By: AMurawa

AMurawa — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:24:19 +0000

I’d disagree with the idea that New Mexico is a conference tournament powerhouse – they’ve won just one MW conference tourney in 13 years. However, this year they may need to win that conference tournament just to be able to make it to the NCAA tournament, as their opening round loss in the 76 Classic this weekend deprived them of a chance at getting a chance at some of the stronger teams in the tourney, and their remaining non-conference schedule just doesn’t provide them a whole lot of chances (outside of that NYE matchup w/ Saint Louis) to score resume-boosting wins. The good news is this team should be greatly improved, even by conference play.

By: tom jefferies

tom jefferies — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:26:42 +0000

UNM tradition of intuitive expectation.
Many are second guessing Pre-Season predictions for the New Mexico Lobos. I think The Lobos have it this year to go to the final four. Too many times the Lobos are overlooked early in the season usually going undefeated early and finally getting notice in January after a couple of unsundry upsets. Then making a huge move into the top tier of the rankings. There mid Major situation dictates this combined with the “Pit effect”(No ranked teams want to subject themselves to that abuse i.e. (playing in the Pit). Alford is well aware of this and Francesca lived by the fact that the Lobos are a Conference tournament Powerhouse team able to adjust to SDSU venue and especially Unlv’s Home court built in advantage at Staple Center.
This year is ripe for a tournament run and streak all the way into the big dance. This years schedule is perfect for The Lobos. Off the wall local political considerations put them in an unusual face to face with bitter rivals New Mexico State in their first real challenge with a hardened and seasoned all senor team. Then going into Anaheim to face a similar team i.e. Santa Clara. This was the wake up for Drew Gordon and Kendal Williams although they are still hitting the snooze button. Leaving BYU out of the scene plus the early runs of UNLV and SDSU are setting up a very intriguing season for this team this year. Huge Greenwood is a “Savant” a born basketball genius, I don’t think he knows it yet but it will be interesting to watch him under Alford the next several seasons. I think Alford sees in Greenwood what Knight saw in Alford.
The next big test will be against SLU where Majures has to go to get his ranking into the top tier by then Gordon and Williams should be ready and I think things will start happening.

Comments on: 76 Classic Notes From Day One

By: AMurawa

By: tom jefferies