Tybot's thoughts on our Lobos

[Tybot]

Since so many people (ok, maybe only 1 or 2) have asked my opinion, here it goes...

Many teams would love to be 13-7. It's just not acceptable to Alford nor our fans due to the bar that Alford has set. Alford is one of the best coaches in the NCAA. You can bet Alford is as frustrated as anyone with the team but he knows how good we'll be in the future.

Staying with Alford, he does not run players off. I think every player that has left either caused it through their off the court actions, on the court (either in practice or in games) or UNM was just not the right fit for them. When you recruit at a high level, players are going to leave. Matt Staff is a very good example. He didn't see himself competing for big minutes and chose to go somewhere he could. No harm in that.

PMac is a very good player. He is in a big slump both mentally and on the court. Alford and PMac will figure it out. Dairese peaked last year and that's nothing but a compliment to Dairese. He is the rock that Alford very wisely built upon and asking more from him this year just isn't fair. He is a bulldog that we can depend upon in the clutch but needs other people to be the go-to guy that he makes better by keeping defenses honest. Fans don't notice turnovers in the 1st half of games but are overyly critical of turnovers in the last minute of close games.

Style of play. Playing with and without a very good big man has it's plus and minuses. Last year we didn't have a strong post player outside of AJ. Zero backup for him and he played very well. Our outside shot fell last year and we executed at a very high level. This year we have a wealth of post players and that is part of the problem. Switching from an outside oriented team to an inside team is not an easy transition. Add to that Drew becoming eligible only recently and the difficulty switching mindsets is very obvious.

Darington. Regardless of what people have said recently, we would have been a legit top 10 team with him back. Ignore the "what ifs" regarding his hip problems. If we only lost 'Ro and added all the new kids this year, we would be a top 10 team. The difference makers in college basketball are often 6'7" versitile guards. Even playing at 75%, Darington was the difference last year. 'Ro was HUGE but obviously he was graduating and not coming back. Darington made the right choice. He was able to not only figure out what was holding him back but he also got top notch medical treatment on the NBA's dime and got a nice paycheck on top of it. In the world of "potential", his age clock was working against him and I support the decision he made to declare.

I always said last year we probably weren't as good as our 30-3 record and #8 ranking illustrated. This year we're not as "bad" as our 13-7 record says. We won games last year that we were lucky to win and this year we've lost games that we were very unfortunate to lose. There are only a couple games that we played very poorly (Wyoming and Utah) that we didn't deserve the win and one of those (Wyoming) came down to a very (un)lucky buzzer beater. There were soooo many "lucky" bounces last year that went our way and they seem to be balancing out this year.

Injuries. We were blessed last year until the MWC tourney. Darington and Dairese got hurt and on top of it they were both worn out. We know how that ended up with our losses to SDSU and Washington. This team is built for NCAA success, just not this year. I think people are really overlooking our injuries this year. EMan was coming into his own when he was forced to sit out. Jamal not playing put a lot of physical pressure on Dairese, especially important considering that Dairese was very sick for a couple of those losses. With EMan playing I have no doubt we win all but 1 or 2 of the games we've lost. We are holding our own rebounding but we've lost some very, very key rebounds at horrible times, most notibly at Wyoming to end the game.

As for EMan, I don't think there's anything we don't know right now. We should all be thankful that EMan gthought enough of us fans to give Alford permission to even discuss the matter with us. I don't think anything is being kept from us...Alford said he is being held out through Jan. and his status will be evaluated then. We're not there yet. At the very least, if he never plays again, UNM will have a great kid in the program. Best case is he comes back and plays again at a high level. Either way we should be very glad UNM "took the risk" on him.

The MWC is better than it's ever been and in fact pretty much every team other than UNM and UNLV is better than last year. 1-4 is not acceptable, especially when 2 of those losses have been poor showings. It took an unreal game by Gay to beat us in the Pit and we played very well for about 37 minutes in Vegas. Heck, even Utah played out of their minds to beat us when we played very poorly. Utah has rattled off 3 wins in a row after being blown out by BYU and losing key players.

Combinations. We've shifted our lineup more times this year than the total number of times over Alford's time at UNM. I'll agree that this team is lacking chemistry, but only on the court. I don't think there's any notable problems off the court. I'm certain the team is frustrated but not with one another. In a perfect world, freshman (other than rare cases) play sparingly their first year and learn the ropes in practice. This year we have a strange combination of not only being very young overall but the "right" combination probably involves a number of freshmen playing big minutes. This is not the norm in college basketball and learning the system during games is much harder than coming on slowly in practice.

There's still a lot of basketball to be played this year and winning the MWC tourney is not out of the question. Losing Dairese after this year will be huge, but we have the pieces we need to be NCAA bound for years to come. 30-5 spoiled us as fans. We've come to expect it. 30-5 was the best record in over 100 years of basketball at UNM. Even with Darington back we probably wouldn't have matched that record. SDSU is a prime example of building for the future. Their future is now. There were many SDSU fans calling for Fisher's head the last couple of years but now the man walks on water. All he did is take 4 years to build a team that was strong at every position. Luckily for Fisher, they lose so much of their roster next year their fans will surely not expect too much. I just think Alford has done such a good job that we as fans expect too much now. This is a rebuilding year for UNM. We lost one of the best glue guys and most popular Lobos ever in 'Ro and an ALL-AMERICAN, do everything player in Darington who also added the cockiness that everyone is begging for now. The future is very, very bright. Yes, I'm disappointed by our record, especially 1-4, but things are just not bouncing our way right now. That will change.

[Howler]

I really like your summary, Tybot. You make lots of great points and show insights that reflect considerable knowledge of college basketball in general and Lobo basketball in particular.

Switching from an outside oriented team to an inside team is not an easy transition. Add to that Drew becoming eligible only recently and the difficulty switching mindsets is very obvious.

I always said last year we probably weren't as good as our 30-5 record and #8 ranking illustrated. This year we're not as "bad" as our 13-7 record says

The MWC is better than it's ever been and in fact pretty much every team other than UNM and UNLV is better than last year.

This year we have a strange combination of not only being very young overall but the "right" combination probably involves a number of freshmen playing big minutes. This is not the norm in college basketball and learning the system during games is much harder than coming on slowly in practice.

Couldn't agree more.

My only real disagreement is with this statement, and even at that I do know where you're coming from when you make it.

Dairese peaked last year and that's nothing but a compliment to Dairese.

Statistically speaking Dairese is having his best year in most important categories.

He is averaging 13.8 ppg this year (compared to 13.1 last year and 8.1 as a sophomore).
His FG% is at .503 this year (compared to .450 last year and .436 as a sophomore).
His 3pt% is at .379 this year (compared to .341 last year. He did shoot .392 as a sophomore, but that was on 51 total attempts for the year compared to 58 attempts already this year)

His assists/game is 5.2 this year (compared to 3.9 last year and 4.1 as a sophomore).
His steals/game is 1.35 (compared to 1.0 last year and 1.15 as a sophomore)
His rebounds/game is 3.0 this year (compared to 2.8 last year and 2.2 as a sophomore).

Turnovers are up, 2.8/game this year compared to 1.8/game last year and 2.3/game as a sophomore. Because of that his assist/to ratio is down this year. This year it's 1.84 compared to 2.17 last year and 1.80 as a sophomore.
In summary, he is making more turnovers this year, but is having a career year in just about every other meaningful statistic (given that he didn't shoot all that many 3's as a sophomore).

In every stat but turnovers Dairese is ahead of the great season he had last year.

Just wanted to point that out, even though I know you're a big fan of Dairese, and meant no disrespect when you said he peaked last season.

[LoboColo]

On the increased turnover thing, I give Dairese some room. He's pushing it more this year because he has to: No Ro and Darrington to dish to. That means both more turnovers and fewer assists. I hate to say it but Gary's decreased assist-to-turnover ration is largely a function of lack of productivity out of McDonald. I believe Williams has done more than anyone could have expected from a freshman.
I think McDonald's problems are starting to force Gary to push more, and increasing the turnovers. It's a problem.

[mdanger007]

Thanks for the well thought-out and diligent assessment, Tybot. Good read.

Here is my much less thought out, haphazard analysis: The numbers don't lie, but they don't tell the whole truth. Sometimes a steal is much more than a steal--as was the case with Kendall's spectacular play at the end of regulation Saturday. Sometimes a bucket is more than a bucket--like Drew's amazing dunk vs. San Diego. And sometimes a loss isn't just a loss--it's a point of pride that comes from not giving up. These three things are building points for the Lobos and a sign of (much) better things to come.

[wolf1960]

we will see a Lobo win Wed. in the Pit, we need some "homecooking" in front of a packed pit of HOWL RAISERS. the bell will toll on the horn frogs..... Lets see who breaks out of a slump ....

[RIDIC]

On the increased turnover thing, I give Dairese some room. He's pushing it more this year because he has to: No Ro and Darrington to dish to. That means both more turnovers and fewer assists. I hate to say it but Gary's decreased assist-to-turnover ration is largely a function of lack of productivity out of McDonald. I believe Williams has done more than anyone could have expected from a freshman.
I think McDonald's problems are starting to force Gary to push more, and increasing the turnovers. It's a problem.

We also need to keep in mind that Gary is actually handling the ball much more this year than ever before. His Freshman year we had 2 Senior PG's logging heavy minutes in Jamal Smith and Darren Prentice, plus had a guy that could completely take over a game offensively in Giddens. His Sophomore year we had a take-over-the-game type in Danridge. Last season, Hobson ran the point on many occasions, which is why he was the teams assist leader. This year we've hoped that PMac would fit into that Giddens/Danridge role, but he has unfortunately lacked aggression in 1-on-1 situations. Kendall has been a great surprise, but his game, naturally, is not necessarily a 1-on-1 take over the game type. Kendall is also a Freshman, and while he might be the best Freshman in the conference, you want the ball in the hands of your Senior leader at the end of a game. The lack of a Giddens/Danridge/Hobson long, athletic, wing that can handle the ball and has a scorers mentality that you could isolate in late game situations, is the reason Reese's turnover numbers are up. He is being forced to create off the bounce more than he has ever had to in his career. To his credit, he's been up to the challenge, and that's why all of his other numbers are up as well.

Snell has the ability to be a Hobson-type. He has nearly the exact same body and skill set, he's just a little raw still because he hasn't had the experience Hobson did.

I think if you look at those 3 guys (Giddens/Danridge/Hobson), you can credit quite a bit of UNM's success to them. Also, the lack of that type of Senior go-to-scorer is a big reason for a lot of our struggles. Keep in mind, Dairese is not a scorer. He only scores when his team needs him to score points. Usually when Gary scores 10-15 points, the outcome of the game is better than when he scores 20-25. This is because the less he scores, the more likely it is that his teammates are finishing.


These have all been fantastic posts, btw. Thanks guys.

[LoboWizard]

"Luc Longley, Kenny Thomas, Drew Gordon..."

Wait, can Drew Gordon go down as a Lobo Big Legend?

Yes he can. He's only missing one component that the other two legends had...

Longley and Thomas were amazing passers from the post. They didn't stop at getting double-doubles and ruling the paint.

They made everyone around them better by helping get them open shots. Drew definitely has the attention of the other bench, he is getting doubled a lot more because of his excellent post play. This is a luxury the Lobos did not have last year, Drew is in the unique position to elevate his teammates, I believe he can do it.

[Roob]

Great post, Tybot.

I think in the heat of the moment, many armchair quarterbacks, myself included, look for some quick fixes to help turn the tide. Our fan base is very passionate about Lobo sports and what Alford and staff have done for the past two years is nothing short of incredible. We're just as perplexed about not finding the chemistry as I'm sure Alford and staff are. This is the first time that the staff did not get everyone clicking on the same page early in the season. In that sense, these are uncharted waters for us. And you're right, we've become spoiled by success.

But the one thing that we as fans can do to help the program succeed is to offer support to the players and coaches. They especially need our support now during this temporary downturn. A positive, supportive fanbase is what will impress players and recruits, not to mention a coaching staff. We all look forward to seeing Alford at the helm of this program 5 to 10 years from now. The sky is the limit if he is able to establish that type of continuity here. And the prospect of coaching continuity, as much as anything else, is what excites me about this program.

Even a guy like Brutus, who is the most discerning, demanding (yet still rational) fan that I've ever heard around these parts is quick to acknowledge that we've finally got the pieces in place in order for the program to make some noise on the national level. That says a lot.

As a fanbase, we can make a difference. Win or lose, we still love this group of players and will pull for them every time out. We've got to patient during this transition period. The longterm prospects for this program haven't changed. I like your underlying message of "stay the course, support the players and the staff". At least I think that's what you were trying to say in so many words.

Thanks again for the great post. Fans like you form the foundation for what makes the Pit such a great and attractive venue for players, recruits, and coaches.

[BoRealist]

"Luc Longley, Kenny Thomas, Drew Gordon..."

Wait, can Drew Gordon go down as a Lobo Big Legend?

Yes he can. He's only missing one component that the other two legends had...

Longley and Thomas were amazing passers from the post. They didn't stop at getting double-doubles and ruling the paint.

They made everyone around them better by helping get them open shots. Drew definitely has the attention of the other bench, he is getting doubled a lot more because of his excellent post play. This is a luxury the Lobos did not have last year, Drew is in the unique position to elevate his teammates, I believe he can do it.

This is an excellent post.

[Duke]

Even a guy like Brutus, who is the most discerning, demanding (yet still rational) fan that I've ever heard around these parts is quick to acknowledge that we've finally got the pieces in place in order for the program to make some noise on the national level. That says a lot.

Seriously?
That says a lot, too.

[wombbfan]

No he didn't run them off; no one ever does. He simply walks them to the door. Geez, it's okay to be a fan, but be realistic. They are the real human costs of recruiting MISTAKES pure and simple. They did not come here without an invite. Fan yes, fanatic no.

[KDFrosty]

Wait, can Drew Gordon go down as a Lobo Big Legend?

Yes he can. He's only missing one component that the other two legends had...

Two components. As you said, better passing skills, but also a NCAA tourney birth. Hopefully that changes soon.

[altakaia]

Tybot, those are some outstanding points/summary! Always lots of thoughtfulness in your posts. I see that is true of several if not many people on this board. On the subject of great, insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent posts; I think we have developed a TLL posters starting 5. I'm thinking Tybot, LoboMike, Howler, & Roob are in it. And who would be the 5th? RPS? UWS? BurroLobo? BoRealist? LoboWizard? Others? Just a crazy thought.

[KDFrosty]

Tybot, those are some outstanding points/summary! Always lots of thoughtfulness in your posts. I see that is true of several if not many people on this board. On the subject of great, insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent posts; I think we have developed a TLL posters starting 5. I'm thinking Tybot, LoboMike, Howler, & Roob are in it. And who would be the 5th? RPS? UWS? BurroLobo? BoRealist? LoboWizard? Others? Just a crazy thought.

Seriously? Id have to go with RPS. Death, Taxes, and TLL. He's our equivalent of the "Bus".

[Roob]

RPS is definitely all MWC. After that you can't forget Bloo (or his alter ego Steve the Sock Puppet).

[Howler]

Tybot, those are some outstanding points/summary! Always lots of thoughtfulness in your posts. I see that is true of several if not many people on this board. On the subject of great, insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent posts; I think we have developed a TLL posters starting 5. I'm thinking Tybot, LoboMike, Howler, & Roob are in it. And who would be the 5th? RPS? UWS? BurroLobo? BoRealist? LoboWizard? Others? Just a crazy thought.

I think that Howler guy is much better off the bench (deep off the bench). Can't hold a candle to those others you've mentioned.

[MacLobo]

Tybot, those are some outstanding points/summary! Always lots of thoughtfulness in your posts. I see that is true of several if not many people on this board. On the subject of great, insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent posts; I think we have developed a TLL posters starting 5. I'm thinking Tybot, LoboMike, Howler, & Roob are in it. And who would be the 5th? RPS? UWS? BurroLobo? BoRealist? LoboWizard? Others? Just a crazy thought.

BoRealist getting a mention? Awesome, I know that guy!!!!!
I'll bet his post on the slumpbuster the other day is what's elevated him to that next level!!!

[Tybot]

Tybot, those are some outstanding points/summary! Always lots of thoughtfulness in your posts. I see that is true of several if not many people on this board. On the subject of great, insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent posts; I think we have developed a TLL posters starting 5. I'm thinking Tybot, LoboMike, Howler, & Roob are in it. And who would be the 5th? RPS? UWS? BurroLobo? BoRealist? LoboWizard? Others? Just a crazy thought.

Big thanks for the compliment, but I am most certainly better off the bench.

RPS=Dairese of TLL by the way. People keep beating him up and he continues to get the job done for the team.

[BoRealist]

BoRealist getting a mention? Awesome, I know that guy!!!!!
I'll bet his post on the slumpbuster the other day is what's elevated him to that next level!!!

It's an outstanding compliment just to be nominated...(tearsrunningdowncheekincubiclecorner) .... but I'm afraid I don't have the mental toughness or post with enough heart and desire to earn that rank or my being included. In all honesty when 18,018 and other's recruited me out prep school (TRM) they were really far to focused on my up-side and overlooked my potential chemistry destroying cancerous nature (I'm a thread hog). Even with my slump busting golden man thong on I've really only developed into roll playing bust of my once shiny potential.

[altakaia]

Actually, I think RPS is the head coach, Roob top assistant, then Bloo, Yakka is the recruiting guru, and DigitalLobo's wardrobe choice and techy name gets him/her the video operations job. Ha Ha Digi.

[Mark]

<---Scott Geletti
You guys are the team. I cant hold a candle to half the posters on here and I know that.

My starting 5 would be Bloo, Roob, JP, Tybot, LoboMike

[wolf1960]

wolf1960 has received the "lifetime fan achievement award".....

[LoboWizard]

They keep trying to get me to transfer to Loboland....but I won't go!!!!! lol

[RENOLOBO]

Is Garish Henry Tafoya?

[18,018]

Can I be one of the halftime show drill team girls? I promise not to pull any fire alarms!

[MacLobo]

Can I be one of the halftime show drill team girls? I promise not to pull any fire alarms!

Only if you wear that cherry and silver banana hammock that you promised us!!!!!

[Roob]

Can I be one of the halftime show drill team girls? I promise not to pull any fire alarms!

No, but we can get you a job in the kitchen. As long as you don't burn the quesadillas, that is.

[LoboWizard]

Can I be one of the halftime show drill team girls? I promise not to pull any fire alarms!

Dammit 18,018 I almost spit out my coffee when I read this this morning.

[Tybot]

Can this get the 2011 (so far) award for hijacked thread of the year? I feel for RPS, I really do. First he has to run this site, then he has to live with a broken ipad until the ipad HD comes out (oh the timing...just didn't wait quite long enough to break it) and now he has to be the head coach to figure out which staring 5 gives TLL the best chance.

Speaking of head coaches, I would like to add "thank you Coach Alford". I read 'Ro's blog from last year this morning. After reading that and hearing Alford on the the radio this morning, it reminded me what a great coach and man Alford is. This year we've seen him go from teacher to mad Dad and now helpful mentor. There was a time this season (after Wyoming) that he needed to have that "don't even look at me" attitude towards the team. It worked well the next game against CSU up until the fire drill (leading by 11 when the alarm went off...guess who had UNM -9?) and then the Lobos fell flat at Utah. Alford has now settled into the mentoring Father-figure and is wise enough to realize when fire and brimstone work and when a young team needs a friendly face to help them through their youth. Alford shows how you can be pleased and very disappointed at the same time. The difference is, he's now disappointed along with the team not at the team. It's clear he is wisely building not only for next year but for position in the MWC tourney.