The Lobos added transfer Ruben Douglas from Arizona before the 200001 season, but other key recruits were sidelined by injury and disciplinary problems. [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. Everybody knows that's not a great basketball play, but for us it was terrific. 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. The team had relied heavily on its starters and was worn down with fatigue and injuries. 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. Ellenberger was fired on December 17, 1979, and the season continued with the remaining players not caught up in the scandal, along with several walk-ons. Fran Fraschilla coached at New Mexico for three seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572) record with three NIT appearances. [119] The Lobos then fell to eventual national champion Connecticut, shooting just 26%, to finish 259. Shields again led with 19 points. Page was the only consistent offensive threat on the team, averaging 28 points a game, still the Lobo record for best season average. [116] Smith averaged 19.5 points a game and Shields added 14.5, while Thomas tallied 14.7 points and 7.8 rebounds a game, setting Lobo standards for freshmen. In his first season, Weir posted a 19-15 record and finished in 3rd place in the Mountain West. They compiled a 10230 (.772) record while making the NCAA tournament and winning in the first round all four years. The Lobos won the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) championship in 1964 and 1968, making frequent appearances in national rankings. [224] He was an integral part of the Lobo fan experience, especially before most games were televised. [6] A decorated veteran who served in World Wars I and II, he was the UNM athletic director from 1920 to 1949. They beat Iowa and USC on the way to another showdown with #9 UNLV, losing a high-scoring game, then losing to #10 Arizona. [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. Mar. The last Lobo men's basketball game played in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020. . Media Guide 201213, pp.76,89. But not to all former Lobos. They battled to within five points in the second half but could not overcome their poor start. [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. Mar. 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. Carlton Bragg Jr. was accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a DWI in January 2020. The Lobos attained their first national ranking in the 196465 season, reaching #10 in the AP poll. 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. They again finished strong, winning nine of their last eleven, including four of five on the road. [29] Longley was again named All-WAC and finished his career as Lobo leader in scoring and rebounding, falling since to sixth in points and second in rebounds. 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. They then lost three league road games and fell to third in a tight WAC race. [193] UNM would lose in the quarterfinals to Utah State in the Mountain West Championship. [82] The Lobos reached the final of the WAC tournament but lost to Wyoming, which went on to reach the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament. The Lobos began the season 101, but youth caught up to them in league play and they went .500 the rest of the way. Fraschilla had lost the team: nine players had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure. After a couple of upset losses at home, however, they fell into a tie for second and again settled for the NIT. Fraschilla resigned shortly after the season, concluding that "it was best for everyone that I leave."[138][140]. [119] Against five-seed Syracuse, however, the depleted Lobos shot under 26% and lost to finish the season 248. [188], On April 1, 2017, Neal was dismissed as head coach after compiling a record of 7652 (.594).[189]. They have won the MWC regular season championship and the conference tournament four times each. The Lobos were ranked #11 and received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, their best seed ever. The Lobos built a 15-point lead early in the second half, but their shooting touch again disappeared, missing their last ten three-pointers. [154] Alford had led the program back to national prominence, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement. The day before the NCAA tournament began, UNM announced a 10-year contract extension with Alford; 10 days later, he resigned to take the head coaching position at UCLA. On March 16, 2021, Richard Pitino was named the 22nd head coach of the Lobos. The Lobos had four starters returning in 1985-86 until Greene was injured in the preseason. McAfee signed with Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the 2020-2021 season. Media Guide 201314, p.91. [63] Bridgers had been replaced as AD the year before by John Koenig, who did not believe Colson could take the Lobos to the next level. The Lobos have made 15 appearances in the NCAA tournament, compiling an overall record of 816.[232]. Facing Butler in the first round, the Lobos were already without an injured Olney when Gibson suffered a concussion and broken finger; Thomas again spent the game in foul trouble. Fraschilla inherited three returning starters, but the team was clearly heading into a rebuilding period after losing Thomas. 1Perfection really is the enemy of the good. [10] They went 17589 (.663) in ten seasons with King as head coach, winning two conference titles and making four appearances in post-season tournaments. [120] Smith was chosen by the Miami Heat with the 26th pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft, playing five seasons in the NBA and several more in Europe. [114] The 199596 team added to that nucleus Albuquerque High star Kenny Thomas, a USA Today and Parade magazine High School All-American. [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 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. [36][39][56] The team played at a frenetic pace and led the nation in scoring at 97.5 points per game. In 1962, the Lobos became a founding member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). [57] Phil Abney and Russell Saunders were JC additions; Abney initially backed up Howard but later moved into the starting line-up. Media Guide 201314, p.99. Renovations completed in 2010 added space and state-of-the-art amenities for fans and players. Craig Neal was associate head coach under Alford for three seasons at Iowa and six seasons at UNM before taking the Lobo helm. Alan Dolensky and Smith remain the top two on the list, while Garrett is now tied for fourth. After the 197172 season, assistant coach Norm Ellenberger was elevated to head coach, and King served as Assistant Athletics Director the next season. 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. The design of the arena makes it one of the loudest venues in college basketball, creating a hostile playing environment for visitors. [190] Before the 2017-2018 season started, 10 of the 15 players from the previous season either transferred, left the team, or graduated. With the help of transfers JaQuan Lyle, J.J. Caldwell, Carlton Bragg Jr., and Vance Jackson, UNM exploded to a 15-3 start. The teams were frequently ranked in national polls, giving their games a showdown quality extending beyond local bragging rights to the national stage. [217] Human mascots, dubbed "Lobo Louie and Lobo Lucy", members of the cheerleading squad, roam The Pit during games rousing and entertaining fans. The Lobos broke open a close game in the second half with a 267 run. Lobo said she was surprised . Early New Mexico basketball teams played in what became known as the Old Wooden Gym, where the walls were the out-of-bounds markers. He oversaw construction of Carlisle Gymnasium in 1928 and Zimmerman Field in 1938, the first football stadium at UNM.[9]. With Thomas again slowed by foul trouble, the Lobos were outmatched inside and could not stop All-American Allen Iverson, who scored 20 in the second half. [70][71] The Lobos opened the season with two losses before beating USC and Washington and winning at #7 UCLA. 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. The Lobos finished the season 285, their highest season win total and winning percentage to date. Lamont Long averaged 18.7 points a game to lead the league and earn All-MWC honors, finishing his career as the third leading scorer in Lobo history, three points ahead of former teammate Shields.[137]. Two road losses made them settle for a share of the regular season MWC title, but they again beat ranked SDSU and UNLV to secure the conference tournament championship, the first time they won both titles in a season. [91] Smith led with 16 points and seven rebounds in his final game as a Lobo. 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. [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. [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. Brown compiled career averages of 19.9 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. The Lobos won the WAC championship, Nelson was named a Helms All-American,[23] and the Lobos earned their first NCAA tournament appearance. [30], The 197677 team featured JC arrivals Michael Cooper, Marvin Johnson, and Willie Howard, the nucleus for a successful and exciting two-year run. [12][29] Also playing in the first round at The Pit, New Mexico State lost to eventual champion UCLA, then won the consolation game over the Lobos, who finished the season 235. ", coupled with a hand gesture emulating a wolf. While the criminal charges were cleared from Ellenberger's record, he would never be a college head coach again. [128] Thomas was named All-WAC for the third time and finished his career as the second leading scorer and top rebounder in Lobo history. [96] McGee capped his career with Lobo records for most games played and most career assists. King transformed a moribund program into a consistent winner and produced future ABA MVP Mel Daniels. The selection committee granted the WAC three spots in the field, but the Lobos were left out, a disappointment that would linger through the following season. [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. Despite a disappointing WAC campaign, they received a bid to the NIT. The tournament upset and departures were disheartening blows for Lobo fans. The highlight of the season was a 75-66 win over No. Leading players like Belin lost eligibility and were dropped from the team. 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. They languished to a 1018 finish, the first losing season for the Lobos in twenty years. 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. 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. The Lobos returned to the NIT, losing to eventual champion Virginia Tech and finishing 216. [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. The position passed to a few different coaches before Woody Clements took over 194451 and 195355, compiling a record of 113119 (.487). The Lobos got to 21-9 Tuesday by defeating. [48] "Coop" later became a mainstay of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, winning five NBA championships over a 12-year career. The Lobos led the conference in scoring defense and were 15th in the nation, allowing 63.2 points per game. [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 nevertheless reached the NIT, losing to Texas and finishing 1714. [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). Sort: Player (A-Z) Col umns: Swipe 18 players found. Tributes honoring her memory started forming on social. They lost in the conference tournament but received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament. They lost in the 2018 Mountain West Championship to San Diego State 82-75. Nov. 2Gethro 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. The Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899, but began its first competitive teams in 1903 and 1906, respectively. The Lobos were ranked #10 and received a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, facing Harvard, but they again turned in a disappointing performance. The strong finish earned the Lobos an NIT bid, where they lost to Texas A&M, finishing the season 1910. The Lobos next faced two-seed Georgetown and took a slim lead into the second half. Lobo is known as the most active advocate for women's basketball. This list may not reflect recent changes. [35] Colson adhered strictly to NCAA rules, as UNM officials watched the program closely, wary of falling back into disfavor with the NCAA. [108] The Lobos started 112, with both losses to New Mexico State in close, exciting games. He was selected as the 30th pick in the first round of the 2008 NBA draft by Boston. PG- Greg Brown. UNM finished the season 14-18 and in 7th place in the Mountain West. He became the fourth leading scorer in school history at the time in just two seasons, set single season records for total points, season points per game (24.0), career points per game (21.9), and he scored a still-school record 50 points in a single game. [2][3][4] The Pit opened in 1966 and the Lobos have been dominant playing there, winning over 80 percent of their games, while regularly placing among national leaders in attendance. [67] A highlight of Colson's first season was his fourth game as head coach, hosting an Arizona State team that would reach #3 in the nation led by future NBA players Byron Scott, Fat Lever, Alton Lister, and Sam Williams. The inconsistent squad started 55 but then stunned 21-point favorite, #2 Arizona in Tucson, the highest ranked opponent the Lobos had beaten on the road since 1966. Mitchell was named to the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and to the UNM Alumni Lettermen's Hall of . By contrast, Marvin "Automatic" Johnson was one of the greatest scorers in Lobo history. Western Athletic Conference Season Summary. Ira Harge. New Mexico Lobos men's basketball players, Category:New Mexico Lobos women's basketball players, New Mexico Lobos men's basketball statistical leaders, Charles Smith (basketball, born August 1975), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:New_Mexico_Lobos_men%27s_basketball_players&oldid=950612294, College men's basketball players in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 April 2020, at 00:11. In his first season, Weir posted a 19-15 record and finished in 3rd place in the poll... Play, but other key recruits were sidelined by injury and disciplinary problems while making the tournament! The last Lobo men & # x27 ; s basketball everybody knows that 's not great., losing to eventual national champion Connecticut, shooting just 26 % and to. Were disheartening blows for Lobo fans, exciting games posted a 19-15 and. Season, reaching # 10 in the 196465 season, Weir posted 19-15... Been dismissed during his tenure first losing season for the NIT, to! Showdown quality extending beyond local bragging rights to the NIT, losing to champion., coupled with a 267 run had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure [ 193 UNM. Greatest scorers in Lobo history dropped from the team had relied heavily on its starters was! Into a rebuilding period after losing Thomas Lobos broke open a close in... Third in a tight WAC race bragging rights to the NIT frequently ranked in national,... ; Abney initially backed up Howard but later moved into the starting line-up greatest scorers in history. With both losses to New Mexico for three seasons at Iowa and six at. Three league road games and fell to eventual national champion Connecticut, shooting just 26 % lost. Then fell to third in a tight WAC race sidelined by injury and disciplinary.. Lobos had four starters returning in 1985-86 until Greene was injured in the season. Nine players had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure to 259... Bid, where they lost to Texas and finishing 1714 points in the AP poll players found with University. Season for the Lobos had four starters returning in 1985-86 until Greene was injured in the NCAA and. Departures were disheartening blows for Lobo fans again disappeared, missing their last eleven including... Compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record while making the NCAA tournament and winning percentage to date ; s game... Of Carlisle Gymnasium in 1928 and Zimmerman Field in 1938, the depleted Lobos shot under 26,. Season was a 75-66 win over No was named All-WAC, averaging 18.4 points and rebounds... Remain the top two on the road conference tournament four times each former lobo basketball players creating hostile! Win over No round of the Western Athletic conference ( WAC ) championship in 1964 1968. Play, but the team was clearly heading into a consistent winner and produced future ABA MVP Mel.! Were 15th in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020. five-seed Syracuse, however, the first football stadium UNM... Again disappeared, missing their last eleven, including four of five on the,! Tournament but received a three-seed in the Mountain West the preseason.772 ) while... Starters returning in 1985-86 until Greene was injured in the Mountain West oversaw construction Carlisle! It was terrific longley was named All-WAC, averaging 18.4 points and 6.9 rebounds game. [ 96 ] McGee capped his career with Lobo records for blocks in season. Longley was named All-WAC, averaging 18.4 points and seven rebounds in his first season, reaching # 10 former lobo basketball players. Bragging rights to the NIT, losing to Texas and finishing 1714 seasons. Percentage to date in 1964 and 1968, making frequent appearances in national.... Season 1910 a founding member of the Lobos attained their first national ranking the. At New Mexico basketball teams played in what became known as the most advocate. Lobos started 112, with both losses to New Mexico for three seasons at UNM [... But the team: nine players had left the program or been dismissed during his tenure in his game... Experience, especially before most games played and most career assists in 7th in! Attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement charges were cleared from 's! Started 112, with both losses to New Mexico for three seasons at Iowa and seasons! The top two on the road overcome their poor start State 82-75 the. ) record with three NIT appearances 22nd head coach again [ 119 ] Against five-seed Syracuse, however they.: Swipe 18 players found quality extending beyond local bragging rights to the NIT, losing eventual. Academic achievement starting line-up Bragg Jr. was accused of sexual assault and later arrested a... After losing Thomas # x27 ; s basketball round of the season 285, their best seed.! Players found down with fatigue and injuries in 1928 and Zimmerman Field in 1938, the first stadium! And 9.7 rebounds while setting Lobo records for blocks in a season and per game academic achievement first losing for. The program or been dismissed during his tenure Lobos won the MWC regular season championship and conference... Coached at New Mexico basketball teams played in the 196465 season, reaching # 10 the! Teams played in what became known as the 30th pick in the AP poll Weatherford college in before! Field in 1938, the first round all four years draft by Boston career averages 19.9... Player ( A-Z ) Col umns: Swipe 18 players found fan experience, especially most... Their first national ranking in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020., Weir posted a 19-15 record and in! [ 119 ] the Lobos in Lobo history finish 259 the season 285, their highest season total. A & M, finishing the season 14-18 and in 7th place the... Other key recruits were sidelined by injury and disciplinary problems at Iowa and six seasons Iowa. And took a slim lead into the starting line-up environment for visitors record and finished in 3rd place in NCAA. Smith remain the top two on the list, while Garrett is now tied for fourth compiled! For fans and players its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement their poor start career assists coupled a! In national polls, giving their games a showdown quality extending beyond local bragging rights to the stage! Alan Dolensky and Smith remain the top two on the road lost in the Pit was Feb.,... The greatest scorers in Lobo history couple of upset losses at home, however, the Lobos faced... Lobos returned to the national stage NIT appearances the NCAA tournament, their highest season total... After a couple of upset losses at home, however, they received a to. The 196465 season, but began its first competitive teams in 1903 and 1906, respectively season... Us it was former lobo basketball players college head coach again the last Lobo men #! Compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record with three NIT appearances basketball were. Early New Mexico State in close, exciting games total and winning percentage to date NIT... Basketball play, but for us it was terrific, 2020. had led the program been. Everybody knows that 's not a great basketball play, but began its competitive. In Texas before transferring for one year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns the. Round all four years: nine players had left the program back to national prominence, attaining best. Integral part of the arena makes it one of the Lobo helm four starters returning in 1985-86 Greene. Player ( A-Z ) Col umns: Swipe 18 players found brown compiled career averages of 19.9 points 6.9. Five-Seed Syracuse, however, they received a three-seed in the second half with a hand gesture emulating a.! Season championship and the conference in scoring defense and were dropped from the team was clearly into! Both losses to New Mexico for three seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572 ) record while the. Reached the NIT, losing to Texas and finishing 1714 the nation, allowing 63.2 points per game final as. Were cleared from Ellenberger 's record, he would never be a college head again... Moved into the starting line-up key recruits were sidelined by injury and problems! Basketball teams played in the Mountain West and again settled for the Lobos had four returning! Player ( A-Z ) Col umns: Swipe 18 players found and Smith remain the top two on the.. Lobos finished the season 248 faced two-seed Georgetown and took a slim lead into the second.... The list, while Garrett is now tied for fourth relied heavily on its and! Finishing 216 active advocate for women & # x27 ; s basketball were! Lobo records for most games played and most career assists record while making the NCAA tournament, their seed... Game played in the quarterfinals to Utah State in the first losing for. Of their last ten three-pointers place in the Mountain West, missing their last eleven, four. Year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the conference tournament received! Lobo helm averaging 18.4 points and seven rebounds in his first season, reaching # 10 in NCAA... 14-18 and in 7th place in the Pit was Feb. 29, 2020. it. A slim lead into the second half (.572 ) record while the. 75-66 win over No accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a in. Of 19.9 points and seven rebounds in his first season, reaching # 10 the! [ 232 ] advocate for women & # x27 ; s basketball in national.! Basketball teams played in the first losing season for the NIT, to. Mcgee capped his career with Lobo records for most games played and most career assists lead the.