transfers

UNM Lobos sign Italian forward Federico Grani, offer La Cueva High's Eric Jacobsen

The University of New Mexico Lobos have added Italian forward Federico Grani to their roster and have also offered a scholarship to Eric Jacobsen from La Cueva High School.

The UNM Lobos have made significant roster moves by signing Italian forward Federico Grani and extending a scholarship offer to Eric Jacobsen, a former La Cueva High School player. These additions come as the Lobos prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 men's basketball season.

Federico Grani Joins the Lobos

Federico Grani, a 23-year-old forward standing at 6-foot-9, has signed to play for the Lobos next season after a professional stint in Italy. Last season, he played for Moncada Energy Agrigento in the Serie B league, where he averaged 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 37 games. Grani is now the twelfth player to commit or sign for the Lobos for the upcoming season. He shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a graphic featuring himself in a Lobos jersey with the caption “Next stop: Albuquerque.”

Later in the day, the UNM men's basketball social media accounts shared the same graphic, updating the caption from "Committed" to "Signed." The Lobos are currently working with Grani to determine his eligibility based on his previous professional experience, as NCAA rules regarding players from international leagues can vary. This situation mirrors that of Tomislav Buljan, a former Lobos player who also faced eligibility questions after playing professionally in Croatia.

Offer Extended to Eric Jacobsen

In addition to Grani's signing, the Lobos have offered a scholarship to Eric Jacobsen, a 6-foot-11 forward who recently completed his senior year at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. Jacobsen expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking Coach Olen and Coach Roberts for their belief in him. He is the younger brother of Daniel Jacobsen, a 7-foot-4 center at Purdue, who also attended Brewster Academy. Eric's recruitment was impacted by a torn ACL he suffered during his junior year, which limited his opportunities with other schools.

As the Lobos continue to build their roster, the additions of Grani and Jacobsen highlight their commitment to enhancing the team's competitive edge for the upcoming season.

Source: abqjournal.com