Lobos snag two locals

Two Albuquerque high school stars will get the chance to become Lobos, the school announced on its website today.

How far they take that opportunity is in their court now.

Valley High’s Anthony Chavez and Atrisco Heritage Academy’s Jordan Arroyo were added to the Lobos 2018-19 roster as preferred walk-ons.

Chavez and Arroyo could follow the path of former Lobos David Gibson and Tim Jacobs, who started their careers as preferred walk-ons. Gibson (Sandia High) was a prominent player during the Dave Bliss era. Jacobs (Onate) played for Neal and thrived in a reserve role.

Chavez, a 6-foot-1 point guard for the Vikings, averaged 23.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists as a senior. He also was named the New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Metro Player of the Year.

“His athleticism and toughness are perfect on-court fits,” UNM head coach Paul Weir said in the release.

Arroyo, a 6-7 versatile forward, helped lead the Jaguars to the Class 6A state title this past season. He can play inside or outside and averaged 14.1 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks as a senior, and posted 13 double-doubles. He also was selected All-State, All-District and All-Metro first team.

“Jordan’s length and shooting ability are outstanding fits for the way we play,” Weir said.

The addition of the locals makes five new Lobos joining the team in a flurry of recruiting news over the past few days.

UNM signed two junior college players in 6-9 forward Karim Ezzeddine from Northwest Florida State College and 6-2 point guard Keith McGee from South Plains (Texas) College.

Ezzeddine averaged 7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds this past season, and will have two years of eligibility left.

“He is a hybrid post player that exactly fits our system at both ends,” Weir said. “It’s the perfect match for both of us and we are ecstatic to have him on board as a Lobo.”

McGee, a swift playmaker, averaged 7.4 points and 2.7 assists and shot 44.7 percent from beyond the arc. He saved some of his best play in helping lead his team to the NJCAA title, scoring 20 points in the championship to earn Tournament MVP. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“We look forward to watching Keith continue to blossom as a Lobo and thrive in our system,” Weir said.

The final player expected to join the Lobos’ ranks was 6-6 guard Tavian Percy, a high school standout from Pasadena, Calif.

Percy on tape displays athleticism above the rim and an ability to shoot long range.

Percy gave his non-binding verbal commitment to UNM after an official visit, posting his intentions to become a Lobo on his Twitter account Saturday.

Percy averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game for Pasadena High in his one year there after transferring from Florida. His team reached the CIS title game.