The design of the arena makes it one of the loudest venues in college basketball, creating a hostile playing environment for visitors. It's a stretch with Thomas I know, but he did move Albuquerque in high school and play for AHS his senior year. The Lobos compete in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in NCAA Division I, joining as a founding member in 1999. ", coupled with a hand gesture emulating a wolf. 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. [7] Basketball was primarily an intramural sport, with occasional games against other schools, including Albuquerque High School, and no regular schedule. [116] Thomas averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds, Long 17 points and 6.5 boards. The tournament upset and departures were disheartening blows for Lobo fans. Road struggles slowed them, however, and despite another strong finish they ended up a game out of the lead. [23] Brown also won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, given to the nation's top senior under six feet tall and gained an All-American Honorable Mention. [30] A week later the Lobos beat #5 Wyoming at The Pit, pushing them to 143 and earning a #19 ranking, their first appearance in the polls since Lobogate. At 259 in a strong WAC, Lobo fans retained hope that New Mexico would gain an at-large berth to the tournament. [145] Discipline trouble and player defections continued into the off-season. 6 Nevada in The Pit. Coach King died on December10, 2004. Ritchie McKay was head coach at New Mexico for five seasons with a record of 8269 (.543) and one NCAA tournament appearance. J.J. Caldwell was also kicked off the team in January because of a domestic violence accusation. Still smarting after last weekend's buzzer-beating loss to San Diego State in a sold-out Pit, the Lobos (20-9, 7-9) are fighting for survival heading into the final two games of the regular . BYU coach Steve Cleveland looks on from the sideline of the BYU-Utah game at the Marriott Center in Provo. Because the playing surface is 37 feet below grade, students nicknamed the arena "The Pit," and the nickname stuck. [93] The Lobos got off to a slow start in 198889, including losses to #11 Arizona and #6 Oklahoma. Gary injured his knee in the game, a sad career end for a four-year starter and steady leader. [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. Phil Abney and Russell Saunders were JC additions; Abney initially backed up Howard but later moved into the starting line-up. [154] They struggled to win against first round opponent Montana, and Hobson injured his wrist and back. 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. The Lobos in 198485 were led by JC transfer forward Johnny Brown (18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game) and senior center George Scott (14 points and 6.6 rebounds),[73] along with a nucleus of sophomores, including guards Hunter Greene and Kelvin Scarborough, who both scored in double figures. 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. [63], In their first three seasons under Colson, the Lobos struggled to a 3944 combined record. New Mexico Lobos men's basketball statistical leaders B Cameron Bairstow Nick Banyard Carlton Bragg Jr. Don Brkovich Greg Brown (basketball, born 1972) Johnny Brown (basketball) C David Chiotti Michael Cooper D Mel Daniels Curtis Dennis Troy DeVries Ruben Douglas E Arthur Edwards (basketball) F Daniel Faris Don Ford Kavossy Franklin G Dairese Gary [202] Noise levels up to 125 decibels have been measured, close to the pain threshold for the human ear. 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. [203] Jim Boeheim, Lute Olson, and Steve Fisher have praised Lobo fans and the exciting atmosphere coaching at The Pit. [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. [149], McKay continued to attract strong transfer players, but discipline issues persisted in 200506. [225] New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson declared May 8, 2008 as "Mike Roberts Appreciation Day" in honor of the sportscaster. The official name of the facilities became Dreamstyle Arena and Dreamstyle Stadium. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Former University of New Mexico point guard Kelvin Scarborough has died. 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. [12] The Lobos won as many games in his first two seasons as in the previous seven combined and went 11644 (.725) over his first six seasons. The 199091 Lobos were again led by Longley averaging 19.1 points and 9.2 rebounds a game, with Robbins adding 14 points a game. [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. It was phased out during the '90s but has since become the signature cheer for Lobo fans. The Lobos jumped out to a 259 lead before the Wildcats chiseled away at the lead, cutting it to two late in the game. [88] Colson's teams had gone 10762 (.633) in his last five seasons, but his failure to win the conference or to make the NCAA tournament were common criticisms. [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). The success of the program continued after King departed, winning WAC titles in 1974, 1978, and 1994, winning the conference tournament in 1993 and 1996, and regularly earning post-season tournament bids. Scarborough (at 3rd) and Greene (tied for 4th) also remain among the all-time leaders for minutes played in a season. The Lobos, Aggies, and Miners played one another twice every season, home-and-away, and a fierce rivalry grew among them. [55] The team finally broke through, winning another exciting game at UNLV, beginning a string of nine wins in its last ten games. Media Guide 201314, pp.65,116. Topic starter. 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. [52][53] Further JC transfers Jimmy Allen and Will Smiley completed a strong Lobo front line. Elliott had an opportunity to put Arizona in the lead with a three-pointer with seconds remaining, but Greene blocked the shot to seal the win, the only time the Lobos have beaten a #1-ranked opponent. [142][148] They won 12 of 13 after Granger returned, however, winning the MWC tournament final over #15 Utah and receiving a 12-seed in the NCAA tournament. [190] Before the 2017-2018 season started, 10 of the 15 players from the previous season either transferred, left the team, or graduated. [29][45] Attendance at The Pit surged to its best ever, a trend that would continue throughout the Ellenberger years, regularly earning placement among the top five in the nation. Media Guide 201314, pp.67,73,87. [115] The young Lobo squad jumped out to a 100 start and a #25 ranking before losing a pair of league road games. 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 success of the Lobos under Bob King led to rapidly growing fan interest. Senior Ruben Douglas was the lone offensive threat and became the only Lobo ever to lead the nation in scoring, averaging 28 points a game. [35] The 197576 team improved to 1611 with a largely mercenary squad of JC transfers who would later quit the team before the end of the season. [89] Knight acknowledged that he had seriously considered the offer but eventually declined, stating that he did not have the energy that would be required. [23] All five starters averaged in double figures, but the team had little depth and relied heavily on Granger. He also holds the team record for assists in a game (21). During his nearly 40 years at UNM, Johnson coached every men's sport the school offered, while teaching physical education. The Lobos have appeared in 19 National Invitation Tournaments with a combined record of 1820. They again finished strong, winning nine of their last eleven, including four of five on the road. [155][160] Versatile JC transfer Darington Hobson joined lone senior Roman Martinez, junior Dairese Gary, and eight sophomores and freshmen. [147] The young squad showed promising signs early but struggled in conference to finish 1414. In 1976, he recruited future NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird to ISU, where he led the Sycamores to a 4812 record in his first two seasons. McKay faced a major rebuilding project in 200203 compounded by further dismissals and injuries that cut the team to seven scholarship players. [41] In late February the Lobos were 213, ranked #15, and leading the WAC, before losing their last two games and finishing second in conference. [164] Martinez was honored as an Academic All-American and received the NCAA Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award for outstanding character, leadership, integrity, and talent.[165][166]. Longley finished with 1,729 points, 922 rebounds, and 336 blocks. Lobo, at 6'4", played the center position for much of her career. Gordon had 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Williams added 16 with two late baskets to seal the win. 25The Sweet 16 thus far remains elusive to Lobo basketball. They compiled a 10230 (.772) record while making the NCAA tournament and winning in the first round all four years. [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. The team entered the year #18 and would remain ranked throughout the next three seasons. The position passed to a few different coaches before Woody Clements took over 194451 and 195355, compiling a record of 113119 (.487). [91][92] Deciding it was time to move on, Bliss resigned and accepted the head coach position at Baylor, reportedly more than doubling his UNM salary. [108] The Lobos started 112, with both losses to New Mexico State in close, exciting games. They were upset in the first round by unranked Cal State Fullerton, however, in another disappointing tournament performance. 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. 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. [68] The callow Lobo squad led for much of the game, encouraged by a delirious crowd at The Pit. Roberts noted the noise level in The Pit as a challenge for a broadcaster: "There were a lot of times when I knew I was calling the game because my lips were moving, but I couldn't hear a thing I said. The Lobo basketball programs were established in 1899, but began its first competitive teams in 1903 and 1906, respectively. Feb. 28Whatever happens next week in Las Vegas at the Mountain West Tournament and beyond, Lobo seniors Morris Udeze and Jaelen House made sure the final regular season impression their fans would have of them in the Pit would be a memorable one. [40] They spent about half of the 196667 season in the top six nationally, reaching #3, their highest ranking ever. Fran Fraschilla coached at New Mexico for three seasons, compiling a 5541 (.572) record with three NIT appearances. The Lobos compiled a 2214 record in WAC conference tournaments, reaching the final six times and winning the championship twice. UNM released a statement on February 26, 2021, they will part ways with Weir at the end of the 202021 season. When Ellenberger was fired in December 1979, lead assistant Charlie Harrison was elevated to head coach for the remainder of the season. 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. Greene returned to average 21 points and six rebounds a game, while Scarborough added 19 points and six assists. Attendance doubled, Johnson Gym was soon selling out, and plans for a larger arena began to be developed. The team began 92 with an upset over #8 Wichita State but wilted in league play, going 412 and finishing 1517. [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. 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