University of Arkansas-Fort Smith men’s basketball coach Josh Newman bolstered his roster this week with the signing of Jonathan Garza, a NCAA Division I transfer from Lamar University.

Garza, a 5-foot-10 point guard from Pflugerville, Texas, redshirted this past season at Lamar and is the third Division I transfer signed by the Lions during this offseason, joining junior guard Kelson Stewart (UALR) and redshirt freshman forward Gavin Glanton (University of Albany).

“We are excited to be able to have Jonathan join our program for the next four years,” said Newman, whose Lions squad will feature four Division I transfers this upcoming season. “Jonathan will bring a sense of maturity and experience to our backcourt after sitting out a year at Lamar University.” 

Garza was a three-year letter winner at Pflugerville High School, starting at point guard his junior and senior seasons for Panthers coach Mike Murphy.

As a senior, Garza averaged 10 points, 7 assists and 3.4 steals per game, earning First Team All-District 25-5A honors. He led the Panthers to a 34-6 record, the district title and a berth in the regional tournament quarterfinals.

Garza averaged 14 points, 5 assists, 3.3 steals and 2.2 rebounds per game as a junior, earning First Team All-District 14-5A accolades. He led the Panthers to a 27-7 record, the district title and a berth in the regional tournament quarterfinals.

“He’s a quick, smart, unselfish point guard who will make everyone around him better,” Newman said.