HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky men's basketball has signed another incoming freshman, as head coach Darrin Horn announced the signing of Juan Manuel Ruiz Jodar (Juanma Ruiz) on Friday. 

"We are so excited for Juanma to be a Norse," said Coach Horn. "He is an exceptional mover for a big and plays with tremendous energy. He has the ability to do the things in our system that help a big excel: run, finish, make plays at the rim and as a roller, handle on the perimeter, play facing the basket, and rebound on both ends. We love his energy and hunger to work and get better. He has tremendous upside and we have no doubts he will make great strides in his development and do it quickly."

Juanma Ruiz, a 6'9 forward, comes to Highland Heights from his home country of Spain, where he played in the Spain-U19 League, Spain-Tercera FEB, and Spain-Primera FEB in 2024-25, with most of his experience coming in the Spain-Tercera FEB & U19 with Real Betis. 

In the U19 League, Ruiz played four games for Real Betis' U19 League, averaging 10.8 points, eight rebounds and nearly two steals per game while shooting 58.6% from the floor. In the Spain-Tercera FEB, Ruiz played 19 games for Real Betis 2, averaging 9.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 54.3% from the floor. In just 19 games, Ruiz shot 101 free throws, just under six per game. 

The 6'9 Ruiz posted three double-doubles for Real Betis 2 last season, with season-highs of 18 points and 15 rebounds. He scored in double figures in 11 of his 19 games, and grabbed 10+ boards seven times. He also has the ability to stretch the floor, hitting eight 3PT baskets in 19 games. 

Ruiz is set to join the Norse for the 2025-26 season.  

FOLLOW NKU NORSE MEN'S BASKETBALL
Get in the game and follow Northern Kentucky's NCAA Division I college team through @NKUNorseMBB on Twitter, @nkunorsembb on Instagram, nkunorsembb on Facebook and subscribe to the NKU Norse Youtube channel.