JoeF

Here is my preview of New Mexico. Their web site isn't the greatest so this is less detailed than some. I couldn't find any listing of last years complete stats. Does anyone know the status of Shelton Colwell, a JC transfer from Des Moines Area CC? He is listed on the 02-03 prospectus but not the roster. He could make a huge difference if he is playing for them. If anyone has any more info on UNM please PM me or post it.

Coach - New coach Ritchie McKay is UNM’s third coach in the last five years and is taking on a program in turmoil. The 36-year-old McKay is entering his seventh season as a head coach with a career record of 83-89. He was successful at Colorado State previously.

Key Losses
Patrick Dennehy (transferred to Baylor) - leading rebounder
Moustapha Diagne - I don't remember him but UNM lists him as a key loss.
Cody Payne - knee injury.
Tim Lightfoot - guard who provided shooting and offense off bench.

Key Returning Players
Ruben Douglas - 6-4 200 senior guard. Douglas was 1st team all-conference a year ago and this year is a legitimate MWC POY and All-America candidate. He averaged an 18.1 ppg(#1), 4.5 RPG, 44.9 3pt%(#2) and 83.4 FT%(#5) in 2001-02. He almost single-handedly carried the Lobos down the stretch, when he averaged 27.3 ppg in the final six games of the season. He is explosive offensive player who can also pass.

Senque Carey - 6-4 200 senior point guard. He played in 30 games and started the final 16 games. Carey averaged 3.17 APG(#6). He was a steady leader on the floor but not the potent scorer UNM expected. He was just 1-25 from three-point range in conference play and averaged 5.8 ppg, however he did show signs of improvement toward the end when he averaged 11.0 ppg and shot 3-9 from downtown during the postseason. He will need to step up his offense and help Douglas.

Other Returning Players
Jamaal Williams - 6-6 220 sophomore forward. Williams had an impressive 01-02 freshman year despite being hampered by injury and being undersized at the four. He averaged 7.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg(11th) and 51.9 FG%(6th). He was the most productive player off the UNM bench. He needs to improve his defense and his 38 FT%. Jamaal may be the most talented young player we have in our program, said McKay. He is tremendously versatile and can score in a variety of ways.

Chad Bell - 6-11 230 sophomore center. Bell began the year as the second coming of Luc Longley, UNM’s career-leader in blocked shots. Bell averaged 6.2 ppg and 2.0 blocks per game in the first 11 contests of the season, but fell to just 1.2 ppg and 1.0 bpg the rest of the year. He has natural shot-blocking instincts and a soft touch. He needs to get a little stronger, particularily in the lower body in order to bang with the big boys.

Ryan Ashcraft - 6-2 175 junior guard. Ashcroft is walk-on who was awarded a scholarship by McKay prior to the season. He is probably the quickest player on the team. He played just 23 minutes in 10 games last season but as a practice player was recognized as the hardest-worker on the team. Ashcraft will get the chance to see game minutes this season. McKay even hinted at the possibility of a starting role for Ashcraft. Ryan is one of those guys that you might not pay a lot of attention to in the scouting report, but when you look at the stat sheet, he could make a big difference, said McKay. He has a lot of intangibles, making the extra pass, screening so his teammate gets open, taking advantage of defenders that don’t respect him. People will be surprised at how much he plays for us.

Key Newcomers
Javin Tindall - 5-11 175 junior point guard transferred from Redlands CC in El Reno, Okla. Tindall averaged 18.5 ppg and 8.4 apg and was a junior college All-American last season. A lightning quick ball-handler, he may challenging Carey for the starting point guard spot and will be counted on to pick up some of the scoring slack from the departed players like Lightfoot.

Michael McCowan - 6-7, 245 pounds sophomore forward who transferred from Northeastern JC in Sterling, Colo. McCowan averaged 8.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg as a freshman last year. He will provide some needed muscle to the Lobo rebounding game.

Shelton Colwell - Colwell comes to UNM from Des Moines Area CC. He was a Division II junior college All-America averaging 17.5 ppg and 11.1 rpg last season. He set a school record with 121 blocks in 2001-02. He didn't play HS basketball and is still learning the game. Colwell is a potential starter at power forward, and his size and athleticism will make him tough to deal with for opposing defenders. He was shown on 01-03 prospectus but not on the official roster. Anyone have any idea what is going on with him.

David Chiotti - 6-9 250 True freshman Chiotti is a hard worker who should see plenty of playing time as a rookie, due to his toughness and maturity.

Other Newcomers
Mark Walters - 6-2, 195 pounds redshirt freshman G. Walters is a strong, quick, incredibly athletic guard and may be the best leaper on the team. He is a tireless defender who worked very hard on his game last season. He will see limited action behind Carey and Douglas.

Mikal Monette - 6-6 210 freshman walk-on forward.

Jeff Hart - 6-1 170 freshman guard

Conclusions
This will be a down year for New Mexico. They have no depth up front and will be undersized against most teams. They have Ruben Douglas, Senque Carey and lots of unproven inexperienced talent. They will go as far as Douglas and Carey can carry them. They will compete and if you overlook them they can beat most anyone. I expect them to be around .500 overall and in conference. I expect them to finish 5-7, most likely 7 in the conference.

JoeF

JoeF

JoeF

JoeF