Exhibition Schedule Takes Shape
The University of New Mexico’s men’s basketball team will open its exhibition schedule at home, welcoming Arizona State on October 25 inside the iconic Pit. The matchup is part of a one‑off agreement in which UNM will pay the Sun Devils $50,000, underscoring a growing willingness to schedule high‑profile non‑conference contests.
Just a week earlier, the Lobos will host Washington State on October 18, and later in December they are slated to face NAIA’s Northern New Mexico College in another home game at the same venue, expanding the non‑conference slate before the regular season begins in November.
Returning Talent Bolsters Roster
Adding intrigue, Arizona State will be led by Randy Bennett, who is entering his first year as head coach of the Sun Devils for the 2026 campaign, bringing a fresh tactical outlook to the exhibition.
The return of two transfer forwards has been a focal point of preseason workouts. Rytis Petraitis, a fifth‑year senior, missed the previous season due to a hip injury but has been medically cleared and is now participating in full five‑on‑five drills. Imran Suljanovic, a true freshman, also sat out last year with a knee injury; his recovery has been complete, and he is now fully engaged in practice.
Both players are expected to play pivotal roles as the Lobos navigate an 18‑game Mountain West schedule, with the remaining non‑conference game likely to be played on the road, a logistical detail that coaches are already addressing.
With the season kicking off in November, the coaching staff is optimistic that the newly healthy roster will translate practice momentum into on‑court success, positioning UNM as a competitive force early in the campaign.