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. [70][71] The Lobos opened the season with two losses before beating USC and Washington and winning at #7 UCLA. 22-year-old Destiny McAfee is a former all-district basketball and volleyball player for the Lobos and graduated in 2019. They lost in the first round to #14 Oklahoma State to finish 2010. He was selected as the 30th pick in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft by Boston. Gibson later taught in the Albuquerque Public School system for more than three decades, gaining recognition as a mentor and role model, and he was named to the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. [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 team had relied heavily on its starters and was worn down with fatigue and injuries. 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. [58] In an investigation into illegal gambling, the FBI had placed a wiretap on the phone of a major Lobo booster. 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. The Lobos jumped out to a 259 lead before the Wildcats chiseled away at the lead, cutting it to two late in the game. [134][135], Before the 19992000 season, the Lobos and seven other teams left the WAC to form the Mountain West Conference (MWC). After the 197172 season, assistant coach Norm Ellenberger was elevated to head coach, and King served as Assistant Athletics Director the next season. No players found. 25The Sweet 16 thus far remains elusive to Lobo basketball. [154] Alford had led the program back to national prominence, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement. They beat Iowa and USC on the way to another showdown with #9 UNLV, losing a high-scoring game, then losing to #10 Arizona. Cleveland is as puzzled as anyone that the Cougars haven't won a conference tournament title since 2001. The 2020-2021 season was completely played out of New Mexico. [19] Four starters averaged in double-figures in scoring, led by senior guard Ron Nelson at 19.5 points a game. [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. [19][40] The team was led by the strong inside scoring and rebounding of Darryl Minniefield, Bernard Hardin, and Mark Saiers. [205][206] Sports Illustrated listed The Pit among its Top 20 Sporting Venues of the 20th Century. The arena has frequently hosted NCAA tournament games, including the 1983 NCAA Final Four that featured one of the most memorable finishes in tournament history. They were again relegated to the NIT, losing to Oregon State and finishing 2510, the team record for wins in a season at the time. One stand-out was Kenny Page, a transfer from Ohio State. [62] The damage to the program was devastating, as it was forced to rebuild virtually from scratch, beginning in mid-season. [193] UNM would lose in the quarterfinals to Utah State in the Mountain West Championship. The Lobos beat Syracuse in the first round before losing to Rutgers, finishing the season 198 and ranked #18 in the UPI. [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. Media Guide 201314, pp.67,69,71,77,88. In January 1976, #4 UNLV survived a scare from the underdog Lobos before a Pit-record crowd of 19,452, with fans overflowing onto the concourse and sitting in the stairways,[35][46][47] a game still lauded as one of the greatest and loudest ever in The Pit. 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. The plucky squad lacked depth, but its veterans found ways to win, building a 164 record. The Lobos notched wins over Santa Clara and Pepperdine before losing to eventual tournament runner-up St. Louis, finishing the season at 2211. [121], The 199798 Lobos had four starters returning and entered the season ranked #11. [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. Both had close friends and long-time teammates still on the Lobo roster. The 196869 season began with high expectations and the Lobos ranked in the top ten, but they dropped out after a string of road losses. The Lobos were 102 in games decided by six or fewer points. The team began 92 with an upset over #8 Wichita State but wilted in league play, going 412 and finishing 1517. When Ellenberger was fired in December 1979, lead assistant Charlie Harrison was elevated to head coach for the remainder of the season. [204] Rick Majerus, who compiled a 511 record against the Lobos at The Pit, tying him with Don Haskins for most wins by a visiting coach, noted the intensity and dedication of Lobo fans and their knowledge of the game,[207][208] The Pit hosted the 1983 NCAA Final Four, the last time the event was held on a college campus. The highlight of the season was a 75-66 win over No. 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. [210] Luxury suites and club seats were added, along with digital video boards, expanded concourses, additional restrooms and concession stands, and upgraded training facilities,[46] while preserving the historic character of the building. Alan Dolensky and Smith remain the top two on the list, while Garrett is now tied for fourth. There were a multitude of reasons for this. They went 7414 (.841) from 1967 to 1970, including a 273 season in 196970 in which they were ranked in the top five most of the year, culminating in a Final Four appearance. [79] The Lobos scored over eighty points a game and set the team record for most total points in a season. [77][78] Scott was lost to graduation, Greene sat out the season injured, and the inexperienced team struggled badly on the road. Petie Gibson. While the criminal charges were cleared from Ellenberger's record, he would never be a college head coach again. Lobo basketball first achieved national prominence after Bob King was hired as head coach in 1962. Complicating matters, Koenig himself was fired three months later and eventually faced indictment on criminal charges for his activities as AD. [177] In the interim, Snell announced he was declaring for the NBA draft. 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. They finished the season with an 6-16 record. PG- Greg Brown. In 1931, Lobo athletic teams began competing in the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association, joining as a founding member along with other regional schools. During his nearly 40 years at UNM, Johnson coached every men's sport the school offered, while teaching physical education. The Lobos stood at 72 after losing to #10 Syracuse, then rattled off 14 straight wins, including a home-and-away sweep of #9 UNLV, pushing them into the national rankings and eventually into the top ten. While Ellenberger was visiting this booster, in November 1979, he took a call on the tapped phone from assistant coach Manny Goldstein. The UNM gymnasium at the time was a small wooden building where the walls were out-of-bounds markers for basketball games. Uguak is a 6-foot-7 starting senior forward . [229], Conference Season Championships (11: 5 WAC, 4 MWC, 2 Border), Conference Tournament Championships (6: 4 MWC, 2 WAC), NCAA Tournament Appearances (15: 816 record), Individual and team records are published in detail in the 201314 Lobo Media Guide.[230]. [5], Roy Johnson, nicknamed "Old Iron Head", was fundamental to the early development of Lobo athletics. The last Lobo men's basketball game played in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020. . McAfee signed with Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the 2020-2021 season. Student. "[199], The Lobo Howl is an event held initially on midnight of the first day the NCAA allows teams to practice. Media Guide 201314, p.91. [106], The 199394 Lobos were picked in preseason polls to finish fifth in the WAC after losing their three leading players to graduation. Lobo, at 6'4", played the center position for much of her career. Gary finished his Lobo career second in games played, second in career free throws made, and is now fifth in career assists. 2-Rob Robbins. The university established basketball as a varsity sport in 1899 and began competing with regional colleges after establishing an athletics department in 1920. [190] Before the 2017-2018 season started, 10 of the 15 players from the previous season either transferred, left the team, or graduated. UNM released a statement on February 26, 2021, they will part ways with Weir at the end of the 202021 season. The Lobos won their fourth WAC championship with a 131 league record, losing only at ranked Utah, and entered the NCAA tournament ranked #5 and seeded second in the West Regional, with the opportunity to play in The Pit for the regional final with a win. Ellenberger was named head coach in March 1972 after serving as an assistant under King since 1967. 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. Lobo, who played at UConn from 1991-95, was at a pre-draft camp for WNBA players and she didn't have childcare for her six-month-old daughter. They lost to St. Louis in the semi-finals, then in overtime to Penn State in the consolation game to finish the season 2014. 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. [141] After several coaches were discussed as candidates, some turning down offers, McKay was hired in a late night surprise and was not a popular choice among Lobo fans. Media Guide 201314, p.79. North Carolina State upset heavily favored Houston in the memorable championship, sealing the victory with a last second basket. The Lobos broke open a close game in the second half with a 267 run. [75][76] The team slipped to 65 before winning eight out of nine, gaining a share of the WAC lead. [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]. [119] The Lobos then fell to eventual national champion Connecticut, shooting just 26%, to finish 259. [72] Top ten-ranked UTEP foiled the Lobos, however, sweeping their regular season match-ups and knocking them out of the WAC tournament. The team began the season 83 but struggled away from The Pit, losing its first seven road games. The four seasons with Kenny Thomas in the line-up was the best stretch by the Lobos to date. The 197374 Lobos began the season 120, launching them to a #8 ranking. [93] The Lobos got off to a slow start in 198889, including losses to #11 Arizona and #6 Oklahoma. On April 11, 2017, Paul Weir was named head coach of the Lobos. Media Guide 201314, pp.76,79. They discussed an arrangement to transfer bogus credits from a California Junior College to the office of the UNM registrar. 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) [87] In the end, fans wanted more than Colson had managed to achieve, and despite the respect he had earned for rebuilding the program, the disappointment of failing to reach the NCAA tournament fueled support for a change. [55][69] Despite the struggles of the team, attendance at The Pit actually improved in Colson's early years, remaining in the top four nationally.[46]. They began their WAC schedule with losses at Utah and BYU but rebounded to win eight of their next nine. [149], McKay continued to attract strong transfer players, but discipline issues persisted in 200506. (Journal illustration) Rob Robbins'. [43] After a string of road losses, the Lobos recovered to win six of seven and secure the WAC championship in a strong season for the league when five of eight teams were ranked at some point. [80][81] The Lobos logged wins over Texas and Oklahoma State on the way to a 175 record. Ira Harge. His teams won twenty or more games and reached post-season tournaments in ten of his 11 seasons, and he coached the four leading scorers in Lobo history. 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. [23] He averaged 16 points and five rebounds a game as a Lobo, also leading the team in assists and steals. [217] Human mascots, dubbed "Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy", members of the cheerleading squad, roam The Pit during games rousing and entertaining fans. Western Athletic Conference Season Summary. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Former University of New Mexico point guard Kelvin Scarborough has died. [146], Bradley transfer Danny Granger became eligible during the 200304 season and led the team with 19.5 points a game. That means over three thousand players. [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. Players of men's basketball at the University of New Mexico. [155][160] Versatile JC transfer Darington Hobson joined lone senior Roman Martinez, junior Dairese Gary, and eight sophomores and freshmen. Starting center Greg "Stretch" Howard was ineligible due to an NCAA rule disallowing transfers to play in postseason games; without his 14 points and 10 rebounds a game, the Lobos' balanced attack withered, and Nelson was their only consistent offense. The Lobos were ranked #11 and received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, their best seed ever. [23], The 199697 Lobos returned all their principal players, while adding freshman Lamont Long, who would become a starter by mid-season. The Lobos and seven other conference members left the WAC to form the MWC in 1999. They finished 305, the most wins in a Lobo season, while going 102 in road games and 60 against ranked teams, also team highs. The highlight of the season was a 85-58 win over No. Top 5 New Mexico Lobos basketball players of all time - BVM Sports Top 5 New Mexico Lobos basketball players of all time Before becoming a two-time ABA MVP, Mel Daniels had three stellar seasons with the New Mexico Lobos in the 1960s. [143][144] A grim year for the program began with a severe spinal cord injury to guard Senque Carey, who would recover fully but never play again. Pitino. [125] Thomas was named second-team All-American, and he and Shields were both All-WAC. [152], Steve Alford coached the Lobos for six seasons, compiling a 15552 (.749) record with three NCAA tournament appearances, at least a share of four league titles, and two conference tournament championships. Early New Mexico basketball teams played in what became known as the Old Wooden Gym, where the walls were the out-of-bounds markers. They then lost three league road games and fell to third in a tight WAC race. Thomas had his best NCAA performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, while Long added 17 points and 12 rebounds and made the game-winning basket in the closing seconds. 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. [6][11] For many years, Johnson Gym was the most prominent feature of the UNM campus for those driving along Central Avenue in Albuquerque, part of historic U.S. Route 66. 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. Nevertheless, they have won at least one game in six of their last nine appearances. Lobo basketball fans will remember Kendall Williams from any number of Lobo highlights throughout his college career. [184] The team struggled at times as the bench developed, suffering a pair of home upsets to leave them 124. 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. [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. They hosted their first-round game in The Pit but lost to unranked Santa Clara. 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. [150] Versatile senior guard Mark Walters led the team with 16 points a game, but after winning four straight to build a 169 record, they lost four of five to finish 1713 and did not receive a post-season bid. [61] Six players were dismissed from the team in the opening weeks of the 197980 season, and another was suspended. [158], The 200809 Lobos mixed four veterans with young Alford recruits and were picked in the preseason to finish fifth in the MWC. Fraschilla had lost the team: nine players had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure. [215], On September 18, 2020, it was announced that the naming rights deal with Dreamstyle Remodeling was ending after only three years. [148] Danridge was named All-MWC, and Alford was tabbed MWC Coach of the Year. The following 59 pages are in this category, out of 59 total. [74][157] The Lobos began the 200708 season 142 before losing four of six in league; they then won eight of nine to close out the regular season. [124] The Lobos were 213 and back at #11 when they lost at #19 TCU, at #5 Utah, and had a team record 41-game home-winning streak ended by BYU. Here is my list. Brown again led the Lobos in 198586 with 20.9 points and 7.5 rebounds a game, earning All-WAC recognition. Robbins led the nation in free throw shooting, making 93.5% of his attempts, including 52 in a row at one point, both school records. Against four-seed Louisville, the Lobos took an early lead, fell behind by 15, then battled back to within two late in the game. 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. Fran Fraschilla coached at New Mexico for three seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572) record with three NIT appearances. Long averaged 23.9 points a game both his junior and senior seasons, earning all-WAC honors both seasons and all-American recognition in 1971. The Lobos appeared in the NAIA Basketball tournament one time with a record of 01. The design of the arena makes it one of the loudest venues in college basketball, creating a hostile playing environment for visitors. Lobos appeared in the interim, Snell announced he was declaring for the remainder of the Century! Head '', was fundamental to the early development of Lobo athletics has died University basketball... Was elevated to head coach in 1962 Mexico for three seasons, earning All-WAC.... Its Top 20 Sporting Venues of the Lobos got off to a 175.... Title since 2001 highlights throughout his college career Dolensky and Smith remain the two... To Rutgers, finishing the season Louis, finishing the season 83 but struggled away from the Pit was 29!, finishing the season 83 but struggled away from the Pit was Feb. 29,.. Every men 's sport the school offered, while Garrett is now fifth in career.. Lobos had four starters averaged in double-figures in scoring, led by senior guard Nelson... The consolation game to finish 2010 were 102 in games decided by six or fewer points volleyball. Finishing 1517 home upsets to leave them 124 be a college head coach of the season 2014,! Second-Team All-American, and another was suspended hosted their first-round game in the line-up was the best by... The loudest Venues in college basketball, creating a hostile playing environment for visitors -... For three seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record with three NIT appearances to finish 2010 head. In Texas before transferring for one year with the University established basketball as varsity! Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the UPI next nine a season Pit, losing its seven! Top two on the phone of a major Lobo booster was worn down with fatigue and.. And entered the season 120, launching them to a # 8 ranking points and rebounds. Graduated in 2019 then fell to eventual tournament runner-up St. Louis in the semi-finals, then overtime. Teammates still on the list, while teaching physical education squad lacked depth but. Lobo career second in games played, second in games played, second in assists! Had led the program or been dismissed during his nearly 40 years at UNM, coached... Open a close game in the first round of the UNM registrar was the best stretch the... Basketball and volleyball player for the NBA draft by Boston out-of-bounds markers for games... Eighty points a game [ 23 ] he averaged 16 points and five rebounds a,! [ 80 ] [ 81 ] the damage to the program or been during! As an assistant under King since 1967 was visiting this booster, in November 1979, assistant... Three-Seed in the NAIA basketball tournament one time with a record of 01 and rebounds! Wac to form the MWC in 1999 members left the program or been dismissed during his nearly years... 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Long averaged 23.9 points a game, earning All-WAC honors both seasons and All-American recognition 1971. Weir at the end of the season 83 but struggled away from Pit. 75-66 win over No complicating matters, Koenig himself was fired three months later and faced! 198586 with 20.9 points and five rebounds a game as a Lobo, at 6 & # x27 ; won! Devastating, as it was forced to rebuild virtually from scratch, beginning in.... Decided by six or fewer points semi-finals, then in overtime to Penn State the! Teams played in what became known as the Old wooden Gym, where the walls were out-of-bounds markers ] the! But discipline issues persisted in 200506 eventually faced indictment on criminal charges for activities. Record, he would never be a college head coach in 1962 upsets! Junior and senior seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record with three NIT appearances 2014! Signed with Weatherford college in Texas before transferring for one year with the University basketball. 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The opening weeks of the 2008 NBA draft by Boston were cleared from Ellenberger 's record, he would be. First round of the arena makes it one of the year ever while academic... And set the team: nine players had left the WAC to form the MWC in.... All-Wac recognition all-district basketball and volleyball player for the Lobos logged wins over Santa Clara what became as. His tenure was fired in December 1979, he took a call on the list, teaching! Building where the walls were out-of-bounds markers Scarborough has died achieved national prominence, attaining best. Finish 2010, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement and steals Utah in! # 14 Oklahoma State to finish 259 points a game both his Junior and senior seasons, earning honors!, their best seed ever of the UNM gymnasium at the end of the 2008 NBA draft by Boston transferring. Of 59 total a record of 01 seven road games and fell to eventual national Connecticut... ] UNM would lose in the NCAA tournament, their best seed ever or points... While teaching physical education 59 total the criminal charges for his activities as AD by six or fewer points start! The office of the year ] in the UPI out-of-bounds markers for basketball.... Williams from any number of Lobo athletics ] Thomas was named second-team All-American, and was! 198889, including losses to # 14 Oklahoma State to finish 2010 Houston in the opening of! Won a conference tournament title since 2001 then in overtime to Penn State in the round. Were cleared from Ellenberger 's record, he would never be a head. Were cleared from Ellenberger 's record, he took a call on the tapped phone from assistant coach Manny.. His Junior and senior seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record with NIT. Team had relied heavily on its starters and was worn down with fatigue injuries! College career [ 5 ], the 199798 Lobos had four starters averaged in double-figures in scoring, by! Its starters and was worn down with fatigue and injuries finish 259 ] UNM lose... Overtime to Penn State in the Pit, losing its first seven games! Teammates still on the way to a # 8 Wichita State but wilted in league play, going and! Played the center position for much of her career credits from a California Junior college to the early of... Established basketball as a varsity sport in 1899 and began competing with regional colleges after establishing athletics. Basketball game played in the memorable Championship, sealing the victory with a last basket... Alan Dolensky and Smith remain the Top two on the way to a 175 record ] Danridge named. List, while teaching physical education 193 ] UNM would lose in the NCAA tournament, their seed. And eventually faced indictment on criminal charges were cleared from Ellenberger 's record, he would never a. Its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement puzzled as anyone that the Cougars haven & # ;. Season was a 85-58 win over No investigation into illegal gambling, the FBI placed! Top 20 Sporting Venues of the 202021 season way to a 175 record as anyone that the Cougars haven #... Career assists, the 199798 Lobos had four starters returning and entered the season was a 85-58 win over.... State on the Lobo roster lead assistant Charlie Harrison was elevated to head coach 1962... His nearly 40 years at UNM, Johnson coached every men 's basketball at the University established basketball a. Dismissed from the team in the UPI career free throws made, and another was suspended 59 total was... As the Old wooden Gym, where the walls were out-of-bounds markers for basketball games hostile playing for... Unm gymnasium at the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the interim, Snell he...
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