Add New Mexico forward Tomislav Buljan to the long list of men’s college basketball players who have announced plans to enter the transfer portal.
Buljan, a 23-year-old big man from Croatia, was a key player for the Lobos during the 2025-26 season, which ended with a 74-69 loss to Tulsa in the NIT semifinals.
Tomislav Buljan Enters the Transfer Portal
On Sunday, Buljan took to Instagram to announce that he intends to play elsewhere. The 6-foot-9 big man averaged 13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 35 games for New Mexico, which finished with a 26-11 record under new head coach Eric Olen.
“After a lot of thought and reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal and continue my journey beyond the University of New Mexico basketball program,” Buljan wrote.
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The Croatian forward shot 54.0% from the field and averaged 4.0 offensive rebounds per game, which tied for third-most in the nation. Buljan received second-team All-Mountain West honors and was one of 14 players, and the only Mountain West player, in the nation to average a double-double.
He thanked the coaching staff for allowing him to play for New Mexico, and his teammates for pushing him hard in practice and for the brotherhood they built in a short period of time.
“To the entire UNM community and Lobo fans, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for your constant support. Playing in front of you was truly special, and I will always be grateful for the energy and love you showed me,” Buljan said.
“This experience has helped me grow as a player and as a person, and I will carry that with me moving forward. I’m excited for the next chapter and all that lies ahead. Thank you. New Mexico, I will always appreciate my time here.”
Buljan, who recorded 17 double-doubles last season, scored a season-high 27 points on 12-for-18 shooting in New Mexico’s 84-69 win over Saint Joseph’s in the NIT quarterfinals on March 24. He grabbed 21 rebounds in the Lobos’ 80-78 victory over Mississippi State in the third-place game of the Hall of Fame Classic on Nov. 21, 2025.
However, he finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals in New Mexico’s 74-69 loss to Tulsa in the NIT semifinals. He shot 4-for-13 from the field in 24 minutes during his final game with the Lobos.
Buljan, who initially played professionally in Croatia, has one season of eligibility left after New Mexico helped him appeal for an extra year, even though the forward is likely to leave after the 2025-26 season.
He is expected to receive lucrative offers from schools in top conferences, with reports indicating he could earn an NIL deal between $1 million and $2 million this upcoming season.
