2011-2012 New Mexico Lobos Basketball Preview

New Mexico Lobos - Mountain West Conference

2010-11: 22-13, 8-8

2010-11 postseason: NIT

Coach: Steve Alford (98-39 at New Mexico, 406-222 overall)  

New Mexico struggled in Mountain West Conference play, ending with an 8-8 record. The result was a trip to the NIT and a team that just could not keep up with the likes of BYU, San Diego State and UNLV. But the Lobos have the talent to go from the middle of the pack to the top in 2011-2012. Drew Gordon, last year’s conference newcomer of the year after transferring from UCLA, is back to dominate the competition. The 6-9 senior averaged 13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. A year in the system should only make him better and as long as the rest of the team knows to work through their big man in the paint, New Mexico’s offense will be tough to stop.

Who’s Out:

The loss of Dairese Gary is a concern. He led the team with 14.1 points and 5.5 assists during his senior season. Gary was the catalyst on both ends of the floor and, on a team that often went 11 deep, he rarely spent time on the bench. However, there are some quality players ready to step up and fill the void. The only other losses are Emmanuel Negedu and Curtis Dennis. Both were decent role-players when available, but they each appeared in a mere ten games, so their absence is nothing new to Coach Steve Alford and company.

Who’s In:

The backcourt gets a nice boost with the addition of Demetrius Walker, Hugh Greenwood, Dominique Dunning and Kory Alford. Walker and Greenwood are the two who are expected to make an immediate impact. Walker, a transfer from Arizona State, had a decent freshman campaign with the Sun Devils before transferring to UNM. After sitting out last season, the prep star is ready for a fresh start and to make a big splash in the Mountain West. Greenwood is from the famed Australian Institute of Sport and is a superb shooter who can fill up the scoring column in a hurry. At 6-3, he has the size to finish around the basket and if he does not find a spot in the starting lineup, Greenwood will make a great sixth man who can provide instant offense off of the bench.

Final Projection:

A.J. Hardeman spent most of last season starting beside Gordon. The 6-8 senior is an experienced player who can do plenty of scoring in the paint and help out on the glass. Having a quality player like Hardeman in the frontcourt takes a lot of pressure off of Gordon. Even if Gordon is struggling, Hardeman can step in and score. Alex Kirk started 21 games last season and played very well for a freshman. The 6-11, 242 pound center is an interesting prospect who can step outside and hit the long ball, but not forget about his rebounding duties on either end of the floor. He will likely provide depth off of the bench this season, but his starting experience from last year should have Kirk ready to make a big jump in production if he can overcome an offseason injury. With players like Cameron Bairstow adding even more frontcourt depth, few teams in the conference will be able to match the big men of New Mexico. As long as the guards play under control and remember to feed the talented forwards, this is a team that can do a lot more than just make the NCAA Tournament.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

• Kendall Williams, Sophomore, Guard, 11.6 points per game

• Demetrius Walker, Sophomore, Guard, DNP last season

• Phillip McDonald, Senior, Guard, 10.9 points per game

• A.J. Hardeman, Senior, Forward, 7.6 points per game

• Drew Gordon, Senior, Forward, 13.0 points per game

By Joel Welser courtesy of www.CollegeSportsMadness.com
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Basketball Writer

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