former lobo basketball players

After the 197172 season, assistant coach Norm Ellenberger was elevated to head coach, and King served as Assistant Athletics Director the next season. There were a multitude of reasons for this. BYU coach Steve Cleveland looks on from the sideline of the BYU-Utah game at the Marriott Center in Provo. [99] Robbins finished his career with the Lobo record for best career free throw percentage, third best three-point shooting percentage, and second most minutes played, having started all 133 games of his career. Williams hit a school-record 10 threes and scored 46 points at Colorado State, both MWC records. In December 2014, Albuquerque-based restaurant chain WisePies Pizza & Salad purchased the naming rights for the arena, whose official name became "WisePies Arena (aka The Pit)". Ellenberger was well-respected as a teacher of defense,[34][39] and he was a frequent participant in basketball coaching camps and workshops, where he became friends with UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian. The following season, 196364, the Lobos won their first WAC championship, led by Ira Harge, who King had recruited from a junior college in Iowa. SF-Mike Winters. [159] Senior Tony Danridge led the unit with 15 points a game, though they again relied on balance and teamwork. The current roster is comprised primarily of UNM alumni including: Jamaal Smith (2006-08) J.R. Giddens (2006-08) Phillip McDonald (2008-12) Darington Hobson (2009-10) His former players included future National Basketball . Coach Pitino hopes his players were able to learn something from the Lobos. [91], Bliss inherited a strong nucleus of senior Charlie Thomas, junior Darrell McGee, and sophomores Luc Longley and Rob Robbins. As a part of Team USA during the 1996 Summer Olympics, Lobo won gold on one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled. Howard led a young team, scoring 19.7 per game, with sophomores Willie Long and Petie Gibson beginning their runs as three-year starters. [23], The 199697 Lobos returned all their principal players, while adding freshman Lamont Long, who would become a starter by mid-season. The Lobos next faced two-seed Georgetown and took a slim lead into the second half. [42] Bill Hagins replaced Minniefield, and the team was again dominant inside. [218] During the 1980s, a popular chant among Lobo fans was "Everyone's a Lobo, Woof Woof Woof! Gethro Muscadin, the former University of New Mexico Lobo basketball player who had been hospitalized since being in a single-vehicle crash 10 months ago in Kansas, died Monday night. [35][87], Dave Bliss recorded the most wins as head coach in Lobo history, compiling a 246108 (.695) record, with seven NCAA tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT. [70][71] The Lobos opened the season with two losses before beating USC and Washington and winning at #7 UCLA. Leading players like Belin lost eligibility and were dropped from the team. They lost in the first round to #14 Oklahoma State to finish 2010. [231], New Mexico has a history of disappointing performances in the NCAA tournament, suffering noteworthy upsets in 1968, 1978, 1993, 2010, 2013, and 2014. Thomas was held to his worst game as a Lobo, scoring just one point. [16] They were again invited to the NIT, where they lost to St. John's to finish 198. [86], Colson was forced to resign after the season ended, a move that remains somewhat controversial. [151] The 200607 team featured talented Kansas transfer J. R. Giddens, who led the team with 16 points a game, but discipline problems limited his playing time. The Lobos got to 21-9 Tuesday by defeating. Petie Gibson. [29][53] The Lobos finished the season 244 and ranked #12, and Ellenberger was voted runner-up for the US Basketball Writers Coach of the Year award. The Lobos were ranked #11 and received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, their best seed ever. Players of men's basketball at the University of New Mexico. [212][219], At the start of each half during Lobo games at The Pit, fans continue to stand and clap their hands until both teams score a basket, adding pressure on teams that struggle to score for long stretches. [215], On September 18, 2020, it was announced that the naming rights deal with Dreamstyle Remodeling was ending after only three years. Early New Mexico basketball teams played in what became known as the Old Wooden Gym, where the walls were the out-of-bounds markers. Snell paced the offense down the stretch, averaging 18 points a game and leading the Lobos to the MWC tournament championship. [104], The 199293 Lobos had an experienced core with Williams, Logan, and Jaxon returning as seniors. Several players left the team, some claiming abuse by Fraschilla. The teams met again in the conference tournament final, and the Lobos prevailed for their third straight MWC tournament championship. [181][182] Senior Cameron Bairstow had a breakout season, averaging 20 points and seven rebounds a game, achieving one of the best single-season improvements in school history. The 199091 Lobos were again led by Longley averaging 19.1 points and 9.2 rebounds a game, with Robbins adding 14 points a game. [23] He was selected as the ninth pick overall in the 1967 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals, but he chose to play in the fledgling American Basketball Association (ABA), becoming one of its greatest all-time players. [46] They rebounded to reach the final of the WAC tournament before losing at UNLV but still received a four-seed in the NCAA tournament. In addition, former Lobo men's basketball director of operations and current associate AD at UNM, Ryan Berryman, will serve as the team's assistant general manager. [217] Human mascots, dubbed "Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy", members of the cheerleading squad, roam The Pit during games rousing and entertaining fans. The 197980 roster appeared once again loaded with talent, and fan expectations were again high, but disaster struck the program in the early weeks of the season as the "Lobogate" scandal unfolded. The Lobos have appeared in 19 National Invitation Tournaments with a combined record of 1820. The 2013 Howl drew over 10,000 fans and featured the introduction of new coach Craig Neal, who entered the arena on his motorcycle. Forward Johnny Brown turned in an All-WAC performance, but the other inside players were young, and the loss of Greene left a hole in the backcourt. The Lobos have made 15 appearances in the NCAA tournament, compiling an overall record of 816.[232]. [119] Against five-seed Syracuse, however, the depleted Lobos shot under 26% and lost to finish the season 248. [22][170] Williams and fellow sophomore Tony Snell scored in double figures. Carlton Bragg Jr. was accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a DWI in January 2020. The Lobos, Aggies, and Miners played one another twice every season, home-and-away, and a fierce rivalry grew among them. Stats from Negro League teams from 1920 to 1948 are now counted in MLB records. [68] The callow Lobo squad led for much of the game, encouraged by a delirious crowd at The Pit. [220] The student section in The Pit, Section 26, is particularly noteworthy for the antics of its raucous fans, taunting and intimidating opposing players, often with personal remarks, and offering enticing visuals for television broadcasters: They chant, jump up and down in unison, shake newspapers and signs to make noise and create distractions, and some dress in costumes and body paint. Thomas tallied 1,931 points and 1,032 rebounds in his career, the first player in WAC history with over 1,800 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 200 blocked shots. Both had close friends and long-time teammates still on the Lobo roster. [37][64] He then became the lead assistant for Bobby Knight at Indiana for ten seasons, from 1990 to 2000,[34] and later coached in the NBA and WNBA. Cooper is among the best overall players ever produced by the Lobo program and was named an All-American in 1978. The University of New Mexico's 50 greatest Men's Lobo basketball players through 2020 1) Mel Daniels PF 65-67 2) Michael Cooper SG 77-78 3) Kenny Thomas PF 96-99 4) Danny Granger SF 04-05 5) Charles Smith SF 94-97 6) Luc Longley C 88-91 7) Ira Harge C 63-64 8) Marvin Johnson SF 77-78 9) Darington Hobson SF 2010 10) Royce Olney SG 96-99 The Lobos won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship in 1964 and 1968, making frequent appearances in national rankings. The 198687 season was the most successful for Colson as Lobo coach. King had an immediate impact on the program. Hobson led the team with 16 points, nine rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game, the only Lobo to ever lead in all three. The Lobos started out 8-6 in the non-conference, including a win against in-state rival New Mexico State where the game was delayed due to a power outage at Pan American Center. Attendance doubled, Johnson Gym was soon selling out, and plans for a larger arena began to be developed. Gordon became a dominating inside presence in 201112, averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds, registering 19 double-doubles, and setting the Lobo season record for rebounds. Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet. Five months later, and with the New Mexico still proving to be the only team all season capable of beating the Aztecs on their home court in Viejas Arena, No. [91] Smith led with 16 points and seven rebounds in his final game as a Lobo. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Rusty Mitchell, who coached men's gymnastics at The University of New Mexico from 1966-99, passed away over the weekend at the age of 80. [163] In the second round the hobbled Lobos could not keep up with athletic, fast-breaking Washington. The other team will have numerous other former Lobos and other players from around New Mexico. The Lobos rose to #8 in the polls and won the MWC title. The Lobos beat Syracuse in the first round before losing to Rutgers, finishing the season 198 and ranked #18 in the UPI. McAfee signed with Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the 2020-2021 season. The strong finish earned the Lobos an NIT bid, where they lost to Texas A&M, finishing the season 1910. [46] First-year Athletic Director Paul Krebs announced before the end of the season that McKay would not return for the following season. [21] The Lobos started 111, losing at Texas Tech but beating #11 Arizona and rising to #11 themselves. The Lobos compete in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in NCAA Division I, joining as a founding member in 1999. Long scored 1,840 points. [2][46] The Lobos finished in the top five nationally in attendance 16 times in their first 20 years at The Pit, reaching second five times, and they were in the top ten all but one season through 2002. Kirk led with 22 points and 12 rebounds, but the team shot poorly and trailed most of the game as the Crimson answered Lobo runs with timely three-pointers to seal the upset. "[17] Since his arrival at UNM, the Lobos have won over sixty percent of their games and earned over thirty berths to post-season tournaments, while suffering only five losing seasons. 197374 Western Athletic Conference season Summary, Johnson had established the school record at 46 points earlier in the season before his 50-point performance, which broke the WAC conference single-game record and earned him the. [58] In an investigation into illegal gambling, the FBI had placed a wiretap on the phone of a major Lobo booster. [205][206] Sports Illustrated listed The Pit among its Top 20 Sporting Venues of the 20th Century. Former WNBA basketball player and olympian Rebecca Lobo is seen analyzing the game between UConn and UCLA in a semifinal for the Albany Regional of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship at the Times Union Center on Friday, March 29, 2019 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren / Albany Times Union Show More Show Less 3 of 10 They lost to St. Louis in the semi-finals, then in overtime to Penn State in the consolation game to finish the season 2014. In 1931, Lobo athletic teams began competing in the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association, joining as a founding member along with other regional schools. [161] Martinez added 14 points and six rebounds a game, and Gary 13 points and four assists. [164] Martinez was honored as an Academic All-American and received the NCAA Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award for outstanding character, leadership, integrity, and talent.[165][166]. Smith led in scoring for the third straight season, averaging 17.5 a game, while Shields scored 15.5, and Thomas added 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Gary Colson rebuilt the Lobo program virtually from scratch after Lobogate, restoring its integrity and eventually its success on the court. They then lost three league road games and fell to third in a tight WAC race. Despite a disappointing WAC campaign, they received a bid to the NIT. [35], The "Lobogate" scandal involved forged academic transcripts, payments made for bogus Junior College credits, and other devices to attain eligibility for players who lacked academic credentials. [42] They also established still-standing records for steals in a season as a team, Greene for steals by a player in a season, and Scarborough for career steals. [222] Over the years it has evolved into a family-like atmosphere held during the evening, including player introductions, practice drills and scrimmages, three-point shooting and slam dunk contests, and other festivities. The Lobos were ranked #10 and received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, facing Harvard, but they again turned in a disappointing performance. From 1924 to 1934, his teams posted a 10438 (.732) record. Despite the scandal, Ellenberger managed to remain popular in Albuquerque, running a nightclub, appearing in TV commercials, and coaching the city's Continental Basketball Association team some fans even wanted him to be rehired as Lobo coach. Fraschilla had lost the team: nine players had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure. Media Guide 201314, pp.65,116. The 197374 Lobos began the season 120, launching them to a #8 ranking. Former players have joined forces and are in town for TBT, and they met up with this year's squad for a dinner. [163] The Lobos finished the season 296, their second-best record ever. In the 2018-2019 season, Weir was reliant on four transfers from both Division 1 programs or junior college transfers, as well as returning senior Anthony Mathis. [176] The Lobos lost on the road to ranked San Diego State and UNLV but beat both at home and won nine out of ten to clinch the league title. Virginia scored the last eight points of the game to take the lead, and the Lobos missed three shots at tying the game in the last 12 seconds, finishing the season at 238. The highlight of the season was a 75-66 win over No. [74] The Lobos heated up in the MWC tournament, reaching the final but losing on a missed shot at the end of the game. PF-Kenny Thomas. The 197677 team still holds the school record for most total rebounds and most blocked shots in a season. The Lobos led the conference in scoring defense and were 15th in the nation, allowing 63.2 points per game. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Former Lobo basketball player and now Australian Rules Football player, Hugh Greenwood started his first season with the Gold Coast Suns this past year, and with the . Williams also finished first in Lobo history in career free throws made and attempted, and second in career minutes played. Shields scored 1,837 points. The Lobos appeared in the NAIA Basketball tournament one time with a record of 01. [169] The Lobos went to the NIT and beat UTEP before losing at Alabama, finishing 2213. Topic starter. At 259 in a strong WAC, Lobo fans retained hope that New Mexico would gain an at-large berth to the tournament. [172] They dropped a pair of league games but then won seven straight, winning at #13 San Diego State and trouncing #11 UNLV to take the league lead and climb into the national rankings at #18. Will Webber. Media Guide 201314, pp.67,76,78,89. Because his best play is to dribble down the court and shoot it. The NIT appearance began a streak of eleven straight years of reaching post-season play. Media Guide 201314, p.91. Lobo basketball fans will remember Kendall Williams from any number of Lobo highlights throughout his college career. [163], The 201213 Lobo squad was dominated by juniors and sophomores, though all were veteran contributors, including three returning starters. This list may not reflect recent changes. They got into foul trouble and could not stop George Washington's strong inside game, falling in an upset and finishing the season 247. Lobo's championship streak with the national team in 1977 included a basketball crown in the Pesta Sukan league in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, as well as the Southeast Asian Games men's title in . The success of the program continued after King departed, winning WAC titles in 1974, 1978, and 1994, winning the conference tournament in 1993 and 1996, and regularly earning post-season tournament bids. [187] Williams finished his career as the fifth leading scorer in Lobo history, third in assists, and the MWC career assists leader. Mar. Smith is now second in career assists and third in career steals. The Lobos won the WAC championship, Nelson was named a Helms All-American,[23] and the Lobos earned their first NCAA tournament appearance. The Lobos notched wins over Santa Clara and Pepperdine before losing to eventual tournament runner-up St. Louis, finishing the season at 2211. [8] Johnson set about building collegiate-level athletics facilities, performing some of the hard labor with his own hands. Former University of Kansas and New Mexico Lobos basketball player Gethro Muscadin has died from injuries sustained in a one-car crash during the early-morning hours of Dec. 30, 2021.. [23] All five starters averaged in double figures, but the team had little depth and relied heavily on Granger. Alford applied a strict regimen and Giddens responded with a standout senior season, leading the team with 16 points and nine rebounds a game. [154] They struggled to win against first round opponent Montana, and Hobson injured his wrist and back. The team went on a 410 slide starting with a blowout loss at home to Utah, after which Parmer was dismissed, and culminating with forward Patrick Dennehy shoving teammates and walking off the court during a loss at Air Force. In 1920 a head coach would be hired, Roy W. Johnson. [46], The 199899 Lobos again started strong with a 121 record, reaching #11; they stood at 162 after beating #7 Arizona but then lost four of five, struggling on the road. [115] The young Lobo squad jumped out to a 100 start and a #25 ranking before losing a pair of league road games. Roberts noted the noise level in The Pit as a challenge for a broadcaster: "There were a lot of times when I knew I was calling the game because my lips were moving, but I couldn't hear a thing I said. [214], On May 3, 2017, UNM announced a $10 million naming rights agreement with Dreamstyle Remodeling, an Albuquerque-based construction business, covering both The Pit and the UNM football stadium. [84][85], In 198788 the Lobos were led by Charlie Thomas, a junior transfer from Wake Forest (17 points and 7.5 rebounds a game), and senior Greene (16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds). Media Guide 201314, pp.76,79. [12][17] In the 196566 season, Daniels averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds a game, and the Lobos raced out to an 111 record after beating #7BYU. The Lobos won the Border Conference in 1944 and 1945, and they appeared in the NAIA post-season tournament in 1947, losing to Hamline University in the first round. [227] Roberts was also inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame.[228]. Gordon had 21 points and 14 rebounds, but the team shot poorly from three-point range and could not overcome the deficit, finishing the season 287. The Lobos were 102 in games decided by six or fewer points. University of New Mexico Lobo legend Robin Cole persevered through a number of trials and tribulations, to achieve his ultimate goal. Senior Willie Banks, an Albuquerque High product, led the team along with junior guards Ike Williams and Steve Logan and center Khari Jaxon. [25] Don Haskins took over at UTEP in 1961 and led the Miners to a 12832 (.800) record in his first six seasons, including a 281 national championship season in 196566. [183] Williams averaged 16 points and five assists, and Kirk added 13 points and nine rebounds. Utah would go on to reach the Final Four and lose to Kentucky in the national championship game. [107] Brown averaged 19.3 points a game, scoring over 30 four times, often in pivotal games, with a season-best 42; junior Marlow White averaged 17, senior Notch Neves 13, and promising freshman Charles Smith added over ten a game. [188], On April 1, 2017, Neal was dismissed as head coach after compiling a record of 7652 (.594).[189]. Western Athletic Conference Season Summary. Only four scholarship players remained on the team, so a campus tryout filled out the roster with walk-ons. The last Lobo men's basketball game played in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020. . One former Lobo teammate from the 2017-18 season Troy Simons and another former Lobo who will be a teammate of Furstinger's this summer when the two are both playing for "The. [23] He averaged 16 points and five rebounds a game as a Lobo, also leading the team in assists and steals. [13] The team posted wins over Kansas and at Purdue and received a berth in the 1964 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Lobos were among the top 12 in the nation in scoring for Ellenberger's final three years, topping a hundred points 25 times and registering six of the school's top eight single-game scoring totals. [100], The 199192 Lobos featured a balanced offense, with all five starters averaging in double figures, but they lacked a go-to scorer. In his first season, Weir posted a 19-15 record and finished in 3rd place in the Mountain West. "[198] Many fans were disappointed and outraged when Roberts was dismissed by KKOB in 2008. The Lobos shot their best field goal percentage in a season, .542, placing them second in the nation, and McGee established the still-standing record for assists in a season. [198][199][200] A study of decibel levels at collegiate basketball arenas found that a game at The Pit registered as the loudest at 118 decibels,[201] comparable to a turbo-fan aircraft at takeoff power. [52][53] Further JC transfers Jimmy Allen and Will Smiley completed a strong Lobo front line. Longley was named All-WAC, averaging 18.4 points and 9.7 rebounds while setting Lobo records for blocks in a season and per game. Williams was named MWC Player of the Year, and Alford was named Coach of the Year.[23]. [94] Thomas finished his career with over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, one of two Lobos to accomplish that in just two seasons.[95]. [30], The 197677 team featured JC arrivals Michael Cooper, Marvin Johnson, and Willie Howard, the nucleus for a successful and exciting two-year run. [87] Former UNM AD John Bridgers believed Colson had never received the full support of the Lobo community. He remains the Lobo career leader in blocks and blocks per game; second in career field goals made; and the only Lobo to record a triple-double, doing so twice. The Lobos struggled to a 97 start before pulling together in league play, going 124 after winning their final five games to gain a share of the MWC title. The Pittsburgh Steelers . The Lobos compiled a 2214 record in WAC conference tournaments, reaching the final six times and winning the championship twice. The team had relied heavily on its starters and was worn down with fatigue and injuries. He was named the first ABA Rookie of the Year in 1968, ABA Most Valuable Player in 1969 and 1971, and he led the Indiana Pacers to three ABA championships.[24]. Olney added 15 a game while shooting a Lobo record .513 from three-point range, as the team set the Lobo record for threes in a season. They went to the NIT and beat Bliss-led Baylor and Pepperdine in The Pit before losing at Memphis to finish 2113. Craig Neal was associate head coach under Alford for three seasons at Iowa and six seasons at UNM before taking the Lobo helm. 1Perfection really is the enemy of the good. [41] In late February the Lobos were 213, ranked #15, and leading the WAC, before losing their last two games and finishing second in conference. The Lobos built a 15-point lead early in the second half, but their shooting touch again disappeared, missing their last ten three-pointers. The team began 92 with an upset over #8 Wichita State but wilted in league play, going 412 and finishing 1517. [179][180] Neal played for Bobby Cremins at Georgia Tech, earning All-ACC honors as he set the conference record for assists in a season. [26] New Mexico State hired Lou Henson as head coach in 1966, and like the Lobos under King, in his second season the Aggies began achieving national rankings and post-season tournament appearances. [19][40] The team was led by the strong inside scoring and rebounding of Darryl Minniefield, Bernard Hardin, and Mark Saiers. Lobo's senior year saw her secure the Wade trophy, Naismith Award, and several Player of the Year honors all while leading the Huskies to an undefeated season and the 1995 NCAA national championship. Media Guide 201314, p.79. [10], University Arena opened as the home venue of the Lobos on December1, 1966. [226] In 1999, Roberts was inducted into the University of New Mexico Athletic Hall of Honor by the Alumni Lettermen's Association and received the Distinguished Service Award. That may be the way to rationalize what a lot of Lobo men's basketball fans are feeling now. Media Guide 201314, p.91. The Lobos lost three tough road games but beat #4 Utah in The Pit, pushing them to a #9 ranking they went 180 at home for the season. March 1, 2003. Daniels averaged over 17 points and 11 rebounds a game, providing the fast-growing Lobo fan base a preview of things to come. Whether he's scoring 46 against Colorado State or facing New Mexico State at The Pit, Williams never disappointed Lobo Nation with his exciting style of play. The tournament upset and departures were disheartening blows for Lobo fans. One team in the game will be named Team J.B. White in. [154] Alford had led the program back to national prominence, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement. The scheme also employed a full-court pressing, trapping defense to generate points off of turnovers. Student-athletes from both men's and women's squads participate and sign autographs for fans, and the event is used to attract recruits invited to attend. [148] After losing at Oral Roberts, they beat #20 Texas Tech and a Dayton squad that would go on to win the NIT. [116] They later lost at #5 Arizona but beat undefeated, #3 Utah as Olney hit two three-pointers in the final moments, including the game winner at the buzzer. They finished the season with an 6-16 record. Under Norm Ellenberger, the Lobos won WAC championships in 1974 and 1978 and compiled an overall record of 13462 (.684). The Lobo players and fan base rallied around long-time associate head coach Craig Neal, hoping to maintain continuity, and he was hired to replace Alford. The Lobos forced a turnover, down 6463, but their set play broke down and Gibson missed an unbalanced, driving shot, ending the Lobo season at 258. [186] Bairstow was named second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated. [97] In the NIT, the Lobos knocked off Oregon, Oklahoma State, and Hawaii to make the Final Four in New York. 197374 New Mexico Lobos Roster and Stats. SHARE Why this former BYU coach is dumbfounded by Cougars' lack of success in league tourney. Facing #22 Villanova, the Lobos shot 18% in the first half, scoring just eleven points and trailing by as much as 24. [6] Johnson arrived in 1920 after a successful athletic career at the University of Michigan. [231], The Lobos have compiled a 1611 record in MWC tournaments, reaching the final six times and winning the championship four times. The Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899, but began its first competitive teams in 1903 and 1906, respectively. [133] The team finished 1614 after another blowout loss at Minnesota in the NIT. [185] The Lobos finished the season 277, Neal tallying the most wins ever for a first-year Lobo coach. They then lost five of six to finish in a tie for third. Lobo said she was surprised . The judge deferred sentence for a year, noting that it was unfair for Ellenberger alone to bear culpability, and all counts were formally dismissed in 1983.[36][60]. The Lobos averaged 63.7 ppg, their lowest output since 195859, while holding opponents to 59.2 ppg, the lowest since Bob King's early years. King suffered a heart attack and brain aneurysm shortly before Bird's senior season, however, and his assistant, Bill Hodges, led the team to the 1979 Final Four, where they lost to Michigan State in the championship game. Sophomore Smith led the team, scoring 16 points a game, while three freshmen Clayton Shields, David Gibson, and Royce Olney played extensively. They have been regularly ranked from the 200910 through the 201314 seasons. [89] Knight acknowledged that he had seriously considered the offer but eventually declined, stating that he did not have the energy that would be required. The Lobos beat both in The Pit in the final week, however, then upset BYU on the way to winning their first WAC tournament championship, and securing a trip to the NCAA tournament. 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To St. John 's to finish 2010 season 1910 the 2020-2021 season only four scholarship players remained the! 1980S, a popular chant among Lobo fans retained hope that New would. 183 ] Williams and fellow sophomore Tony snell scored in double figures first round opponent Montana, and Gary points! For much of the 20th Century Rutgers, finishing the season ended, a move that somewhat... Five of six to finish 2010 the NAIA basketball tournament one time with combined... Phone of a major Lobo booster Santa Clara and Pepperdine in the second half times... ] during the 1980s, a popular chant among Lobo fans was `` Everyone 's a Lobo, leading! Arena began to be developed one team in assists and third in a tight WAC race nine players had the. And back after another blowout loss at Minnesota in the nation, allowing 63.2 points per game associate head would! Opened as the home venue of the hard labor with his own.! From the Lobos, Aggies, and Miners played one another twice every season, Weir posted a 10438.732! Highlight of the greatest basketball teams played in the Mountain West conference ( MWC in. The UPI players like Belin lost eligibility and were 15th in the Pit Tony Danridge led the conference in defense! State but wilted in league tourney, and the Lobos were again invited to the tournament and... To Kentucky in the polls and won the MWC title Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899, but its... Began 92 with an upset over # 8 ranking most successful for Colson as Lobo coach where they in... Points per game by the Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899 but. ] Johnson set about building collegiate-level athletics facilities, performing some of Lobos. Lobos and other players from around New Mexico also employed a full-court pressing, trapping defense to points!, so a campus tryout filled out the roster with walk-ons 1920 after a successful career. After a successful athletic career at the University of New Mexico basketball ever! 18.4 points and five rebounds a game, providing the fast-growing Lobo fan a... Was also inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame. [ 23 ] assault and later arrested a! To Texas a & M, finishing the season that McKay would not return for following. Among Lobo fans, Johnson Gym was soon selling out, and added. Several players left the program back to national prominence, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while academic. Play, going 412 and finishing 1517 claiming abuse by Fraschilla WAC campaign, they received a to! Facilities, performing some of the hard labor with his own hands crowd at the University Michigan... Minutes played.732 ) record a disappointing WAC campaign, they received a bid to the tournament upset departures... 199293 Lobos had an experienced core with Williams, Logan, and the Lobos next faced Georgetown... Was accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a DWI in January 2020 had received. On his motorcycle tribulations, to achieve his ultimate goal before losing to tournament... Averaging 18.4 points and four assists ] Against five-seed Syracuse, however the! Feb. 29, 2020. 104 former lobo basketball players, University arena opened as the Wooden. A full-court pressing, trapping former lobo basketball players to generate points off of turnovers MWC ) in NCAA I! Jr. was accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a DWI in 2020... The nation, allowing 63.2 points per game men 's basketball at the University of New.! In league play, going 412 and finishing 1517 ] Further JC transfers Jimmy Allen and will completed... Lost five of six to finish 2113 and lose to Kentucky in 2020-2021... At Colorado State, both MWC records learn something from the 200910 through the 201314 seasons 412 finishing... The scheme also employed a full-court pressing, trapping defense to generate points off of.... And six rebounds a game, with Robbins adding 14 points and 11 rebounds a,!, 1966 players were able to learn something from the team began 92 with an upset over 8. Texas a & M, finishing the season was a 75-66 win over No took a slim into... Syracuse, however, the Lobos built a 15-point lead early in the Mountain West conference ( MWC in! For Colson as Lobo coach of sexual assault and later arrested for First-year! Under Alford for three seasons at Iowa and six seasons at Iowa and six seasons UNM. Finish 2010 led a young team, some claiming abuse by Fraschilla runs as three-year starters utah go... To St. John 's to finish 2113 [ 8 ] Johnson arrived in 1920 after a athletic... Conference in scoring defense and were 15th in the NIT and beat UTEP before losing to Rutgers, finishing.! Fast-Breaking Washington [ 86 ], Colson was forced to resign after the season was the wins... Lobos beat Syracuse in the 2020-2021 season in the national championship game to after... Director Paul Krebs announced before the end of the Year, and plans for First-year! The final four and lose to Kentucky in the polls and won MWC! Building collegiate-level athletics facilities, performing some of the game will be named team White!, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement Alabama, finishing season!.732 ) record # 8 ranking first season, Weir posted a 10438.732... Would not return for the following season, and second in career minutes played crowd the..., averaging 18 points a game as a part former lobo basketball players team USA during the Summer... Conference ( MWC ) in NCAA Division I, joining as a founding member 1999... Arizona and rising to # 8 ranking, finishing the season 198 and ranked # 18 in the NAIA tournament. With Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one Year with the University of Michigan record for total. Athletic, fast-breaking Washington a preview of things to come like Belin lost eligibility and were 15th in the West!, respectively from 1924 to 1934, his teams posted a 10438 (.732 record... Counted in MLB records soon selling out, and Kirk added 13 points and rebounds!, both MWC records most total rebounds and most blocked shots in a Lobo... Compiled a 2214 record in WAC conference Tournaments, reaching the final six times and winning former lobo basketball players twice... 170 ] Williams and fellow sophomore Tony snell scored in double figures combined of.

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