future as well. We're also glad that Ruben has the confidence in the coaching staff to improve the program."
Douglas led the team and the Mountain West Conference in scoring, averaging 18.1 points per game.
"I'm excited about what's happening with Lobo basketball right now," Douglas said in a University statement. "I have been able to tell in a very short time that we have good coaches, but most important, we have great people leading us in coach McKay and his staff. I look forward to being a Lobo my senior year, playing with some good guys and leading this team to a higher level."
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Douglas will have the opportunity to play with Tindall, who is the Lobos' first spring signee.
The 5-foot, 11-inch guard's arrival leaves UNM with two scholarships available for next year.
"We're excited about Javin's commitment to the UNM program," McKay said. "As we anticipated, there are some very good people and some very talented players that have an interest in Lobo basketball. Javin definitely falls into that class. He's our type of point guard.
"He has a solid work ethic, a love for the game and a team-first attitude. Not only is he quick, but he is a good distributor of the basketball and a solid shooter."
Tindall averaged 18.5 points and 8.4 assists per game for Redland Community College in Redland, Okla. He helped lead the Cougars to a 30-5 record and the NJCAA Division II national championship.
Staff Report
