SILVER CITY, N.M. - Western New Mexico University's Men's Basketball Head Coach Zane Gibson has announced the teams five newest signees. The Mustangs would like to welcome Jordan Doss, Joshuwan Johnson, Brandynn Manning, Dylan Arnette, and Malik Johnson (Wytheville, Virginia/George Wythe High School).

"We could not be more excited with the additions of Jordan Doss, Joshuwan Johnson, Brandynn Manning, Dylan Arnette, and Malik Johnson (Wytheville, Virginia/George Wythe High School). We think these five will come in and have an instant impact on our team," said Gibson. "They are young men of high character and their values line up with what we are doing here at Western New Mexico University."

Jordan Doss: Sr. Chicago, Ill: transfer from Purdue Northwest

Doss is 6'5 Wing who averaged 10.2 PPG on 32% beyond the arc, and 4.0 RPG. He started 25 games and appeared in all 28 games.

Jordan on why he chose WNMU:

"I picked WNMU because of the family like environment I felt from the coaching staff and also the change in scenery from where I'm normally use to. I look forward to finishing up school and getting my bachelors degree and also winning the conference and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament." 

Coach Gibson on Jordan:

"Jordan is a big, strong, tough wing. We believe we can use him all over the court on both the offensive and defensive end. He can really stretch the floor with his shooting abilities. He is strong enough to create separation on his drives. He's athletic with really long arms which gives him great versatility on the defensive end to guard anyone on the court 1-4. He's got great experience and that will be invaluable for our team particular in close games."

Joshuwan Johnson: Jr. Phoenix, AZ: transfer from Arkansas Pine Bluff

Johnson is a 5'8 Guard who averaged 9.8 PPG, 3.2 APG, and 2.7 RPG. He led UAPB in steals (31) and started all 25 games for them last year. Johnson was also named SWAC Player of the Week (Dec. 15).

Joshuwan on why he chose WNMU:

"I chose WNMU because I love the system they play with. They play fast which I think fits me perfect. Coach Gibson was a huge part in me coming here. My goals are to graduate from WNMU, to win and hopefully continue my journey playing basketball after college."

Coach Gibson on Joshuwan:

"Joshuwan is a fast, quick twitch guard. He is constantly putting pressure on the defense by playing fast and downhill. He is always getting in the paint. He is an excellent shooter who can space the floor for teammates to drive the ball with the defense knowing if they over help Joshuwan can make that open shot. He is a pest defensively and we plan on using him 94 feet to apply pressure on our opponents ball handlers."

Brandynn Manning: Jr. Pittsburgh, CA: transfer from South Carolina State

Manning is a 6'3 Wing. At Merritt CC he averaged 17.4 PPG,  50.9% 3FG,  5.1 RPG,  and 2.2 APG. When he played at South Carolina State he averaged 2.6 PPG, and 1.1 RPG. He appeared in 8 games making 3 starts. 

Brandynn on why he chose WNMU:

"Before I went Division I out of my Junior College, Coach Espinoza was the first coach at any level to reach out to me during the recruiting process, he was very up front and genuine. The day I hit the transfer portal he was yet again the first coach to reach out. The coaching staff as a whole was straight to the point from the first day. Coach Gibson has a great reputation. WNMU plays a competitive schedule in conference and outside. Playing multiple DI schools really caught my attention. I want to win a ring and play Professional after I get my degree from WNMU."

Coach Gibson's thoughts on Brandynn:

"Brandynn is a big time scorer. Some guys just know how to but the ball in the basket and that's Brandynn. He can put the ball in the hole from all over the court. At Merritt he shot the 3-ball about as good as you can shoot it by making more than 50% of his attempts! He has really good ball skills which allows him to get to his spots and raise up on defenders." 

Dylan Arnette: So. Desoto, TX: transfer from TCU

Arentte is 6'3 Guard. At TCU he saw action in 6 games during his career and was named Academic All-Big 12 First-Team. At Dallas Carter Averaged 16 PPG, 8 APG, and 6 RPG. Was a top 100 player coming out of HS in the state of Texas. Was class valedictorian at Dallas Carter.

Dylan on why he chose WNMU: 

"I picked Western New Mexico because I really developed a genuine relationship with Coach Gibson, as well as the assistant coaches. I look forward to meeting new people! I look forward to getting my degree while also winning a ton of games!"

Coach Gibson's thoughts on Dylan:

"Dylan is a very fast athletic guard. He can really get downhill and will make life a lot easier on his teammates because he will live in the paint and force the defense to help. He is a very willing passer and wants to make his teammates better all the time. Defensively he can pick you up 94 feet from the basket and make life very hard on the offensive player. Dylan is another fantastic student we have added to our roster. Being valedictorian in high school and then receiving Academic All-Big 12 shows how serious Dylan takes the class room."

Malik Johnson (Wytheville, Virginia/George Wythe High School): Sr. Wytheville, VA: Grad Transfer from Concord University

Johnson is a 6'4 Wing who averaged: 17.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, and was named Second-Team All-MEC just a season ago.

Malik on why he chose WNMU:

I chose WNMU because I wanted something new. I chose WNMU because of the coaching staff and their style of play. I chose them because I think there is something special happening and I want to be apart of it! My goals at WNMU are to become the best basketball player I can become and contribute to the team in all aspects. I also want to help win a conference championship and make an NCAA tournament run. 

Coach Gibson's thoughts on Malik:

"Malik is a super versatile basketball player. He can play a multitude of positions and depending on how the defense is guarding him can be a scorer or distributor on any given night. Its rare to find a guy his size with his passing ability. In 16 games last year to have 56 assists is outstanding. He can really put the ball in the basket as well. He scored in double figures in 15 of his 16 games last season with 4 games of 20 or more points. Malik is also a great student already receiving his undergrad degree from Concord University and will be pursuing his MBA here at WNMU."

The Mustangs will first see action on Oct. 30th, hitting the road to Phoenix, AZ, in an exhibition game against Grand Canyon University.

Coach Gibson concludes, "We took some great strides last year as a program and I love the returning cast we have coming back to Silver City in the fall. The five of these guys will come in and gel immediately with the current culture our returners created last year. We cannot wait for these guys to get to work!"

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram) and search Western New Mexico Athletics on Facebook.