He also holds the team record for assists in a game (21). Fan criticism had reached a crescendo and attendance at The Pit had been dropping significantly. [58] In an investigation into illegal gambling, the FBI had placed a wiretap on the phone of a major Lobo booster. [163] The Lobos finished the season 296, their second-best record ever. [127] Attendance at The Pit remained in the top ten nationally during the Bliss years, finishing sixth in the nation twice and reaching its highest season average ever in 199798 at 17,625 per game. 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. [154] Alford had led the program back to national prominence, attaining its best six-year stretch ever while improving academic achievement. With the help of transfers JaQuan Lyle, J.J. Caldwell, Carlton Bragg Jr., and Vance Jackson, UNM exploded to a 15-3 start. [55] The team finally broke through, winning another exciting game at UNLV, beginning a string of nine wins in its last ten games. [59] In July 1981, however, he was convicted by a state District Court on 21 of 22 counts of fraud and submitting false public vouchers. [169] The Lobos went to the NIT and beat UTEP before losing at Alabama, finishing 2213. [109] The team was undefeated at home in conference and won a key road game at BYU to seal the league championship, led by a torrent of points from Brown. Early New Mexico basketball teams played in what became known as the Old Wooden Gym, where the walls were the out-of-bounds markers. Misfortune turned to tragedy with the murder of former Lobo Patrick Dennehy leading to a scandal at Baylor implicating Dave Bliss and the suicide of Lobo transfer Billy Feeney. The Lobos finished the season 285, their highest season win total and winning percentage to date. [153], An early objective for Alford was to change the culture of the program regarding discipline and academic focus. 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. Full New Mexico Lobos roster for the 2022-23 season including position, height, weight, birthdate, years of experience, and college. Fraschilla resigned shortly after the season, concluding that "it was best for everyone that I leave."[138][140]. Media Guide 201314, pp.67,76,78,89. UNM released a statement on February 26, 2021, they will part ways with Weir at the end of the 202021 season. 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. The Lobos added transfer Ruben Douglas from Arizona before the 200001 season, but other key recruits were sidelined by injury and disciplinary problems. [121], The 199798 Lobos had four starters returning and entered the season ranked #11. Media Guide 201314, p.99. While Ellenberger was visiting this booster, in November 1979, he took a call on the tapped phone from assistant coach Manny Goldstein. But eventually that college career came to an end and it . They lost in the first round to #14 Oklahoma State to finish 2010. Alford was again named MWC Coach of the Year, and Gary was All-MWC. 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 Lobos broke open a close game in the second half with a 267 run. Facing #22 Villanova, the Lobos shot 18% in the first half, scoring just eleven points and trailing by as much as 24. [196] In Mountain West play, however, the Lobos went 5-12. 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. [133][138] The Lobos started the season 122, with an overtime win at Sweet 16-bound Gonzaga, but a blowout loss at #1 Stanford began a 16 slump, including several poor road performances. [105] He was named MWC Player of the Year and finished his career as the fifth leading scorer in Lobo history. The Lobos remained in the WAC race late in the season, but road struggles relegated them to third place and a 1911 final record. The program thrived, and Ellenberger became a local celebrity, restaurateur, and man-about-town, earning the nickname "Stormin' Norman" for his flashy attire and fiery coaching style.[35][36][37][38][39]. Four-year starting PG Phil Smith led those early teams, averaging 14 points, six assists, and two steals per game over his career, setting then-records for highest scoring freshman, most steals in a season, and most career assists. [23], The 200910 Lobos were again a young squad picked to finish fifth in the MWC in preseason polls. Johnson coached the UNM basketball team for all but two seasons from 1920 to 1940. [74] The Lobos heated up in the MWC tournament, reaching the final but losing on a missed shot at the end of the game. They then won 12 of 13, including a win over #6 San Diego State to knot the MWC race, but they lost the title showdown at SDSU after squandering a large lead. Page was the only consistent offensive threat on the team, averaging 28 points a game, still the Lobo record for best season average. McAfee signed with Weatherford College in Texas before transferring for one year with the University of Louisiana Rajun Cajuns in the 2020-2021 season. PG- Greg Brown. They again finished strong, winning nine of their last eleven, including four of five on the road. The Lobos became frequent participants in the NCAA tournament during the 1990s and have made 15 appearances overall, as well as 19 NIT appearances. 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. [106] They then faced six-seed Louisville in a closely contested game that went down to the final play. Mitchell was named to the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and to the UNM Alumni Lettermen's Hall of . 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. [62] The damage to the program was devastating, as it was forced to rebuild virtually from scratch, beginning in mid-season. 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. [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. Because the playing surface is 37 feet below grade, students nicknamed the arena "The Pit," and the nickname stuck. The early departure of Hobson left the Lobos with just one senior again in 201011: Gary led with 14 points and 5.5 assists a game, carrying the young team at times. 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. [74] The Lobos were 101 when they lost to #5 Wake Forest, and 142 when Granger suffered an injury and missed three games, all losses. Alford applied a strict regimen and Giddens responded with a standout senior season, leading the team with 16 points and nine rebounds a game. Mar. Snell paced the offense down the stretch, averaging 18 points a game and leading the Lobos to the MWC tournament championship. [139] The Lobos lost to #13 Stanford in their opener but moved to 103 as Douglas led the way with 18 points a game. 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. Will Webber. [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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Former University of New Mexico point guard Kelvin Scarborough has died. Richard Pitino has been hired as the next head coach of the New Mexico men's basketball program less than 24 hours after Minnesota announced his firing, the program announced on Tuesday. [190] Before the 2017-2018 season started, 10 of the 15 players from the previous season either transferred, left the team, or graduated. The most renowned enduring feature of the Lobo basketball program is its home venue, known as "The Pit", recognized as one of the best college basketball arenas in the country. The Lobos notched wins over Santa Clara and Pepperdine before losing to eventual tournament runner-up St. Louis, finishing the season at 2211. The Lobos attained their first national ranking in the 196465 season, reaching #10 in the AP poll. Former New Mexico Lobo men's basketball standout Rob Robbins, left, and his daughter, Hannah, a rising star on the Arizona prep scene, are shown. UNM lost in the Mountain West Championship quarterfinals to Utah State. They then won 11 of 12, taking the WAC lead into the last month of the season. That may be the way to rationalize what a lot of Lobo men's basketball fans are feeling now. The highlight of the season was a 75-66 win over No. Media Guide 201314, p.91. The Lobos again returned to the NIT, beating Pepperdine and Oregon before losing in the quarter-finals to Ohio State, a team they had beaten earlier in the season, finishing with a 2214 record. Colson later stated that he felt tremendous pressure to push the rules, and knew other coaches who were doing so and succeeding, but his personal integrity kept him from doing so, an attitude appreciated by his players. The Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899, but began its first competitive teams in 1903 and 1906, respectively. [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. In 1957, while still on faculty, Johnson oversaw construction of the 7,800-seat arena that bears his name, Johnson Gymnasium. [106] Shields led the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds, with Smith adding 15, overcoming a foul-plagued game for Thomas. When Ellenberger was fired in December 1979, lead assistant Charlie Harrison was elevated to head coach for the remainder of the season. [126] Gibson finished as Lobo career leader in minutes played. "Bob King Court" was dedicated at formal ceremonies on December1, 1992, the 26th anniversary of the opening of The Pit. [168] They beat #3 BYU in Provo to sweep the regular season series but lost to the Cougars in the conference tournament. Senior Greg Brown, a 57 point guard from Albuquerque High, produced a monumental season, though, leading the Lobos to their first regular season WAC title in 16 years. Lobo starred for the Huskies when they won a national championship in 1995 following an undefeated season and was also an Olympic gold medalist for Team USA in 1996. The four seasons with Kenny Thomas in the line-up was the best stretch by the Lobos to date. They lost in the first round of the conference tournament, however, and were again relegated to the NIT, where they beat Nebraska but lost at Notre Dame, finishing the season 2212. 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. New Mexico joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) as a founding member before King's first season. Ira Harge. Aher Uguak, Damien Jefferson and Vance Jackson all formerly of the UNM program that boasts its players are "Lobos for Life" are each in this week's round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament, as are former assistant coaches Terrence Rencher and Alan Huss. The 197374 Lobos began the season 120, launching them to a #8 ranking. Carlton Bragg Jr. was accused of sexual assault and later arrested for a DWI in January 2020. Lobo basketball first achieved national prominence after Bob King was hired as head coach in 1962. 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.. [223], Sportscaster Mike Roberts was the "Voice of the Lobos" on KKOB radio in Albuquerque from 1966 to 2008, becoming an icon among Lobo fans. [48] "Coop" later became a mainstay of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, winning five NBA championships over a 12-year career. McKay faced a major rebuilding project in 200203 compounded by further dismissals and injuries that cut the team to seven scholarship players. [122][123] Thomas averaged 17 points and nine rebounds, Shields 17 points and seven rebounds, and Long 14. The Lobos, Aggies, and Miners played one another twice every season, home-and-away, and a fierce rivalry grew among them. UTEP was still known as Texas Western at the time, shortly before changing its name in 1967. They lost in the conference tournament but received a berth in the NCAA tournament as a ten-seed facing Virginia. [7][17], University Arena opened in 1966 but was soon nicknamed "The Pit" due to its innovative subterranean design, with the playing floor 37 feet below street level. Lobo is known as the most active advocate for women's basketball. [19] Hardin led the way, averaging 17 points a game, and the team became the highest scoring Lobo squad to date at over 84 points a game. [104], The 199293 Lobos had an experienced core with Williams, Logan, and Jaxon returning as seniors. It was phased out during the '90s but has since become the signature cheer for Lobo fans. Shields again led with 19 points. [91][92] All had been Colson recruits, and Bliss reportedly flew to Australia to secure Longley's return to New Mexico. [70][71] The Lobos opened the season with two losses before beating USC and Washington and winning at #7 UCLA. [118] New Mexico later lost at Utah in a blowout, then lost a close game to the #3 Utes in the WAC tournament. Media Guide 201314, pp.6769,87,94. The 2013 Howl drew over 10,000 fans and featured the introduction of new coach Craig Neal, who entered the arena on his motorcycle. The following 59 pages are in this category, out of 59 total. [204] The building facade was also transformed, adding extensive glasswork and a steel superstructure. [155][160] Versatile JC transfer Darington Hobson joined lone senior Roman Martinez, junior Dairese Gary, and eight sophomores and freshmen. There were a multitude of reasons for this. The current head coach is Richard Pitino Both men's and women's teams play in The Pit, formally known as Dreamstyle Arena, built in 1966. [19] Four starters averaged in double-figures in scoring, led by senior guard Ron Nelson at 19.5 points a game. [23] All five starters averaged in double figures, but the team had little depth and relied heavily on Granger. The success of the Lobos under Bob King led to rapidly growing fan interest. [23] He averaged 16 points and five rebounds a game as a Lobo, also leading the team in assists and steals. 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. 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. 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. [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. Media Guide 201314, p.79. Tributes honoring her memory started forming on social. The other team will have numerous other former Lobos and other players from around New Mexico. Lobo basketball fans will remember Kendall Williams from any number of Lobo highlights throughout his college career. [10] The Lobos won 165 games with Johnson as head basketball coach, a school record for over 30 years and currently third on its all-time list. [221] The noise level of the boisterous fans, the intimacy created by seating extending to the edge of the court, and the elevation contribute to what Coach Dave Bliss termed "a Pit game. The position passed to a few different coaches before Woody Clements took over 194451 and 195355, compiling a record of 113119 (.487). [163], The 201213 Lobo squad was dominated by juniors and sophomores, though all were veteran contributors, including three returning starters. In 1931, Lobo athletic teams began competing in the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association, joining as a founding member along with other regional schools. [65] The team limped to a 622 record. [161] Martinez added 14 points and six rebounds a game, and Gary 13 points and four assists. The Lobos had four starters returning in 1985-86 until Greene was injured in the preseason. The Lobos won the WAC championship, Nelson was named a Helms All-American,[23] and the Lobos earned their first NCAA tournament appearance. [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. Media Guide 201314, pp.67,87. [225] New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson declared May 8, 2008 as "Mike Roberts Appreciation Day" in honor of the sportscaster. In 1962, the Lobos became a founding member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). [23] The #21 Lobos received a five-seed in the NCAA tournament facing Long Beach State. The highlight of the season was a 85-58 win over No. [18] The team began the 196667 season ranked 6th in the country and rose to #5 before winning at #2UTEP, the defending national champion and highest-ranked team New Mexico had ever beaten at that point. [167] He was joined by UCLA transfer Drew Gordon, who averaged 13 points and 10.5 rebounds, and the program's most successful freshman class to date, including starter Kendall Williams who scored 12 points a game. They went to the NIT and beat Bliss-led Baylor and Pepperdine in The Pit before losing at Memphis to finish 2113. Longley finished with 1,729 points, 922 rebounds, and 336 blocks. [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. Greene completed his career as the only Lobo ever to surpass 1,500 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists, and 200 steals, averaging 16 points and six rebounds a game as a Lobo. [52][53] Further JC transfers Jimmy Allen and Will Smiley completed a strong Lobo front line. [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]. [104] The team had relied heavily on three-point shooting, hoisting over 100 more attempts than in any previous season, making 39%. For now, the Lobos have six returning scholarship players in guards Jeremiah Francis, Javonte Johnson and Saquan Singleton; and three forwards in Emmanuel Kuac, Rod Brown and Valdir Manuel. [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. Despite a disappointing WAC campaign, they received a bid to the NIT. Rebecca Lobo is an American television basketball analyst and former women's basketball player in the WNBA from 1997 to 2003. [171] After two early losses, the Lobos won 13 straight en route to a 152 mark. Media Guide 201314, pp.7576,79. The New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team represents the University of New Mexico, competing in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in NCAA Division I. The NCAA investigation into the scandal found 34 violations of recruiting rules, and the Lobo program was placed on probation and banned from post-season appearances for three years. They led the WAC in overall winning percentage over the 17-season span from 1962 to 1979, posting a won-loss record of 328161 (.671). His former players included future National Basketball . [106] White was named All-WAC and Bliss was WAC Coach of the Year; Brown was named All-WAC and WAC Player of the Year. The 7778 team still holds the Lobo record for most steals per game. 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)". Harge later had a successful career in the ABA. "[112][113], The 199495 season was a rebuilding year for the Lobos, who finished 1515 but won six of their last eight games. "[198] Many fans were disappointed and outraged when Roberts was dismissed by KKOB in 2008. 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. 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 were ranked in the top ten for much of the 196768 season, peaking at #4, and they were in the top 20 most of the following season. 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. He established regularly scheduled games against regional colleges, and in 1931 UNM joined the Border Conference as a founding member. The Lobos won the WAC regular season championship in 1964, 1968, 1974, 1978, and 1994, and they won the conference tournament in 1993 and 1996. [63], In their first three seasons under Colson, the Lobos struggled to a 3944 combined record. The team tallied early wins over UCLA, Ohio State, and at Texas before hosting #1 Arizona, led by All-Americans Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr. He played professionally for eight seasons then coached in the NBA for eight more before joining Alford at Iowa. [115] The Lobos were ranked #23 and received a seven-seed to play Kansas State. King transformed a moribund program into a consistent winner and produced future ABA MVP Mel Daniels. The university established basketball as a varsity sport in 1899 and began competing with regional colleges after establishing an athletics department in 1920. His cause of death has not been revealed but Scarborough . [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. [42] Bill Hagins replaced Minniefield, and the team was again dominant inside. UNM finished the season 14-18 and in 7th place in the Mountain West. [91] Smith led with 16 points and seven rebounds in his final game as a Lobo. Former Lobo men's basketball teammate George Scott recalls watching that game-winning dunk by 6-foot-1 Kelvin Scarborough over 6-8 Pat Durham: "Scar caught the ball at the opposite free throw. [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. 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