Here's a quick update on a lot of stuff that is going on in Lobo Sports:
Coach Alford has really been working the recruiting trail hard the past few weeks, and he's already got three LOI's for the upcoming season. All three of these guys are eligible for 2007.
6-1 PG Dairese Gary, a three-star recruit and a Top-25 ranked PG in the country. He's a little short but way strong at about 210 pounds. He put up good scoring numbers but his forte is supposed to be defense. I'd expect him to play a little bit next year and a lot in the coming years after Darren and Jamaal graduate.
6-8 F Johnnie Harris, a low post banger who put up pretty low numbers, but he was on a Juco team that was loaded with D-I talent at forward. He is a winner, however, and I expect he'll play a ton of minutes simply out of necessity.
6-7 G/F Darrington Hobson, a self-proclaimed point guard in a small forward's body. Hobson is a big get, and he's a Four-Star recruit and a Top-125 overall player. This young man claims to be able to do it all. His HS coach claims that he's got top-20 skills, but he just needs more consistency. Hobson says that he's a triple-double threat every night, and his HS numbers (17 pts 12 reb. 7 asst.) seem to back that up. He should play a lot and do a little of everything.
On to football, spring camps are going well except for a ton of injuries at the offensive line position. Starting RT Devin Clark and starting C Vince Natali are both out until Fall practice, which gives some of the younger guys a chance to get work with the first team. Because of the injuries at O-line, the Cherry-Silver scrimmage will be offense vs. defense.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
It's Football Season!!!
Okay, not yet, but Monday marks the start of Spring Practice. Coach Long decided to push the start of practice back a few weeks in order to give his coaches time to catch up on the new offense. This seems to be a move made because of last year's problems figuring out Toledo's offense. Hopefully it helps. Anyhow, I hope to make it out to a few practices this year, so look out for some reports!
2007 Outlook: Power Forwards/Centers
Daniel Faris - Basically the center position starts and stops here, since Faris is the only returning player who saw any time last year.
Strengths - Has a nice touch on the offensive end and plays with a lot of fire and energy. On defense plays with intensity and is an adequate shot blocker and rebounder.
Weaknesses - He gets into foul trouble way too often, often picking up two quick fouls and sitting the rest of the half. He also can be overpowered by bigger and stronger posts and is guilty of either helping too much or not enough in zone.
2007 Outlook - All the pieces are there to be a solid post player, Faris just needs to spend the summer in the weight room and the film room. His biggest deficiency right now is defense. Shore that up and Faris could be a big contributor next year. Achievable goals: 8 pts. 7 reb. 25 min.
Sean Imadiyi - Saw almost no time all last year but he's a long, athletic body who'll need to at least play a little next year, if only to pick up fouls, defend and rebound.
Strengths - Has shown a decent shot, so he's probably got some offensive potential. He has long arms and seems to have some athleticism and quickness. Is a pretty good dunker.
Weaknesses - Really needs to get stronger and add some pounds or he'll really get abused by the stronger power forwards in the Mountain West. When he did play he was often a big liability, leading to easy baskets for the other team.
2007 Outlook - It'd be hard for Imadiyi to not improve on his freshman year, since he basically didn't play at all. Achievable Goals: 10 min. and lots o' hustle.
Derek Oestreicher - A real wild card for next season. He served a redshirt year in order to get bigger and stronger, so we'll see.
Strengths - He's the tallest guy on the team and is supposed to have some shooting range. If nothing else, he provides depth for a very thin frontcourt.
Weaknesses - Obviously, he's unproven. I assume he redshirted because he wasn't yet physically ready for this level. Hopefully he worked on that.
2007 Outlook - I have never even seen him in a jersey, much less post up or take a shot on the court. Like Sean he'll simply have to play some minutes, if only to rest Daniel. Achievable goals: 15 min. 5 pts. 2 reb.
Strengths - Has a nice touch on the offensive end and plays with a lot of fire and energy. On defense plays with intensity and is an adequate shot blocker and rebounder.
Weaknesses - He gets into foul trouble way too often, often picking up two quick fouls and sitting the rest of the half. He also can be overpowered by bigger and stronger posts and is guilty of either helping too much or not enough in zone.
2007 Outlook - All the pieces are there to be a solid post player, Faris just needs to spend the summer in the weight room and the film room. His biggest deficiency right now is defense. Shore that up and Faris could be a big contributor next year. Achievable goals: 8 pts. 7 reb. 25 min.
Sean Imadiyi - Saw almost no time all last year but he's a long, athletic body who'll need to at least play a little next year, if only to pick up fouls, defend and rebound.
Strengths - Has shown a decent shot, so he's probably got some offensive potential. He has long arms and seems to have some athleticism and quickness. Is a pretty good dunker.
Weaknesses - Really needs to get stronger and add some pounds or he'll really get abused by the stronger power forwards in the Mountain West. When he did play he was often a big liability, leading to easy baskets for the other team.
2007 Outlook - It'd be hard for Imadiyi to not improve on his freshman year, since he basically didn't play at all. Achievable Goals: 10 min. and lots o' hustle.
Derek Oestreicher - A real wild card for next season. He served a redshirt year in order to get bigger and stronger, so we'll see.
Strengths - He's the tallest guy on the team and is supposed to have some shooting range. If nothing else, he provides depth for a very thin frontcourt.
Weaknesses - Obviously, he's unproven. I assume he redshirted because he wasn't yet physically ready for this level. Hopefully he worked on that.
2007 Outlook - I have never even seen him in a jersey, much less post up or take a shot on the court. Like Sean he'll simply have to play some minutes, if only to rest Daniel. Achievable goals: 15 min. 5 pts. 2 reb.
Monday, April 9, 2007
2007 Basketball Outlook: Small Forwards
Tony Danridge - The team MVP from last season. Danridge really step up his consistency last year and was the most reliable player on the team.
Strengths - Second to no one when it comes to pure athleticism. Can jump out of the gym and one of the most fantastic finishers above the rim I've ever seen in a Lobo uniform. Also boasts a solid jumper that extends out to the three point line. Is a decent free throw shooter. On defense Tony is unheralded but he generally does a good job.
Weaknesses - Still far from a complete player. He still has nights where he disappears because his jumper isn't falling and his confidence plummets. Other than score, he doesn't do much in the way of passing or rebounding, which is embarrassing considering his leaping ability. He still needs to work on his ballhandling, which is adequate at best.
2007 Outlook - Tony has the talent and physical ability to be MWC Player of the Year, but he must shore up the rest of his game. He has improved every year, and I expect that to continue. Achievable Goals: 16 pts. 4 reb. 50% FG pct.
Roman Martinez - Of all the freshmen, Roman played the most and looked to be the most polished. He started a bunch of games early before giving way to Toppert.
Strengths - Is a very savvy player who is good for lots of hustle and a fair share of steals, blocks, assists and solid team defense. On offense understands when to shoot and when to pass. Weaknesses - Must work on his shot. One thing that prevented him from seeing extended minutes was his inconsistency hitting the three and the open jumper. Also struggles in man defense because he's bit of a tweener at 6-6. He's not quick enough to guard shooting guards but not strong enough to guard forwards.
2007 Outlook - Roman is a rising star and his progression is a key to the program. I could see him making a Toppert-like leap from his freshman to his sophomore season, which would be a big boost. Achievable Goals: 15 min. 5 pts. 2 reb. 2 ast. and lots of hustle
Strengths - Second to no one when it comes to pure athleticism. Can jump out of the gym and one of the most fantastic finishers above the rim I've ever seen in a Lobo uniform. Also boasts a solid jumper that extends out to the three point line. Is a decent free throw shooter. On defense Tony is unheralded but he generally does a good job.
Weaknesses - Still far from a complete player. He still has nights where he disappears because his jumper isn't falling and his confidence plummets. Other than score, he doesn't do much in the way of passing or rebounding, which is embarrassing considering his leaping ability. He still needs to work on his ballhandling, which is adequate at best.
2007 Outlook - Tony has the talent and physical ability to be MWC Player of the Year, but he must shore up the rest of his game. He has improved every year, and I expect that to continue. Achievable Goals: 16 pts. 4 reb. 50% FG pct.
Roman Martinez - Of all the freshmen, Roman played the most and looked to be the most polished. He started a bunch of games early before giving way to Toppert.
Strengths - Is a very savvy player who is good for lots of hustle and a fair share of steals, blocks, assists and solid team defense. On offense understands when to shoot and when to pass. Weaknesses - Must work on his shot. One thing that prevented him from seeing extended minutes was his inconsistency hitting the three and the open jumper. Also struggles in man defense because he's bit of a tweener at 6-6. He's not quick enough to guard shooting guards but not strong enough to guard forwards.
2007 Outlook - Roman is a rising star and his progression is a key to the program. I could see him making a Toppert-like leap from his freshman to his sophomore season, which would be a big boost. Achievable Goals: 15 min. 5 pts. 2 reb. 2 ast. and lots of hustle
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Preseason Outlook: Shooting Guards
JR Giddens - This guy is another reason why last year went so horribly wrong. He was hyped as a lottery pick and the most talented Lobo ever, but it all kind of blew up in his face.
Strengths - JR is kind of a guard/forward combination who at 6-5 is strong enough to overpower smaller guards and quick enough to get around bigger players. He's best when he's posting up smaller guards and finishing around the basket. He has very deep range from three. Has a knack for reading passing lanes to pick up steals for breakaway jams. Is a spectacular finisher at the basket. For 6-5 he is an above-average rebounder. In games where his midrange shots are falling, he can be an unstoppable offensive force. Loads of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - There are still huge character issues with this guy that led to a bunch of suspensions last year. He can appear very arrogant at times and can rub teammates and fans the wrong way Simply must improve the defensive intensity, as he's beaten one on one off the dribble way too much for a guy with his athletic ability. A very average FT shooter. While he can shoot it from anywhere on the floor, he is still an extremely streaky shooter because he too often looks for the spectacular fadeaway shot instead of one when he's open with his feet set. Has worked on involving his teammates more, but is still something of a ballhog. Isn't a very good ballhandler which leads to way too many turnovers. Also may be facing eligibility issues in regards to grades.
2007 Outlook - There is a lot of talent and athleticism in this guy, it'll take a supreme effort on everyone's part for him to realize it. If he simply learned to play within himself and not try to do so much JR could be a really good player. Hopefully a new regime change will be for the best for JR. Achievable Goals: 15 pts. 8 rebs. 35% from three. 70% from the FT line.
Chad Toppert - The biggest bright spot on last year's dismal season. He improved in a big way over his freshman year. He is now arguably the second best scoring threat on the team.
Strengths - Toppert has proven to be a top three point shooting threat, shooting upwards of 46%. At 6-6 is tall enough so that his shot is rarely blocked. In addition to that he's a solid all around player who plays smart team defense. Is a good FT shooter. He has the ability to get hot and hit several threes in a short span. His shooting almost singlehandedly kept UNM in games last year.
Weaknesses - His production tailed off a bit late in the year. He was shooting nearly 50% from three before he really went cold. Can hit key shots but still isn't on the level where he can be called clutch. He can improve his rebounding and his ballhandling to become a much more complete player. Can drive the lane but almost never finishes because he's simply not strong enough yet.
2007 Outlook - Has the potential to be All-MWC next season if he shores up the rest of his game. Could really become something special in his junior and senior years. Achievable goals: 12 pts. 4 rebs. 48% from three. 85% from the FT line.
Strengths - JR is kind of a guard/forward combination who at 6-5 is strong enough to overpower smaller guards and quick enough to get around bigger players. He's best when he's posting up smaller guards and finishing around the basket. He has very deep range from three. Has a knack for reading passing lanes to pick up steals for breakaway jams. Is a spectacular finisher at the basket. For 6-5 he is an above-average rebounder. In games where his midrange shots are falling, he can be an unstoppable offensive force. Loads of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - There are still huge character issues with this guy that led to a bunch of suspensions last year. He can appear very arrogant at times and can rub teammates and fans the wrong way Simply must improve the defensive intensity, as he's beaten one on one off the dribble way too much for a guy with his athletic ability. A very average FT shooter. While he can shoot it from anywhere on the floor, he is still an extremely streaky shooter because he too often looks for the spectacular fadeaway shot instead of one when he's open with his feet set. Has worked on involving his teammates more, but is still something of a ballhog. Isn't a very good ballhandler which leads to way too many turnovers. Also may be facing eligibility issues in regards to grades.
2007 Outlook - There is a lot of talent and athleticism in this guy, it'll take a supreme effort on everyone's part for him to realize it. If he simply learned to play within himself and not try to do so much JR could be a really good player. Hopefully a new regime change will be for the best for JR. Achievable Goals: 15 pts. 8 rebs. 35% from three. 70% from the FT line.
Chad Toppert - The biggest bright spot on last year's dismal season. He improved in a big way over his freshman year. He is now arguably the second best scoring threat on the team.
Strengths - Toppert has proven to be a top three point shooting threat, shooting upwards of 46%. At 6-6 is tall enough so that his shot is rarely blocked. In addition to that he's a solid all around player who plays smart team defense. Is a good FT shooter. He has the ability to get hot and hit several threes in a short span. His shooting almost singlehandedly kept UNM in games last year.
Weaknesses - His production tailed off a bit late in the year. He was shooting nearly 50% from three before he really went cold. Can hit key shots but still isn't on the level where he can be called clutch. He can improve his rebounding and his ballhandling to become a much more complete player. Can drive the lane but almost never finishes because he's simply not strong enough yet.
2007 Outlook - Has the potential to be All-MWC next season if he shores up the rest of his game. Could really become something special in his junior and senior years. Achievable goals: 12 pts. 4 rebs. 48% from three. 85% from the FT line.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Preseason Outlook: Point Guards
Darren Prentice - A senior next year, Prentice was one of a few bright spots on the team last year. Prentice spent almost all of his first two years at New Mexico riding the bench but he really emerged in his junior year as a really solid point guard and was the best player on the court for the Lobos in certain stretches of last season.
Strengths - He plays really solid man defense, and he basically shut down super quick Brandon Ewing in the Pit against Wyoming. On offense has a lot of quickness and uses it to get to the basket or to dish to a teammate. One of the more prolific three point shooters on the team and shoots a decent percentage.
Weaknesses - Still gets lost at times in a zone, leading to wide open shots. This should be less of a concern next season because Coach Alford will play much more man-to-man than McKay did. Can get a little too fancy when driving and is indecisive as to whether he should lay it up or pass it, leading to turnovers. Isn't a great finisher when he gets to the basket because of his small size, leading to some blocks. His three point percentage must go up, as he was a bit streaky as a junior. Average free throw shooter.
2007 Outlook - Has improved dramatically over his first two years, and I expect similar improvements in his senior year. He should start from day one and be one of the team's top scorers and the top assist man. Achievable Goals: 12 pts. 4 assts. 40% from three. 75% from the FT line.
Jamaal Smith - Really more of an undersized shooting guard than a point guard, Smith's junior season can only be described as disappointing. He was touted as the starter at PG and McKay even proclaimed him one of the best guards in the league. Needless to say, he didn't live up to the billing.
Strengths - He plays with a lot of passion with a chip on his shoulder. He has a lot of quickness and when he's playing well he can score from anywhere on the court. As a junior, his biggest weapon was his free throw shooting as he shoots over 80%. He has a lot of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - Is a big liability on defense as he's too small and weak and often leaves his feet and picks up dumb fouls. He's really an undersized shooting guard because he's a scorer and not really a distributor. Was billed as a sharpshooting three point shooter but struggled to get to 30% for the year. He is quick but doesn't use it effectively on offense or defense.
2007 Outlook - I think Jamaal's best served to be a scoring sparkplug off the bench. Just isn't big or good enough to start and put up big minutes. Achievable Goals: 8 pts. 1.5 assts. 35% from three. 85% from the FT line.
David Kanyinda - Played extremely sparingly his freshman year but when he finally made it into a few games late in the year he played really very well.
Strengths - Has good size and adequate quickness for a point guard. He's a good three point shooter and has a very pure stroke especially at the FT line. Also was crafty when driving to the basket and has the athleticism to finish strong.
Weaknesses - Doesn't have much experience, as he only played in a few games last year. Also may be more of a combo guard than a true point.
2007 Outlook - With more work he could make his way into the rotation and possibly move ahead of Smith on the depth chart. Achievable Goals: 10 min. 5 pts. 35% from three 85% from the FT line.
Strengths - He plays really solid man defense, and he basically shut down super quick Brandon Ewing in the Pit against Wyoming. On offense has a lot of quickness and uses it to get to the basket or to dish to a teammate. One of the more prolific three point shooters on the team and shoots a decent percentage.
Weaknesses - Still gets lost at times in a zone, leading to wide open shots. This should be less of a concern next season because Coach Alford will play much more man-to-man than McKay did. Can get a little too fancy when driving and is indecisive as to whether he should lay it up or pass it, leading to turnovers. Isn't a great finisher when he gets to the basket because of his small size, leading to some blocks. His three point percentage must go up, as he was a bit streaky as a junior. Average free throw shooter.
2007 Outlook - Has improved dramatically over his first two years, and I expect similar improvements in his senior year. He should start from day one and be one of the team's top scorers and the top assist man. Achievable Goals: 12 pts. 4 assts. 40% from three. 75% from the FT line.
Jamaal Smith - Really more of an undersized shooting guard than a point guard, Smith's junior season can only be described as disappointing. He was touted as the starter at PG and McKay even proclaimed him one of the best guards in the league. Needless to say, he didn't live up to the billing.
Strengths - He plays with a lot of passion with a chip on his shoulder. He has a lot of quickness and when he's playing well he can score from anywhere on the court. As a junior, his biggest weapon was his free throw shooting as he shoots over 80%. He has a lot of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - Is a big liability on defense as he's too small and weak and often leaves his feet and picks up dumb fouls. He's really an undersized shooting guard because he's a scorer and not really a distributor. Was billed as a sharpshooting three point shooter but struggled to get to 30% for the year. He is quick but doesn't use it effectively on offense or defense.
2007 Outlook - I think Jamaal's best served to be a scoring sparkplug off the bench. Just isn't big or good enough to start and put up big minutes. Achievable Goals: 8 pts. 1.5 assts. 35% from three. 85% from the FT line.
David Kanyinda - Played extremely sparingly his freshman year but when he finally made it into a few games late in the year he played really very well.
Strengths - Has good size and adequate quickness for a point guard. He's a good three point shooter and has a very pure stroke especially at the FT line. Also was crafty when driving to the basket and has the athleticism to finish strong.
Weaknesses - Doesn't have much experience, as he only played in a few games last year. Also may be more of a combo guard than a true point.
2007 Outlook - With more work he could make his way into the rotation and possibly move ahead of Smith on the depth chart. Achievable Goals: 10 min. 5 pts. 35% from three 85% from the FT line.
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