More Recruiting...

Man, life has been quite a blur on the Lobo recruiting front. This can only be described as a very successful Lobo offseason with the way recruiting has gone. The Coach Alford era was looking a bit shaky at first when all three of McKay's recruits decommitted before Alford really had a chance to talk to them. Reggie Huffman, a 6-7 forward left for UAB, Ty Abbott decided to stay home and play for ASU, and Mickey McConnell went to St. Mary's.

In addition to that, PG Ryan Kersten, G/F Jeff Henfield, and C Derek Oestreicher all transfered. Talk about ouch.

Enter the recruiting efforts of Alford, Neal, and Co. First, a three-star recruit from Indiana named Dairese Gary who committed to Alford at Iowa and followed him here. Gary is likely not to see much time as a freshman but he'll probably be asked to step in and play a lot in years to come. He's billed as a strong guard in the mold of other Big-10 guards.

Next came Johnnie Harris, a 6-8 power forward who started for a very talented Junior College. He wasn't exactly a stat stuffer; he averaged something like 7 points and 4 rebounds, but Harris is going to be counted on mostly as a rugged defender and rebounder. Any scoring would be gravy.

The star (so far) of the class is Darrington Hobson, a 6-7 G/F who wants to be a point guard but will likely be a point forward at the three. Hobson is a four-star recruit and a great talent. He might not start, but I'd expect him to play major minutes right away.

Finally, Monquel Pegues, a 6-10 center. This guy is a scoring machine who averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds. He's still a bit of a defensive project and gets into foul trouble, but he can score. This much we know.

Finally, two recruits are on the horizon. 7-0 Beas Hamga, one of the top HS centers in his class. We're fighting UNLV, Kentucky, and Indiana for this guy. He's a longshot, but if we land him, this could be the best recruiting class ever for UNM. Another guy who is visiting is 6-5 swingman Johnathan Wills. Wills is coming because there is word that someone may not be eligible in the fall, and this is an insurance pickup. I don't know much about him other than that he is considered a high major prospect if he can get a more consistent jump shot. Wills wants to be a Lobo; his other offer is from Portland State.

Needless to say, there's a lot to be excited about.