LAS CRUCES, N.M. – One of the best shots blockers in college basketball has committed to play for Jason Hooten at NM State. Jonathan Kanyanga, a towering figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will descend upon Las Cruces as a rim protector.
 
Kanyanga, a graduate student, transfers to NM State from Edward Waters, an NCAA Division II program in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2022-23, Kanyanga appeared in 25 games for the Tigers, making 20 starts. The 6'9" standout helped the Tigers transition to Division II from the NAIA, where he averaged 5.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest.
 
Jonathan Kanyanga | Sr. | 6-9 | F | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Edward Waters
 

• Kanyanga has emerged as an elite rim protected, averaging 3.96 blocks per game in 2022-23.
• 3.96 swats per game and 99 total blocks would have ranked third and fourth across Division I basketball last season.
• Averaged 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 points per game during Edward Waters' time in NAIA.
• Recorded a 12 point, 21 rebound double-double against Clark Atlanta on January 19, 2022.
• Tallied five double-digit scoring efforts at the NAIA level while mixing in five ten-plus rebound games.
• Started in 20 of the 25 games in which he appeared for NCAA Division II Edward Waters last season.
• Bumped his scoring average and rebound totals up to 6.8 and 8.1 per game, respectively, at the NCAA Division II level.
• Eclipsed 200 rebounds in the 2022-23 season, finishing with 203.
• Kanyanga will be the final scholarship player on Jason Hooten's first NM State team.

 
QUOTABLE | Head Coach Jason Hooten
"We are really excited to have landed someone of Jonathan's caliber this late in the game.  Jonathan's dedication and work ethic has led to him continually improving each season, and we feel his best year is right in front of him!  I really think that 3 things translate no matter what level you have played on: 1. Playing hard 2.  Rebounding  3.  Shot Blocking.  He has had tremendous success statistically in these 3 areas, and it was exactly what we felt our team needed!  Jonathan is a tremendous student-athlete and will be pursuing a graduate degree from Aggie Nation."