Peter Dindinger – NMMI Sports Press

One of the many unique advantages of New Mexico Military Institute is how it attracts students from all over the globe.

This year's Bronco basketball team features nine international players from seven different countries.

"It's probably the first time we've had this much international flavor on one team," said Bronco head coach Sean Schooley. "I think it's gonna be interesting to see how it all comes together.

"From what I've seen everybody's pulling for each other. I'm always interested in all the different cultures. I think it's going to bring something different to the plate here."

Returning sophomores John Mapiou and Furaha Cadeaux de Dieu, who hail from Canberra, Australia and Kigwali, Rwanda, respectively, are excited for another opportunity to play at NMMI.

Mapiou appeared in 28 games last season while he logged in 313 minutes. He averaged 5.5 points per game and grabbed 105 rebounds.

Against Howard College on Feb. 27, he had a season-high 27 points during the regular season finale.

Cadeaux de Dieu started in 22 games and averaged 5.9 boards per contest along with 8.9 points. His breakout game came against Midland College on Jan. 13 where he scored a season-best 20 points.

He also scored double-digit figures in 12 games.

"It's (a) good feeling when you see other people from other countries come join you," Cadeaux de Dieu said. "It's a blessing. There's not a lot of kids that get the opportunity that we have here. So, it feels amazing."

With the season scheduled to begin on Jan. 20, Mapiou believes that the Broncos can be a strong team this year after going 15-14 overall last season.

NMMI's season came to an end after losing a one-game playoff to Western Texas College. The Broncos narrowly missed out on a chance to play in the Region V tournament in Abilene, Texas.

"I think last year we could've gone all the way, but we lost a few players early on," Mapiou said. "I think once we have everyone there's literally nothing to stop us except for ourselves."

New recruits

Here are a few quotes from the new players about how they are adjusting to the NMMI lifestyle and new environment:

Jordan Riley | Fr. | Born in: Jamaica | Resides in: Windsor, Conn.

"It's a different environment. My dream is to become a better basketball player. I've never been a part of something like this."

Nadjrick Peat | Fr. | Resides in: Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica

"So, it's very diverse and it's nice to get a peek of each and every individual culture even though we can be a bit discombobulated sometimes. This year I hope to improve my skills and also at least get a 3.5 GPA. The military aspect of NMMI — it's not that bad. It builds discipline, time management, a lot more good stuff that you need to succeed in life."

Jerry Kabantu | Soph. |Resides in: Kinshasa, Congo | Redshirted at New Mexico Junior College last spring

"It feels good. It's a new experience of my life. It's a new environment, new culture, new experience to learn and an opportunity to get a good education and to play basketball. It's amazing to meet new people from different countries and to learn about the military rules. I think it will benefit me in the future and right now. I'm just grateful and I appreciate the opportunity to be here."

Nicolas Girondin | Fr. | Resides in: Colombes, Paris, France

"It can bring diversity and different cultures to the team. Just the character but also the basketball culture, different type of play — I think it's a good thing. I want to hopefully find a scholarship to go to a four-year school. It can give me a lot of discipline."

Jordan Nelson | Fr. | Resides in: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

"I don't feel really out of place because everyone's coming from all around the world. You can kind of relate in terms of the culture. You can learn different cultures, you can relate to them because you're coming from home, feeling homesick. I'm not used to all the military stuff yet. I'm gonna ease into it as the year goes on. I like it. It gives us a lot more discipline in what we do, our everyday lives. For the season, as a team, I want to win a championship with these guys. Individual goals, I would like to be able to prove myself, prove my potential, reach that potential and show other coaches I can play at the Division I level and play in the NCAA."

Aaron Capurro | Fr. | Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador

"It's cool, because there's a lot of people from different countries, different parts of the world. I have the opportunity to learn about the country where my teammates (come from). Everything is OK."

Luis Riascos | Fr. | Hometown: Sucumbíos Province, Ecuador

"It's new for me. I'm not used to this, the military stuff. It's a new challenge for me. I like the challenge. Everything is a new experience for me."