ZANE JOHNSON

[Yakkacat25]

Former Arizona Wildcat has decided to transfer to Hawaii over UNM and BYU. Zane took a visit to Honolulu this past weekend. Zane did not take any recruiting visits to UNM or BYU. It should come as no suprise to UNM fans I'm sure. I did not get the impression that UNM had any room for him without him walking on.

[NMStorm]

Did UNM offer him? The comment "over UNM" implies that he had a choice of Hawaii and UNM and he chose Hawaii or was the choice to walk-on to UNM or go on scholy to Hawaii?

[Yakkacat25]

Did UNM offer him? The comment "over UNM" implies that he had a choice of Hawaii and UNM and he chose Hawaii or was the choice to walk-on to UNM or go on scholy to Hawaii?

I was told UNM and BYU had interest in bringing Zane in. Whether it was his choice to walk-on or not is another story. Ultimately Hawaii was a better fit for Zane at this present time...is how it was explained to me. That's why I said it really should not come as any suprise to UNM fans.

[NMStorm]

I was told UNM and BYU had interest in bringing Zane in. Whether it was his choice to walk-on or not is another story. Ultimately Hawaii was a better fit for Zane at this present time...is how it was explained to me. That's why I said it really should not come as any suprise to UNM fans.

Thank you.

[LoboMike]

I doubt UNM offered. Alford is not into transfers.

[LoboColo]

I will say I'm glad he didn't end up at BYU. I didn't want to see him making 3-point shots against the Lobos.

By the way can we get a thread going looking at the other teams in the MWC.

I'd like to know more about who's coming in, leaving and how things are shaping up at the other schools, and folks opinions about them.

Everyone says UNLV and SDSU loaded up. I'd like to know more, because I think we're in better shape than either of them.

They are both going to be very young at guard, and we'll have a lot more experience at that position. We'll be young, but most of are youth will be at post, and Rusher will essentially be a 21-y-o freshman.

Also more about Utah, BYU. Especially Utah: I think they're headed for a major fall in conference, but would like to know more.

[LoboMike]

I will say I'm glad he didn't end up at BYU. I didn't want to see him making 3-point shots against the Lobos.

By the way can we get a thread going looking at the other teams in the MWC.

I'd like to know more about who's coming in, leaving and how things are shaping up at the other schools, and folks opinions about them.

Everyone says UNLV and SDSU loaded up. I'd like to know more, because I think we're in better shape than either of them.

They are both going to be very young at guard, and we'll have a lot more experience at that position. We'll be young, but most of are youth will be at post, and Rusher will essentially be a 21-y-o freshman.

Also more about Utah, BYU. Especially Utah: I think they're headed for a major fall in conference, but would like to know more.

We'll probably still have to face Johnson, as I believe Hawaii makes a return trip to the Pit in a couple of years.

SDSU and UNLV will have a lot of talent, but SDSU will be real young and trying to integrate a bunch of new guys. UNLV has some headcases (not a surprise with so many transfers) and still has issues up front. Kruger can coach, but you don't know how all those personalities will mesh. It didn't work last season. I think UNM has the best combination of talent, experience and coaching of the three right now. Our depth is also pretty darn good. Consider that Nate Garth may be the most talented PG in the entire conference and may not even start for us. The keys as far as new guys are Hobson and Rusher, but those are two immensely talented players who aren't exactly spring chickens. There will be an adjustment period, but you have to believe that Alford and Co. will get a lot out of them. Also look for big improvement from guys like McDonald, Brown and Hardeman and we have proven leadership in Martinez and Gary.

BYU has to be the favorite with so much coming back. I would consider us #2 at this time. Utah is definitely set up for a step back considering all they lost.

Right now, I think the early picks would be like this:

1. BYU
2. UNM
3. UNLV
4. SDSU
5. Utah

[LoboColo]

We'll probably still have to face Johnson, as I believe Hawaii makes a return trip to the Pit in a couple of years.

SDSU and UNLV will have a lot of talent, but SDSU will be real young and trying to integrate a bunch of new guys. UNLV has some headcases (not a surprise with so many transfers) and still has issues up front. Kruger can coach, but you don't know how all those personalities will mesh. It didn't work last season. I think UNM has the best combination of talent, experience and coaching of the three right now. Our depth is also pretty darn good. Consider that Nate Garth may be the most talented PG in the entire conference and may not even start for us. The keys as far as new guys are Hobson and Rusher, but those are two immensely talented players who aren't exactly spring chickens. There will be an adjustment period, but you have to believe that Alford and Co. will get a lot out of them. Also look for big improvement from guys like McDonald, Brown and Hardeman and we have proven leadership in Martinez and Gary.

BYU has to be the favorite with so much coming back. I would consider us #2 at this time. Utah is definitely set up for a step back considering all they lost.

Right now, I think the early picks would be like this:

1. BYU
2. UNM
3. UNLV
4. SDSU
5. Utah

Wyoming I think will pass Utah for 5th, but they also lose their guards.
I think we have the team to take BYU with what they have coming back. Not sure about their returning missionaries. I don't think their recruits will be of any help next year.