Men's Basketball Adds Pair of Local Talent
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team has added a pair of talented local players to the 2018-19 roster in Valley High School’s Anthony Chavez and Atrisco Heritage Academy’s Jordan Arroyo. The pair has committed to UNM and will be eligible to compete this season.
Anthony Chavez – 6-1 – Point Guard – Albuquerque, N.M.
Chavez comes to the Lobos from Valley High School where he averaged 23.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game in his final season. As a senior, he was named New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Metro Player of the Year while earning All-State First Team and All-Metro First Team honors.
As a junior, Chavez was named First Team All-District, First Team All-Metro and Second Team All-State for his efforts over the 2016-17 season after averaging 22.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
“Anthony is a very talented young man that we are excited to welcome to our program,” head coach Paul Weir said. “His athleticism and toughness are perfect on-court fits and both sides will work endlessly to make him a contributor to the Lobos. Adding a person of his character and value system makes it even more rewarding for our team.”
Chavez led his Valley squad to a pair of district championships in 2014-15 and 2015-16, is a multi-time First Team All-District honoree and in 2015-16 earned a spot on the All-State First Team. He was also a finalist for Metro Player of the Year as a sophomore.
“I chose UNM because I wanted to be able to stay home and be surrounded by my family, and also to play for Coach Weir, who is a great coach and mentor,” Chavez said.
Chavez also competed for New Mexico Force and New Mexico Select at the club level. His deep Albuquerque and New Mexico roots include his mother, Crystal, graduating from UNM.
Jordan Arroyo – 6-7 – Forward – Albuquerque, N.M.
Arroyo enters UNM fresh off of helping lead his Atrisco Heritage Academy High School squad to a 6A State Championship in 2018 after leading the team to 6A District 4 Championships for two straight seasons, 2017 and 2018.
This past season, Arroyo was named All-State First Team, All-Metro First Team and All-District First Team, as well as the New Mexico State Tournament MVP. He was also named 2018 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game while shooting 63 percent from the floor. In addition, Arroyo notched 13 double-doubles on the season.
“Jordan’s length and shooting ability are outstanding fits for the way we play,” head coach Paul Weir said. “Coupling these skills with his extraordinary classroom work makes him an amazing addition to our program.”
Not only was Arroyo a standout as a senior, but as a junior the four-year varsity letterman was named All-District First Team, All-Metro Second Team and All-State Second Team.
“I have lived in New Mexico since I was four years old, so I have grown up watching the New Mexico Lobos,” Arroyo said. “Having seen my father, sisters and uncles go to UNM, I now not only have the opportunity to earn my degree and continue my family’s academic tradition, but I can be the first student-athlete in our family.”
Not only is Arroyo an excellent competitor, but he also is a member of National Hispanic Scholars, is a four-year recipient of the Honor Roll and is an Academic Letterman.