NCAA Men: Maluach to the Lobos, Colina to Hawaii

Young Aussie duo Makuach Maluach and Mate Colina have recently announced their college commitments.

New South Welshman Maluach has committed to the University of New Mexico. Maluach becomes the latest player to continue the Aussie connection with the Lobos, known for grooming Luc Longley, Cameron Bairstow and Hugh Greenwood among the most well-known of the Aussies to attend the school.

https://twitter.com/UNMHoops/status/888420834313764864

The 6’5’ wing last year represented Australia at the U18 FIBA Oceania Championships where he averaged 7.2 points and 5 rebounds per game. He also helped lead NSW Country to the National U18 title back in 2015, where he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Maluach will play under new coach Paul Weir, who recently transferred from the New Mexico State Aggies.

Victorian big man Mate Colina has announced his commitment to the University of Hawaii to play alongside fellow Victorian Jack Purchase. He selected Hawaii over Saint Mary’s among a host of other Division 1 schools looking to secure his services.

https://twitter.com/Brian_McInnis/status/886510790840270848

Colina attended the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in 2017 under head coach Adam Caporn. The 6’10’ center has previously represented the national team at the 2016 U17 FIBA World Championships and the 2015 U16 FIBA Oceania Championships.

A regular representative of Victoria at the National Championships, he played for his state the past three years. Recently the big man averaged 12.6 points and 7 rebounds per game in the 2017 U20 National Champs.

According to Hawaii Warrior World it sounds probable that Colina will redshirt the upcoming season and set his sights on playing the 2018-19 season. Colina also has to graduate high school in Australia at the end of this year, meaning he will arrive on campus during the mid-semester break.