SILVER CITY, N.M. – The 2025-26 season will go down as a defining chapter in the history of Western New Mexico men's basketball, as the Mustangs shattered program records, reached new postseason milestones, and established themselves as a rising force in the Lone Star Conference and NCAA Division II landscape.
Under the leadership of their head coach,
Mark Bunker, the Mustangs put together the winningest season in program history with 22 regular season victories, setting a new standard for success in Silver City. Night in and night out, WNMU showcased a balanced attack on both ends of the floor, combining disciplined defense with efficient scoring to consistently compete against some of the top teams in the region.
The season was highlighted by the program's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Earning a No. 4 seed in the region, the Mustangs proved they belonged on the national stage, capping off a year of steady growth and resilience. That historic berth came on the heels of another milestone, as WNMU also secured its first trip to the Lone Star Conference Tournament, also as a No. 4 seed - demonstrating their ability to compete among one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
Throughout the year, the Mustangs continued to earn recognition beyond the court. For the first time in program history, WNMU broke into the NCAA Division II regional rankings, coming in at No. 4 at their best; a testament to their consistency and strength of schedule. They also received votes in the national rankings for the first time, signaling growing respect from coaches and media across the country.
Individually, the Mustangs saw multiple players earn postseason honors. WNMU placed four student-athletes on the All-Lone Star Conference Team, highlighting the depth and talent across the roster.
Andre Harris (Mesa, AZ/Hillcrest Prep) was awarded first team all-conference honors,
Cortaviaus Seales (Rock Island, IL/North Scott High School) received second team all-conference honors and
Isaiah Broady (Chandler, AZ/Arizona Compass Prep) and
Carson Kelly (Chandler, AZ/Chandler High School) received third team all-conference honors.
NoNo Brown (Gilbert, AZ/Perry High School) was also honored on the all-conference Freshman team, further adding to the list of recognitions for the Mustangs. In addition, the program celebrated a major individual milestone with a selection to the All-South Central District Team from Harris, further emphasizing the impact of its top performers on a regional level.
The team's success was not limited to athletic performance. WNMU also excelled in the classroom, positioning itself for recognition on the NABC Honors Court and Team Academic Excellence Awards lists - an achievement that reflects the program's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.
Leading the charge was a coaching staff that earned significant recognition for their efforts. The Mustangs' head coach,
Mark Bunker, was named the HoopDirt NCAA DII Coach of the Week for Week 14, NABC South Central District Coach of the Year as well as the Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year, underscoring the transformative impact of the program's leadership during this historic campaign.
The 2025-26 season not only rewrote the record books but also set a new expectation for Western New Mexico men's basketball moving forward. With a foundation built on success, recognition, and momentum, the Mustangs have firmly established themselves as a program on the rise.
As the curtain closes on a historic year, one thing is clear: this season was not just a breakthrough - it was the beginning of a new era for WNMU basketball.
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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 (X, TikTok & Instagram).
