Last week, New Mexico did what was expected and held serve at home against the NMSU Aggies, 76-62, in front of 17,000 (mostly) rabid Lobo fans. Now, they venture into a building in which they haven't won since 2004 and the Aggies have not lost in all season.
It remains to be seen how good of a team New Mexico truly is this season. They have put together tremendous efforts like their blowout of Mississippi but seem to struggle with consistency. They've lost to a few teams that they shouldn't have, but at the same time they haven't been outclassed by anyone either.
The general consensus of the "experts" who have seen both the Lobos and the Aggies play is that the Aggies are much more athletic than the Lobos but are probably just a little too young to be a consistent winner. The Lobos apparently have the edge when it comes to physical play, hustle, and more consistent defense.
While I'm not ready to concede that NMSU has better athletes across the board, I'll take physical defense and rebounding over pure athleticism every time. When your shots aren't falling you need a player like Roman Martinez who at 6-6 195 isn't the biggest, strongest, or most athletic but always seems to be there for the putback or the hustle play diving for loose balls. Dairese Gary and Daniel Faris can also be classified as "hustle players."
The Aggies have some great players. Jahmar Young is as pure of a shooter as I've seen in a while, and he and Gibson form a great backcourt tandem. But the Aggies lack something other than experience: Toughness. That's something the Lobos have in spades. Will it be enough in Las Cruces? Only time will tell.
MY PREDICTION
UNM 69
NMSU 66
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Future Lobo Matt Staff
With the verbal commitment of Matt Staff, it looks like the Lobos' 2009 recruiting class is set in stone with Chad Adams and Jamaal Fenton also already committed.
The following link will take you to a highlight reel of Matt Staff. It's a pretty extensive reel, and it gives you an idea of what he does well. Obviously, he can hit the three ball. He got open multiple times by running backdoor cuts and he finished strong several times in traffic. He even showed some ability to drive the ball in, pull up, and score. One thing he did not do, however, was post up with his back to the basket. His game appears to be similar to Chad Toppert but with a little bit more ability to create and he's also a bit bigger than Chad.
http://www.collegeballorbust.com/clients/2115/highlights
The following link will take you to a highlight reel of Matt Staff. It's a pretty extensive reel, and it gives you an idea of what he does well. Obviously, he can hit the three ball. He got open multiple times by running backdoor cuts and he finished strong several times in traffic. He even showed some ability to drive the ball in, pull up, and score. One thing he did not do, however, was post up with his back to the basket. His game appears to be similar to Chad Toppert but with a little bit more ability to create and he's also a bit bigger than Chad.
http://www.collegeballorbust.com/clients/2115/highlights
Monday, May 12, 2008
Breaking News: 2009 Commitment
As reported by the Albuquerque Journal, Houston forward Matt Staff has verbally committed to play for the Lobos!
More info forthcoming!
More info forthcoming!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Too-Early Basketball Outlook: What We Know
I know it's only May, but it's as good of a time as any to take a look at next year's team.
We can count on this production from these players based on their previous years' performance and as seniors they're unlikely to make a HUGE jump in productivity. These three guys will likely be our Big Three in terms of scoring and leadership and if we're going to have a good season all three of these guys will have to have good seasons.
1. Chad Toppert will shoot 45% from three and average 10-12 points and 4 rebounds per game. Chad made small improvements across the board from his sophomore to junior season (9.5 pts to 10.3, 2.6 reb to 3.2, .7 ast to 1.5, 46% 3P% to 48%) so I'd expect similar small improvements. What Chad needs to work on the most is his consistency and concentration at the free throw line.
2. Daniel Faris will shoot 50% from the field and average 10-12 points and 4-6 rebounds per game. Daniel will be the only proven scorer in the block for us, and until the new guys get adjusted I'd expect him to play a ton of minutes.
3. Tony Danridge will shoot 50% from the field and average 12-15 points per game. Tony's output is the most difficult to predict because he's coming off an injury year, but from all accounts he has been injury-free since at least January and it's been reported that he's looked like the same player, if not better.
What we know
We can count on this production from these players based on their previous years' performance and as seniors they're unlikely to make a HUGE jump in productivity. These three guys will likely be our Big Three in terms of scoring and leadership and if we're going to have a good season all three of these guys will have to have good seasons.
1. Chad Toppert will shoot 45% from three and average 10-12 points and 4 rebounds per game. Chad made small improvements across the board from his sophomore to junior season (9.5 pts to 10.3, 2.6 reb to 3.2, .7 ast to 1.5, 46% 3P% to 48%) so I'd expect similar small improvements. What Chad needs to work on the most is his consistency and concentration at the free throw line.
2. Daniel Faris will shoot 50% from the field and average 10-12 points and 4-6 rebounds per game. Daniel will be the only proven scorer in the block for us, and until the new guys get adjusted I'd expect him to play a ton of minutes.
3. Tony Danridge will shoot 50% from the field and average 12-15 points per game. Tony's output is the most difficult to predict because he's coming off an injury year, but from all accounts he has been injury-free since at least January and it's been reported that he's looked like the same player, if not better.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
APR Issues
The APR scores have been released by the NCAA, meaning it's time to lay down the law! The UNM Athletics programs scored under 925, meaning trouble may be on the horizon.
The Lobo Basketball team was penalized a scholarship for an APR average of 894. However, Coach Alford elected to take the hit last year when he didn't sign another player to replace academically ineligible Darrington Hobson.
The Lobo Football team and Lobo Baseball teams were both under the mandated score of 925 but won't receive penalties because they've shown significant progress over the past few years.
Down south, it's a different story. The NMSU Basketball team scored an 835 (!) average and has been penalized a scholarship and four hours of practice a week. The Aggies' football, baseball, track, and tennis teams all were under 925 as well, giving them a grand total of six programs in academic trouble.
What does it all mean? The Lobo Basketball program needs to get over 925 in a hurry. They scored an 878 last year because of so many transfers. A good first step is to keep everyone currently on the team in good academic standing. A good second step is to get seniors Jamaal Smith, JR Giddens, and Darren Prentice to graduate, and soon.
The Aggies, on the other hand, could already be facing even bigger trouble. This offseason they've already had three transfers, and if they don't show progress fast they could face a ban on postseason play.
Ouch indeed.
The Lobo Basketball team was penalized a scholarship for an APR average of 894. However, Coach Alford elected to take the hit last year when he didn't sign another player to replace academically ineligible Darrington Hobson.
The Lobo Football team and Lobo Baseball teams were both under the mandated score of 925 but won't receive penalties because they've shown significant progress over the past few years.
Down south, it's a different story. The NMSU Basketball team scored an 835 (!) average and has been penalized a scholarship and four hours of practice a week. The Aggies' football, baseball, track, and tennis teams all were under 925 as well, giving them a grand total of six programs in academic trouble.
What does it all mean? The Lobo Basketball program needs to get over 925 in a hurry. They scored an 878 last year because of so many transfers. A good first step is to keep everyone currently on the team in good academic standing. A good second step is to get seniors Jamaal Smith, JR Giddens, and Darren Prentice to graduate, and soon.
The Aggies, on the other hand, could already be facing even bigger trouble. This offseason they've already had three transfers, and if they don't show progress fast they could face a ban on postseason play.
Ouch indeed.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Recruit on Campus
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that senior-to-be power forward Matt Staff (6-8, 200) is on campus for an unofficial recruiting visit. Staff is a prospect who's flying a little under the radar -- he's only a one-star on Scout and a no-star on Rivals -- but he has some big names coming after him, including Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Marquette, and Baylor.
Staff has been described as a face-up player who can shoot and guard the 3 or the 4 collegiately. He's admittedly not the greatest athlete, but he's supposedly a good setup and intangibles guy.
With Daniel Faris, Monquel Pegues, and Johnnie Harris all graduating at the end of 2009 adding a big man or two will definitely be a priority. Staff would be a good guy to lock down early because the big names will probably start offering later this summer.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Neal Staying Put
Coach Neal (far left) said no to Scott Skiles
Associate Head Coach Craig Neal informed the Albuquerque Journal that he is not accepting an assistant coaching job under Scott Skiles with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lobo Nation, take a deep breath. The sky is not falling.
As I posted earlier, Coach Neal is a HUGE cog in the coaching staff. I think we need to understand that it's very flattering that our coaches are being sought after, as it's a testament to how good of a job they've done. If we were losing I don't think anyone would be calling.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Odds and Ends
As reported by the Albuquerque Journal this morning, two former Lobos have signed undrafted free agent contracts:
Travis Brown signed on to play with the Seattle Seahawks.
Personally, I was surprised that Travis didn't get drafted. He put up great numbers the past two years and obviously has improved greatly every year. The knock on him was that he was a bit slow and he has ball control issues. Travis is, however, a great route runner and is a good blocker. I think he makes the team and contributes at least on special teams.
Offensive tackle Devin Clark signed with the Washington Redskins.
As reported this morning by the Albuquerque Journal, a few Lobo football players have signed undrafted free agent contracts.
Devin is a bodybuilder and was the strongest lineman for the Lobos the past two years. He is a punishing run blocker who solidified the offensive line when he was inserted into the starting lineup in the second game of 2006. I think Devin also has a good chance to make a roster because he's a big and strong prospect.
Travis Brown signed on to play with the Seattle Seahawks.
Personally, I was surprised that Travis didn't get drafted. He put up great numbers the past two years and obviously has improved greatly every year. The knock on him was that he was a bit slow and he has ball control issues. Travis is, however, a great route runner and is a good blocker. I think he makes the team and contributes at least on special teams.
Offensive tackle Devin Clark signed with the Washington Redskins.
As reported this morning by the Albuquerque Journal, a few Lobo football players have signed undrafted free agent contracts.
Devin is a bodybuilder and was the strongest lineman for the Lobos the past two years. He is a punishing run blocker who solidified the offensive line when he was inserted into the starting lineup in the second game of 2006. I think Devin also has a good chance to make a roster because he's a big and strong prospect.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Where We Stand
Lobo Country is still reeling a bit from the loss of Mike Roberts, but we've got to move on. The Cherry Silver game took place over the weekend, with the Cherry team defeating the Silver team, 35-7, in Santa Fe. What does this mean for the upcoming football season? Probably not much, but the bright spots were Bryant Williams and Jermaine McQueen, who put up good numbers at the wide receiver position. UNM desperately needs some receivers to step up to replace Marcus Smith and Travis Brown.
Speaking of which, congratulations to Marcus Smith, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft!
Speaking of which, congratulations to Marcus Smith, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Blown Away
Today was a huge day in Lobo sports. Unfortunately, it was for all the wrong reasons.
First, the bad news. Assistant Coach Ryan Miller is being considered for a coaching job with John Calipari at Memphis. This is where Miller got his first job as the Director of Player Personnel, so it's easy to see why he would be interested in getting back there.
Second, the worse news. Associate Head Coach Craig Neal is considering an assistant coaching job with the Milwaukee Bucks under new head coach Scott Skiles. It's well known how important Neal is to the coaching staff; he isn't Associate Head Coach because he's a schlub, after all. Alford and Neal have a great working relationship and Neal is responsible for calling the offensive plays. This would be a monumental loss, made worse if Coach Miller leaves as well.
Finally, the horrific, nauseating, despicable news. Today UNM unceremoniously fired Mike Roberts, the voice of the Lobos for 41 years. All I can say is wow. Where's the loyalty, Krebs??? Mike, God bless you. You will be missed.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I'm Back
So I haven't posted a new article since the Lobos lost to the Aggies. Suffice it to say that a lot has happened between then and now. The Lobos went 24-9 and lost in the first round of the NIT to the Cal Bears.
Where are we now? In the coming days I'll be doing a 2008 Men's Basketball Outlook to see what we have coming back, who we have coming in, and what we may still need to address.
Let's also not forget the Lobo Football team coming off their best win total since 1997 and their first bowl victory since the 1960's. The Lobos have a lot of holes to fill at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker going into Spring Camp. I'm pretty sure we won't get very many answers until the start of the season, but we can look at who's doing well and who isn't thus far.
Where are we now? In the coming days I'll be doing a 2008 Men's Basketball Outlook to see what we have coming back, who we have coming in, and what we may still need to address.
Let's also not forget the Lobo Football team coming off their best win total since 1997 and their first bowl victory since the 1960's. The Lobos have a lot of holes to fill at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker going into Spring Camp. I'm pretty sure we won't get very many answers until the start of the season, but we can look at who's doing well and who isn't thus far.
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