10 T-Birds Sign to 4-year Schools

The 2024-25 NMJC men's basketball team had a historic run in its third season under Luke Mackay, matching a school-record for consecutive wins (14) and having the best start in program history as they finished the year with a 24-7 (10-6) record.

 

The T-Birds also matched the highest national ranking in program history, ascending to the No. 2 spot in the NJCAA National Poll. 10 student-athletes from the 2024-25 team have landed at four-year programs.

 

Melian Martinez – Louisiana Tech (D1)

Jannoy Thomas – Prairie View A&M (D1)

Isaiah Alexander – Minot State (D2)

Deuce Benjamin – Minot State (D2)

Armon Jarrard – Lincoln Memorial (D2)

Amhad Jarrard – Lincoln Memorial (D2)

Jayden Spearman – Lincoln Memorial (D2)

Rodrigo Farias – Ferrum (D2)

Seydou Tamboura – Ferrum (D2)

Keylon Dorsey – Western New Mexico (D2)

 

Below is what Coach Mackay had to say about the outgoing NMJC Men's Basketball Class of 2025.

 

Melian Martinez: Coach Hester and the Bulldogs got themselves a fantastic young man who is always fun to be around. They will love his energy and joy that he lives with. On the court Mel will be able to help the team win with elite size and athletic ability which allows him to protect the paint on defense and put pressure on the rim on offense.

 

Jannoy Thomas: Coach Smith was able to sign one of the best 1-on-1 players in the 2025 JUCO class. Jannoy's ability to break down a defense and get to the basket won a lot of games for NMJC and no doubt he will do the same for the Panthers. Off the court, Jannoy will represent the program with a smile and gratitude for the opportunity to be a student-athlete.

 

Isaiah Alexander & Deuce Benjamin: Isaiah and Deuce can be two core pieces that will help a new staff at Minot build a winner immediately. Both players have a strong competitive fire and willingness to do whatever they need to do to win at both ends of the court. The coaches will love working with them because they are every day guys and the fans will love the energy and passion they play with.

 

Ahmad Jarrard, Armon Jarrard and Jayden Spearman: In Ahmad, Armon and Jayden, LMU was able to sign three guards that know how to win and how to be great representatives of a program and school. By choosing to stay together and turn down different Division One opportunities individually, these three showed how much they care about others and how strong their bonds are. LMU will have three players who complement each other very well with their ability to score from 3, get to the basket to create for themselves and others while also being impactful on defense.

 

Rodrigo Farias & Seydou Tamboura: Rodrigo will bring a high IQ and skilled style of basketball that will immediately elevate those around him. Even when he was not registering a stat for NMJC, Rod impacted winning by being a true PG that made others better every time he was on the floor. Seydou will bring an elite physical skillset of strength and power that fans will enjoy watching. Along with being a great young man he will provide plenty of highlight level plays through the season.

 

Keylon Dorsey: Keylon is as talented as any player that has been at NMJC and will certainly bring elite shooting and physical abilities to Western New Mexico. Fans will enjoy watching him bury 3s and will get a show when he gets into the open court.