In a move that will have Lobo fans breathing a sigh of relief, Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall is running it back. After a brief, anxiety-inducing stint in the NCAA transfer portal, the dynamic guard has withdrawn his name and will return to the University of New Mexico for his sophomore season.

Hall’s decision is a massive win for the Lobos. The 6-foot-4 standout wasn't just good as a freshman; he was historically great. Leading the team with 16.4 points per game, Hall shattered the UNM single-season record with 117 three-pointers, connecting at a blistering 44% clip from deep. That performance earned him a place on the Mountain West First Team, putting him in elite company alongside former freshmen phenoms Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Bennett.

His brief portal entry naturally sparked a frenzy, with blue-blood programs like Duke, UConn, and Kansas reportedly expressing interest. However, the deep-rooted connection to UNM and head coach Eric Olen, who began recruiting Hall when he was just 14, proved too strong to break. The trust built over years ultimately outweighed the allure of other opportunities.

The news gets even better for Lobo faithful. Hall's return coincides with the arrival of his younger brother, Dax Hall, a highly-touted point guard who just signed with the program. The Hall brothers, both former San Diego Section Players of the Year, will now terrorize defenses together in The Pit next season, creating an exciting new chapter for the family and the team.

With Jake Hall back in the fold, UNM's core looks formidable. He joins returning contributors like point guard Uriah Tenette and guard Chris Howell, forming a solid foundation. The Lobos have also bolstered the roster with a promising mix of international talent and experienced transfers, setting the stage for what could be a special 2024-25 campaign in Albuquerque.