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AJ Pierre-Jerome, a 6-foot-9 forward transfer from Butler Community College in Kansas signed in mid-May to play for the 2026-27 UNM Lobos.

The big man averaged 6.9 points and 3.6 rebounds and blocked 32 shots in 35 games this past season and has a history of playing above the rim and should add needed depth to the Lobo front court.

The Journal reached out to Pierre-Jerome to ask a few introductory questions. The following are his answers via a text exchange.

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JOURNAL: What about coach Eric Olen's system made you want to play for the UNM Lobos?

PIERRE-JEROME: Coach Olen's system is great! During my recruitment process, Olen and the staff talked about how my game fits well with their style of play. My ability to protect and score in the paint is an aspect they were really intrigued about. I'm super excited to be playing for a program that really takes pride in sports, and (has) the support from the community.

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JOURNAL: I'm told you have twin sisters who also hoop. Be honest 鈥� who's the best basketball player in your family? And if I asked them the same question, who would they say is the best?

PIERRE-JEROME: My sisters and I are super competitive. We always try to one-up each other in everything we do. If you asked them who was better, they would obviously say themselves, just like how I would.

My sister's names are Amira Pierre-Jerome and Amaya Pierre-Jerome. Amira and Amaya play similarly, they just play different positions. Amira is really good at catch and shoot 3s while Amaya is really good at ball-handling and playmaking.

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JOURNAL: You've played with so many current college stars and NBA players over the years while attending Monteverde (Fla.) Academy. Who was the best?

PIERRE-JEROME: I spent four years as a student-athlete at Monteverde Academy. Throughout my basketball career, I've played with tons of notable players. The most recent I can remember was my past teammate, Emeka Opurum, who went to Auburn.

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JOURNAL: How has playing with some of the world's best players helped you in your development?

PIERRE-JEROME: Throughout my basketball journey, playing with and against those types of players helped me become the player I am today.

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JOURNAL: I see a lot of rim protection and dunking in your highlight reels. How would you describe your game on the court? And is there a player you would say you are similar to on the court or try to play like?

PIERRE-JEROME: I describe my game like playing chess. I am a very unpredictable player. One thing people don't know about me is I play the game with IQ. I do the little things that help the team come out on top.

I'm not sure who I can compare my game to, although I do like the way Giannis Antetokounmpo plays. He has a knack for not giving up on a play. I see glimpses of myself in the way he hustles and carries himself as a basketball player.

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JOURNAL: Did you know much (or anything) about sa国际传媒官网网页入口, New Mexico or the Lobos before being recruited?

PIERRE-JEROME: I knew that sa国际传媒官网网页入口 was a city in New Mexico, but never experienced what it was like living here up until now. I knew that the Lobos are a great program ever since they made March Madness in 2024 and 2025.

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JOURNAL: Do you know what a Lobo is?

PIERRE-JEROME: A lobo is a wolf. I figured that out through seeing its logos.

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JOURNAL: Do you know what you are planning to study at UNM? Do you know what you want to do after your playing career is over?

PIERRE-JEROME: I will be studying mass communications and media at UNM. I don't know what I want to after my basketball career is over. All I know is that I want to have fun and be successful in the profession of my choosing.

Reach Geoff Grammer at ggrammer@abqjournal.com or follow him on Twitter (X) .