808LOBO
09-13-2007, 06:19 AM
Faris Is Starting to Feel Fit Again Recruiting Gains Noticed Nationally
By Mark Smith
Journal Staff Writer
Granted, it was the offseason. But University of New Mexico men's basketball player Daniel Faris was abnormally unfit.
Or so he thought.
"After every workout, I would be dead," said the 6-foot-9 Faris. "I just thought I was really out of shape."
The problems began in mid-July and worsened the next three weeks. Not only did the junior post lose his energy, he also lost his appetite.
His weight dropped from about 243 pounds to 229.
"I didn't feel like eating anything," he said. "All I wanted to do was sleep. I was taking about four naps a day."
Faris, a standout student, had two summer school classes as well and said it was a chore getting through them. Finally, he went to the UNM trainers.
"Turns out, I had mononucleosis," Faris said. "They kept me out of workouts for about a week and a half, then I started gradually working back. It didn't get as bad for me as it does for a lot of people. I'm really lucky I didn't ruin a kidney."
Faris, who is projected to be a starter this season, said he's putting the weight back on and is around 239 pounds.
"I'm feeling a lot better. My legs are a little sore, but I'm in good shape again and I'm getting ready for the season."
UNM coach Steve Alford says that Faris' bout with mono "set him back about three weeks. Despite that, he seems like he is stronger. ... He has really improved offensively and, just like the rest of the team, he has to improve defensively."
WALKER ON SUNSHINE: Jerry Meyer, national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said the new coaching staff has put UNM on the national recruiting map.
On Tuesday, high school star Phillip McDonald of Cypress Springs, Texas, became the latest highly recruited player to commit to the Lobos.
"Obviously, the big story is the hiring of (UNM assistant) Chris Walker," Meyer said Wednesday. "Houston, where Walker coached (the T-Mac All-Stars), is up there with any city in the country as far as producing basketball talent. His connections are making a huge impact."
The Lobos also have commitments from Curtis Dennis, Isaiah Rusher and Will Brown, all highly rated recruits who played AAU ball in the Houston area. Kem Nweke, a freshman at UNM, played in Houston as well.
All five players named Walker as a main reason for choosing UNM.
"Walker has been doing more than just coaching," Meyer said. "He's running camps and getting to know all the prospects in the area. These guys can play. McDonald is a top-100 player and Brown is close to the top 100, if not in it."
When Walker was hired by Steve Alford in August, it opened the door to the prize recruits. But it's one thing to open doors— as a number of former Lobo assistants did— yet another to get players through those doors.
"That's a great point," Meyer says. "It's one thing to get on the list, but another to seal the deal. But I'm not surprised that this staff has been able to do it. Steve Alford is such a well- known name. (Assistant) Craig Neal has personality, is a good recruiter and knows the ropes.
"The playing background for Alford, Neal and Walker, who played at Villanova, really speaks to the kids. They are looking for guys they can relate to.
"What's most interesting, is that it's coming on the heels of New Mexico State's recruiting. It looks like the state is really heating up."
GOLF EVENT: Alford will host a golf tournament Oct. 2 at Four Hills Country Club. The four-person scramble has morning and afternoon flights, with the coaching staff and players scheduled to attend.
Alford will be on one of the greens, putting and taking photos with each team.
"This is something I have done everywhere I have been," said the first-year Lobo coach. "It is a chance for Lobo fans to have a day on the golf course with the Lobo basketball team. ... It is an opportunity for us to get out and meet the fans. It is also beneficial for our program."
Entry fee is $600 per team, which includes greens fees, cart, lunch, and an awards dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse.
For further information, call (505) 925-5751 or visit golobos.com.
http://www.abqjournal.com/sports/593890sports09-13-07.htm
By Mark Smith
Journal Staff Writer
Granted, it was the offseason. But University of New Mexico men's basketball player Daniel Faris was abnormally unfit.
Or so he thought.
"After every workout, I would be dead," said the 6-foot-9 Faris. "I just thought I was really out of shape."
The problems began in mid-July and worsened the next three weeks. Not only did the junior post lose his energy, he also lost his appetite.
His weight dropped from about 243 pounds to 229.
"I didn't feel like eating anything," he said. "All I wanted to do was sleep. I was taking about four naps a day."
Faris, a standout student, had two summer school classes as well and said it was a chore getting through them. Finally, he went to the UNM trainers.
"Turns out, I had mononucleosis," Faris said. "They kept me out of workouts for about a week and a half, then I started gradually working back. It didn't get as bad for me as it does for a lot of people. I'm really lucky I didn't ruin a kidney."
Faris, who is projected to be a starter this season, said he's putting the weight back on and is around 239 pounds.
"I'm feeling a lot better. My legs are a little sore, but I'm in good shape again and I'm getting ready for the season."
UNM coach Steve Alford says that Faris' bout with mono "set him back about three weeks. Despite that, he seems like he is stronger. ... He has really improved offensively and, just like the rest of the team, he has to improve defensively."
WALKER ON SUNSHINE: Jerry Meyer, national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said the new coaching staff has put UNM on the national recruiting map.
On Tuesday, high school star Phillip McDonald of Cypress Springs, Texas, became the latest highly recruited player to commit to the Lobos.
"Obviously, the big story is the hiring of (UNM assistant) Chris Walker," Meyer said Wednesday. "Houston, where Walker coached (the T-Mac All-Stars), is up there with any city in the country as far as producing basketball talent. His connections are making a huge impact."
The Lobos also have commitments from Curtis Dennis, Isaiah Rusher and Will Brown, all highly rated recruits who played AAU ball in the Houston area. Kem Nweke, a freshman at UNM, played in Houston as well.
All five players named Walker as a main reason for choosing UNM.
"Walker has been doing more than just coaching," Meyer said. "He's running camps and getting to know all the prospects in the area. These guys can play. McDonald is a top-100 player and Brown is close to the top 100, if not in it."
When Walker was hired by Steve Alford in August, it opened the door to the prize recruits. But it's one thing to open doors— as a number of former Lobo assistants did— yet another to get players through those doors.
"That's a great point," Meyer says. "It's one thing to get on the list, but another to seal the deal. But I'm not surprised that this staff has been able to do it. Steve Alford is such a well- known name. (Assistant) Craig Neal has personality, is a good recruiter and knows the ropes.
"The playing background for Alford, Neal and Walker, who played at Villanova, really speaks to the kids. They are looking for guys they can relate to.
"What's most interesting, is that it's coming on the heels of New Mexico State's recruiting. It looks like the state is really heating up."
GOLF EVENT: Alford will host a golf tournament Oct. 2 at Four Hills Country Club. The four-person scramble has morning and afternoon flights, with the coaching staff and players scheduled to attend.
Alford will be on one of the greens, putting and taking photos with each team.
"This is something I have done everywhere I have been," said the first-year Lobo coach. "It is a chance for Lobo fans to have a day on the golf course with the Lobo basketball team. ... It is an opportunity for us to get out and meet the fans. It is also beneficial for our program."
Entry fee is $600 per team, which includes greens fees, cart, lunch, and an awards dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse.
For further information, call (505) 925-5751 or visit golobos.com.
http://www.abqjournal.com/sports/593890sports09-13-07.htm