Tomislav Buljan and Timéo Pons Sign with Lobo Men’s Basketball
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico men’s basketball program announced Thursday the signing of two European players to the program. Tomislav Buljan from Croatia and Timéo Pons from France will join the Lobos for the upcoming season.
Buljan, a 6-9 forward from Split, Croatia, played most recently for KK Cedevita Junior, a club team in Zagreb that played in the Croatian Premijer Liga. Last year he averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounding. He posted a triple-double last May with 18 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists and seven steals in a game against Osijek, posting the league’s single-game high for rebounds last season. Buljan has experience representing Croatia on youth national teams, most recently for the nation’s U20 team.
“We are excited to welcome Tomislav to the Lobo family,” said head coach Eric Olen. “His combination of size, athleticism and physicality will create matchup problems on the offensive end and on the glass. Lobo fans will love the tenacity and passion he plays with.”
“From the moment I connected with the coaches and felt the energy around the program, I knew New Mexico was where I belonged,” said Buljan. “This isn’t just a team to me – it’s a family I’m ready to fight for. I’m honored to be a Lobo and I’m all in.”
Pons, a 6-8 guard from Nanterre, France, is coming from Nanterre 92, where he played for the club’s U21 squad. Last season he led the team in scoring and rebounding at 14.9 points and 6.2 boards per game. Pons was selected for the French U19 team that will compete at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, beginning this weekend in Switzerland.
“Timéo has the size and skill we value in our perimeter players with his ability to shoot, pass and creae defensive activity,” said Olen. “His best basketball is ahead of him, and we look forward to being a part of that process. We’re thrilled that Timéo has chosen to be a part of Lobo Nation.”
“I chose New Mexico because of the style Coach Olen wants to play and how that I can fit into that system,” said Pons. “I know The Pit is a great arena with crazy fans and I can’t wait to get to UNM and play in front of them.”