Hobson still wants to be a Lobo...

[loborick]

UNM Men's Basketball: Lobos recruit signs on with junior college
By Iliana Limón (Contact)
Thursday, September 6, 2007


Top-shelf men's basketball recruit Darrington Hobson still wants to be a Lobo.

Hobson, who could not gain approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse to enroll on an athletics scholarship at the University of New Mexico, has enrolled at the College of Eastern Utah.

"He is here right now, but he still wants to play for the Lobos," Eastern Utah coach Chris Craig said. "He loves the staff there, and he loves the city. Obviously, he had good reason for wanting to go there in the first place."

Hobson is a 6-foot-7, 180-pound guard who was the gem of first-year coach Steve Alford's 2007 recruiting class. He hails from Las Vegas, Nev., but attended four high schools.

The movement raised red flags for the NCAA Clearinghouse, which scrutinized his records to make sure Hobson earned all his credits legitimately. The review prevented Hobson from enrolling in time to be eligible for the fall semester.

While fans suffered wondering what was keeping Hobson off the roster, junior college coaches were courting him heavily.

"A lot of junior colleges knew Darrington's situation and were aware all along he might not qualify," said Craig, who is a former Texas-El Paso standout who led the 2003-04 Miners to the NCAA Tournament.

Craig was close to Alan Huss, the coach at Decatur Christian in Illinois where Hobson spent his senior year. Eastern Utah also had Hobson's cousin on the roster.

"I think he felt comfortable with us and knew we'd take care of him," Craig said. "And he also really liked the idea of playing with his cousin."

With Hobson enrolling in junior college, he now has to earn his associate's degree before he can enroll at a Division I school. His move to junior college also eliminates any obligation to attend UNM and leaves him free to choose any other four-year college once he qualifies academically.

"I have no selfish agenda. I want him to get to New Mexico," Craig said. "We are trying to work something out where he could graduate as quickly as possible and continue to play."

Craig's tentative plan calls for Hobson to take an accelerated course load and complete his associate's degree by December 2008 in time to join the Lobos during the second half of next season.

Hobson's coach relates to his plight.

Craig attended junior college before heading to UTEP and at age 26 is the youngest men's basketball coach in the country.

He has no qualms about helping a player join the Lobos, the rivals of his old team.

"I had two amazing years at UTEP, but we didn't play New Mexico during that time," he said. "Our biggest rival was New Mexico State. I want what's best for Darrington, and I want him to be happy. I didn't play New Mexico, but I know enough about the school and the fans to understand I need to help get him there."


http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/sep/06/unm-mens-basketball-lobos-recruit-signs-junior-col/?lobozone-story-detail=1/

[Mark]

Thanks Rick and thanks for using the Icon!

[loborick]

Thanks Rick and thanks for using the Icon!

Where's my reps? LOL!

[LIDOakaLJT]

Oh, so now he's trying to go through an accelerated program to get here in '08....hhmmmm. This is going to be interesting as there may be zero schollies available..... The fact that the HC at this JC is close to Huss tells me that the probability of Hobson stringing us along and then heading to UNLV is high. What do the rest of you think???


GO LOBOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LoboMike]

Interesting. His new coach sounds like a real classy guy, with no agenda except to help the kid. Not sure how much interest UNM still has, but we'll see.

[LoBo LoCo]

If there is space and he can qualify...I'd take him. He's a tremendous talent but I won't hold my breath. There are other big fish to fry!

[loborick]

We'll just have to see how things are, scholarship wise, when and if he does qualify.

[Loboexpat]

Interesting how opinions have turned...if he qualifies and wants to be a Lobo he's more than welcome to join the Lobo family as far as I'm concerned. If a schollie is available or opens up and he wants to come, I think he'd still be a great addition to the team. His skills at that size would be a great asset. A year or two of juco ball and development might help him in the long run.

Best of luck to Hobson and I still hope to see him in Lobo red.

[LoBo LoCo]

UNM Men's Basketball: Lobos recruit signs on with junior college
By Iliana Limón (Contact)
Thursday, September 6, 2007

Craig attended junior college before heading to UTEP and at age 26 is the youngest men's basketball coach in the country.

He has no qualms about helping a player join the Lobos, the rivals of his old team.

"I had two amazing years at UTEP, but we didn't play New Mexico during that time," he said. "Our biggest rival was New Mexico State. I want what's best for Darrington, and I want him to be happy. I didn't play New Mexico, but I know enough about the school and the fans to understand I need to help get him there."


http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/sep/06/unm-mens-basketball-lobos-recruit-signs-junior-col/?lobozone-story-detail=1/


You gotta love Iliana asking the tough questions...about him helping a UTEP rival out. Not many journalists think of such questions on the whim.

[Loboexpat]

Where's my reps? LOL!


You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Loborick again.

:nerdy

[Burro lobo]

OK rick I sent you one, you deserved it, glad to be your first!!

[loborick]

OK rick I sent you one, you deserved it, glad to be your first!!


Wow, Burro. I don't know how to break this to you...

[LoBo LoCo]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Loborick again.

So when does it reset itself and you can rep people multiple times??? I'm confused.

[Burro lobo]

ERRRRRR......that was your first rep....cabron!!

[LoboMike]

I doubt UNM will have a scholarship available next December if he is able to transfer at that time. He's got a lot of work ahead of him to even get to that point, though. My guess is that he still does the full two years at juco.

[badger77]

That’s a pretty good read Mike. Whether Hobson can get though an accelerated program or not, it’s in Alford’s best interest to get his team on the floor as quickly as possible.

[LoboEddie]

IF he joins us in december of 08, doesnt that schollie come from the 09 Class? That happend to Granger as well, when he started here in the spring, his schollie came from the following years class.

Im not holding my breath. His recruitment will open up again really hard.

[LoboEddie]

Again, does he really still want to play for the Lobos? Remember, this is his coach talking to a New Mexico reporter.

If hobson wanted it so bad, he would have turned in his paperwork on time.

[Roob]

[QUOTE]Again, does he really still want to play for the Lobos? Remember, this is his coach talking to a New Mexico reporter.
QUOTE]

I had the same thought Eddie. I remember Rotnei talking to the local reporter and telling the reporter what the local audience wanted to hear. I wouldn't put too much stock in what the former UTEP player says about his own personal motivations to help Darrington get to UNM.

[zoom]

why doubt what was said...it is what it is and that's what they say...if he can handles an excellerated load and be available, scholarships always open up...seems like many of you have decided he's a bad guy.

[judas_priest]

It's easy to say what you want to do. It's not so easy to translate that wish into the actions necessary to make it happen.

But I have a question. Whoat happens if the NCAA clearinghouse qualifies him? I believe, but am not certain, that as a qualifier he would then be eligible to transfer to Div I at any time - even without the AA degree. Does naybody know if that is so? Or has the NCAA stopped processing him oncehe enrolled at a JC?

[zoom]

why would taking classes at a juco or tvi for that matter preclude him from enrolling at unm if he becomes a qualifier at any time? any other qualifier can transfer after one year, why couldn't hobson? why would he withdraw his application with the ncaa for clearance?

[Garishwolf]

Thanks RICKo, good stuff, hit you with 5 stars, cabron. lol:>

[LoboMike]

IF he joins us in december of 08, doesnt that schollie come from the 09 Class? That happend to Granger as well, when he started here in the spring, his schollie came from the following years class.

Im not holding my breath. His recruitment will open up again really hard.

Nope. UNM would have to have a scholarship open at the time he arrives in order for him to get one, i.e. less than 13 scholarship guys on the team during that season. UNM had one open when Granger arrived. You are thinking about the 5/8 rule that was in place at that time. His counted toward that rule for the following year because he arrived mid-year. Since that rule in no longer in place, that does not matter. You can still have no more than 13 players on scholarship at a given them.

[PHILLY_1982]

I think it would be wise to chalk DH as a loss at htis time.
He obviously has alot of work, ahead of him. Let's cross that bridge when we get there.

For all we know, he could tear it up in JC, and could be courted by some big time schools. His loyalty will be tested.

If he later becomes a Lobo, that's great. If not, that's ok too. SA and staff are recruiting some great players.

[Yakkacat25]

I think it would be wise to chalk DH as a loss at htis time.
He obviously has alot of work, ahead of him. Let's cross that bridge when we get there.

For all we know, he could tear it up in JC, and could be courted by some big time schools. His loyalty will be tested.

If he later becomes a Lobo, that's great. If not, that's ok too. SA and staff are recruiting some great players.

I agree with the first two lines in you're post. But Darrington Hobson is as talented as the other players being recruited. There's a reason why Hobson comes so highly touted Philly. A player of Hobson's Caliber doesn't come around everyday...what he can do with the ball and his passing is rare in 6'7 Frame!

[LoboEddie]

ah, LoboMike, you are right, i guess i was thinking of the 5/8 rule.

I wouldnt count on Alford having a schollie open in Dec of 08. Like Philly said, Lets just chalk this up as a loss, and if Hobson was still interested in us for 09, then we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

[badger77]

Whatever happens, you've still got Huss whispering in his ear. UNLV.

[Mark]

Whatever happens, you've still got Huss whispering in his ear. UNLV.
I prefer *uss. Sorry, I hear hes just that.:angry:

[yooperlobo]

I love the article by Iliana, and what the coach is saying, but.... I now find it difficult to believe that Darrington will ever be a Lobo.

[LaVidaLobo]

I would say it's probably at least 90% likely Hobson will NEVER wear a Lobos uni.

His coach wants to accelerate his schooling and get him qualified? That's fine and all, but this is the same kid who was too lazy to turn in his paperwork on time in the first place. I doubt he finishes early and if he does, the Lobos probably have already replaced his schollie with someone else, or he changes his mind about coming here. Either way, he's gone IMO.

[Yakkacat25]

I would say it's probably at least 90% likely Hobson will NEVER wear a Lobos uni.

His coach wants to accelerate his schooling and get him qualified? That's fine and all, but this is the same kid who was too lazy to turn in his paperwork on time in the first place. I doubt he finishes early and if he does, the Lobos probably have already replaced his schollie with someone else, or he changes his mind about coming here. Either way, he's gone IMO.

I'll wait and see what happens. Guessing what percentage he's likely not to be at UNM is fine and good if you're that sure. You'd be amazed on the right person that can guide kids in the right direction and motivate them. If Hobson wants to be a Lobo really bad he'll get the coursework done in due time!

[zoom]

we don't know the circumstances of this whole event, so LAZY may not be correct and MIGHT not be appropriate in this case.

[loborick]

We'll just see what happens. We can't predict the circumstances that will be at that time. I'm not going to lose sleep over it (especially with my meds!).

[Roob]

We'll just see what happens. We can't predict the circumstances that will be at that time. I'm not going to lose sleep over it (especially with my meds!).

Are you feeling "Am Bien" again?

[EPluribusUNM]

My guess is that he's feeling like the old Chevrolet. "No va"

[Bloo]

I'm like everyone else taking a wait and see approach.

IF, and that's a big IF... IF he can take the accelerated route AND he still wants to be a Lobo AND we have the schollie to give, I'll embrace him as I would any Lobo. He'll have to work his butt off to do the accelerated route, and that would erase any doubts about whether he's lazy IF that were to happen.

[LoBo LoCo]

In Spanish there is a saying..."Haga mas el que quiere que el que puede." Translation... someone who wants it more... will do more than the the person who has the talent , resources, or tools do it. Some kids learn it right away, some kids it takes a while, some never learn it. Maybe Hobson will attain the desire to go along with the talent.

[judas_priest]

why would taking classes at a juco or tvi for that matter preclude him from enrolling at unm if he becomes a qualifier at any time? any other qualifier can transfer after one year, why couldn't hobson? why would he withdraw his application with the ncaa for clearance?

I didn't say he might have withdrawn his application. I was suggesting that the NCAA may have a policy that stops processing once they learn that the student in question has enrolled in a JC.
Whether it does, I don't know. It strikes me as silly, but then, this is the NCAA, afterall.
:rolleyes:

[LaVidaLobo]

I'll wait and see what happens. Guessing what percentage he's likely not to be at UNM is fine and good if you're that sure. You'd be amazed on the right person that can guide kids in the right direction and motivate them. If Hobson wants to be a Lobo really bad he'll get the coursework done in due time!

I understand where you are coming from, and really the wait and see approach is the way to go. I just don't have much confidence that the Hobson thing will work out. I see it sort of the same way the Babb situation rolled out. The coaches have to move on with the players that are here, and if there are ones that are not going to be a certainty, then they have to make other plans. I was looking at it more from the coaches perspective than Hobson's. I just think this staff is able to recruit at a high level and probably don't want to leave a scholarship in limbo on the off chance Hobson can play eventually, but hey I've been wrong before, so I am hardly guaranteeing my 90% prediction. It's just an opinion I have right now.

[loborick]

I don't think they'll be holding back a scholarship. Like I said before, it depends on the circumstances at the time. Someone may leave the team or a recruit back out...or not. In that case we just go forward. This really isn't worth worrying about.

[Roob]

I don't think they'll be holding back a scholarship. Like I said before, it depends on the circumstances at the time. Someone may leave the team or a recruit back out...or not. In that case we just go forward. This really isn't worth worrying about.


And in today's journal it sounds like Nate Garth, Point Guard from Dallas, is back in the mix. He would be eligible to play in December cause he graduates early from High School. If you pick him up, you've got Gary and Garth at the point and then you're recruiting another PG Jamal Fenton from the next class. So who knows what positions we'll be recruiting when Hobson is eligible to join. Not trying to knock the kid (Hobson) - he's an incredible talent from everything I've heard. It's just that it's hard to predict what our needs will be 2 years down the road and it's hard to predict Hobson's success in school and whether he remains interested only in the Lobo's for the next 2 years.

[rrlobo]

It seems like most JC players that previously signed LOIs with a DI school during high school end up choosing another DI school after their 2 years in JC. In fact, I can't remember anyone that has ended up going to the same school they chose after high school. I hope that Hobson does end up a LOBO but I wont hold my breath.
On another note, if Monquel Pegues can complete 15-18 credits over the summer, then Hobson could probably get his AA in 1.5 years. Who knows?
Finally, I wish Darrington the best of luck. It is time to move on.

[Roob]

Good point RR. I harbor no ill feelings towards the kid. If he somehow ends up at UNM, I will be thrilled. I was just assessing the odds of his coming here 2 years from now - meant nothing negative toward the young man. Best of luck to him wherever he goes.