Men's Hoops Adds UNC Transfer Francis

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s basketball program has added University of North Carolina transfer point guard Jeremiah Francis III, the program announced Tuesday. Francis joins the Lobos after playing his freshman season for the Tar Heels in 2019-20.

“Jeremiah truly brings a complete package to Lobo Basketball,” head coach Paul Weir said. “His basketball abilities are tremendous, yet are surrounded by a young man of high character and a thirst for winning. We can’t wait for him to arrive and have an impact on our program. He has a chance to improve Lobo Basketball in a myriad of ways.”

During his inaugural collegiate season at UNC, Francis saw action in 16 games with three starts at the point that included a pair of ACC matchups. He totaled 217 minutes (13.6 per game) while collecting a total of 52 points, 26 assists, 20 rebounds and seven steals on the season. Francis averaged 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists with his career-high 12 points which he registered against UCLA on Dec. 21.

In his first start of the season, the guard dished a career-best five assists against Yale on Dec. 30, 2019. He also scored in double figures in three consecutive games in December (11 at Gonzaga, 12 vs. UCLA and 10 vs Yale).

Prior to his time at UNC, Francis spent four years on the varsity squad at Pickerington Central High School in Pickerington, Ohio but was unable to play his junior and senior seasons due to injury. He helped his squad to the Ohio Capital Conference Championship as a sophomore while averaging 15.3 points, 5.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds that season. Francis was also named to the honor roll his final two years at Pickerington Central.

“I believe [attending UNM] will be an incredible opportunity for me and my family from an academic standpoint, as well as a basketball standpoint and I have bonded very well with the coaching staff since entering the transfer portal,” Francis said of why he chose New Mexico.