Mr. Dunning

[Ltlf]

It was a pleasure to meet you at the tailgate. All that you have been telling us about Dominque we saw in the scrimmage. Defense, passing, shooting, leadership, and athleticism were all obvious in the short time we got to see him live. Thank you for encouraging him to come to UNM.

When you hear his potentional being compared to Roman I hope you know that is the highest kind of praise from a Lobo fan.

If you aren't uncomfortable doing it, I would like to hear your opinion of the rest of the team after seeing them together for the first time.

[lobo46]

It was a pleasure to meet you at the tailgate. All that you have been telling us about Dominque we saw in the scrimmage. Defense, passing, shooting, leadership, and athleticism were all obvious in the short time we got to see him live. Thank you for encouraging him to come to UNM.

When you hear his potentional being compared to Roman I hope you know that is the highest kind of praise from a Lobo fan.

If you aren't uncomfortable doing it, I would like to hear your opinion of the rest of the team after seeing them together for the first time.

I know that New Mexico fans will enjoy the type of player my son is and what he brings to the table. Thank you all for the compliments. It was nice meeting a lot of you at the tailgate the other day by the way. I enjoyed talking to everyone and wish I could have talked to more...

I have seen a lot of predictions about starting five, rotation, playing time etc..My son's name does not come up much. That's ok. He will be on the court alot. He is much more prepared than the average freshman. I don't think that coach even considers the fact that he is a freshman, he will be treated just like any other player. Despite the many positive reviews he gets from the Lobo fan's, I know there are also non-believers out there. He did not come to UNM to make an impact by his junior year, he is ready now. Whether he starts or comes off the bench I know he will do a lot to help this team win and be a positive influence on his teammates and represent the university well. That being said, he has a lot he needs to work on to be ready for the season. I am confident he will be ready to play when the season starts.

I would rather not comment on the rest of the team individually but I will say this. The team as a whole needs to bring it defensively, especially perimeter defense.
If the defensive effort resembles what I saw last season, it will be a very long year. I really hope the team uses the preseason to get better each and every game and prepare for conference and ultimately postseason play. If the defensive effort is there each and every game the offense will take care of itself. I know it will be tempting to get over confident playing some of the teams we will see this year in pre season, but I am confident that Coach Alford will keep the team grounded.

[LoboColo]

Crunch time almost always boils down to who plays the best defense and who makes their free throws. That's just the way 90 percent of tough games play out.

[Tybot]

I'm certainly seeing a trend forming. In all my years of Lobo hoops, probably the 3 freshman who looked and acted the least like freshmen up to this point have been Dairese, Domo and Hugh IMO. Even 'Ro was disguised his 1st year though the IQ was there. One thing is for certain, Alford demands maturity and regardless of how mature or immature kids are when they start at UNM, they'll be even more mature when leaving. Playing for a coach like Alford or Knight can have a far bigger impact that the school you attend or the classes you take.

Has the "Domo" nickname been around for a while or is that an Alford original?

[loboray]

Mr. Dunning, I didn't make the tailgate so we haven't met yet. Hopefully I can correct that soon as I would love to meet you and shake your hand. Everything you say in the above post is spot on. Preseason lineup predictions can be counter productive and never really serve much of a purpose. I have always said, any Lobo player who wants more PT, can do so by impressing coach with his D. The key to floor time is playing smart, hard nosed D, and this has been proven many, many, times. Thanks for participating in this forum as your understanding of the game is very much appreciated by me and many others.

[lobo46]

I'm certainly seeing a trend forming. In all my years of Lobo hoops, probably the 3 freshman who looked and acted the least like freshmen up to this point have been Dairese, Domo and Hugh IMO. Even 'Ro was disguised his 1st year though the IQ was there. One thing is for certain, Alford demands maturity and regardless of how mature or immature kids are when they start at UNM, they'll be even more mature when leaving. Playing for a coach like Alford or Knight can have a far bigger impact that the school you attend or the classes you take.

Has the "Domo" nickname been around for a while or is that an Alford original?

He has had the Domo nickname since junior high. I guess Alford liked it because that is all he has called him since day 1...

[KDFrosty]

Yup, good to meet you, Mr. Dunning, and thanks for your input on the team!

[Burro lobo]

I also thank Mr Dunning for his take on DD and the Lobos, also you are correct on our perimeter defense last year, but I have to add coach Alford stresses "D" and the coaching of the entire team starts today the 15th. I think we will see a much more coordinated offensive and defensive team start to show itself by months end. I also thought I saw some of the defense already show on DD and even Hugh at times, it's apparent the DD is a natural defender as is Cory Alford and that is because someone has stressed that early for them. I love the athleticism shown on the team and this bodes well for the defensive side too, the hard part is the mental toughness an athlete has to have to be dominate on defense! With the number of good athletes and only five spots on the floor at a time I see the players who understand the amount of discipline necessary to play very good "D" earning more playing time quickly. Offensive specialist have their time spots too, but crunch time is reserved for those few players with true tough play at both ends of the court. You have to have stops at one end to break out ahead on the scoring end.

[LoboColo]

I probably shouldn't have even posted in the starting five question. It's always a fool's errand at this stage of the season. And our opinions just don't mean a lot. It's Alford's view that counts, and we should all be comfortable with that.

[jpk]

Love having Mr. Dunning comment, mainly because he's probably seen more basketball than ten of us combined and has an educated eye. Agree one hundred percent on the perimeter defense. Love that DD committed so early and has his head on straight. Look forward to seeing his growth and overcoming any naysayers and doubters once again.

[Garishwolf]

I enjoyed hearing about your semi-pro football play, very smart well rounded proud Dad, a good guy, enjoyed meeting you.

[datildame]

Talked to Dominque briefly to welcome him and to let him know that we enjoyed meeting his dad at the Lobo Lair tailgate. That brought a big grin to his face!

[KingNoodles]

Love having Mr. Dunning comment, mainly because he's probably seen more basketball than ten of us combined and has an educated eye. Agree one hundred percent on the perimeter defense. Love that DD committed so early and has his head on straight. Look forward to seeing his growth and overcoming any naysayers and doubters once again.

I think the main reason for Domo not being in guessed starting fives, is not any doubt of his ability or naysaying, but takes into account we have 4 returning starters, 3 of whom are seniors and Kendall who locked down a place with his play all last year so you have a lot of skilled players fighting for seemingly one spot, unless we go smaller sometimes. But the great thing with Alford is he uses everyone and goes each game with who produces each game, especially effort and defensively, so though "starter" means a lot to the kids it is less meaningful here as to who will get a chance to contribute each game, and I expect we will go very deep in minutes and significant player contribution and will see plenty of DD and Hugh, never been more excited for a season to start

[SoCalLobo]

I think it's fun to talk about starting lineups. I've been on record on here since back in May as believing Hugh will start at point, because of what I've seen from him and he success internationally, which I believe is much more significant that HS basketball in California or AAU ball. Domo has had great success but many do at that level and can't play D1 ball. Also, it is unfortunate but the lack of rankings by "experts" has affected us, even the fan base who knows better. If Domo was top 50 he would be in many proposed starting lineups. We are a messed up group here.

It is hard for us fans to know what to expect from Dunning. We have seen some AAU and HS games, but he was fitting his game to meet the need of his team. One of the problems of doing so many things well is that we really don't know how it fits on this team this year. His versatility is something easy to overlook. The point of defense is clear, we need help in that area. What other areas will we need help with and with what players? I believe Dunning will contribute significantly to this season mostly because Alford says he isn't like a normal freshman. But one reason I think this will be one of the greatest teams in Lobo history is because we have so much and the more we get from him, the better our team will be.

[Garishwolf]

SA plays Defense skilled players .

[lobosrsk]

I probably shouldn't have even posted i the starting five question. It's always a fool's errand at this stage of the season. And our opinions just don't mean a lot. It's Alford's view that counts, and we should all be comfortable with that.

I wouldn't apologize...I thought it was a good question. We are fans and that's what fans do. Mr. Dunning came strong with his reponse and for that I'm appreciative. Like I've previously posted in another thread, it's really fantastic to see a parent active in their son's/daughters life and then shares with the Lobolair. Good on Mr. Dunning and any parent who is as involved in their kids life as Mr. Dunning. As far as the starting five....probably going to come down to how hard the kids work in practice the next month, their leadership and experience. I believe their probably will be multiple lineps throughout the season based upon matchups. Anyway, that's m two cents; thanks again to Mr. Dunning for his reponse and Ltlf for posting a good question.

[JulieG]

Something about defense: Bob King said if you can play defense it will be there for every game while your offense can come and go. I think winning teams play defense and I am sure that if you are not playing defense you will be sitting a whole lot more than you think.

[judas_priest]

I think the impact of DD (and similar players - may we have many more) is found not just in their own statistics but in team stats like offensive and defensive efficiency. I believe he is the kind of player who, in addition to his own abilities, also makes his teammates better.

[loborick]

Great to meet and visit with you, Alan. You had some great stuff to share! Hope to see you again this season.

[bleedcherr]

Mr. Dunning I agree. "Domo" didn't look nervous, and he hustled every play. He seemed like he was everywhere, I remember there was only once that he got caught up in a screen the entire game... thats saying something for a player who is new to a program/college. Many freshman look lost but he looked like he was part of the system already. I agree that he is a very special talent, but also that he is very prepared for basketball at a high level. Hes a very specially player. He seems like the type that works hard on and off the court. Good luck to him in everything!

[Mark]

Thats the 3rd time ive seen Dommo play and that was by far the best hes played. In fact, I think hes made a major jump from summer but thats to be expected from any frosh. Just remember with ANY player. Your just getting a 20 min window into whats become months of work. To say anyone should start based on 1 game is crazy. To say someone shouldn't start is equally as crazy. Like an iceberg floating in the sea. You only see about 10% of the iceberg. The other 90% (rest of summer & 1 on 1's) is sitting below the sea.
I really dont care who starts. Its all about who finishes that counts. Defense is crucial late in the game.

[jpk]

I was definitely trying to make the point that this is just great fun for fans. Just a glimpse of who they are and will be.

[LoneLobo]

Wasn't able to make the Howl but I do like the whole Dommo thing...

but from what I read here I'm gessing before long many will be calling him Nate...

Dommo-Nate!

[wolf1960]

Right now wolf1960 is proud to have another strong family backing a Lobo player.. We cannot guess who will start, in the Alford/Neal times it is MOST important who is in to finish the game and lockdown defense on the perimeter is most important. DD is my kinda player some fans will be surprised how good DD is... thanks lobo46 for your support.....

[GiJoeRay]

To me, basketball is much of the same at all levels. Jus like elementary, the best group on the team play the fourth quarter. Domo may not start much this season, but from what I see, he will be finishing a lot of games. I see him as a more athletic P Mac, the next 4 years are going to be solid.

[Dr.M]

Mr. Dunning (I call you that because I failed to catch your first name), it was great meeting you after appreciating your posts for the past year. It was also the first time I saw Domo play, and boy was I impressed. Whether or not he starts this year, he certainly will be an important part of the team.

[lobo46]

Mr. Dunning (I call you that because I failed to catch your first name), it was great meeting you after appreciating your posts for the past year. It was also the first time I saw Domo play, and boy was I impressed. Whether or not he starts this year, he certainly will be an important part of the team.

I really enjoyed meeting you as well. My name is Alan. Please call me that:)

[Wolfen1]

Honestly, starting 5 doesn't really matter. Alford has shown that he is willing keep fresh legs on the floor and spreads his minutes very effectively. There will be a lot of "non starters" who will be logging double figure minutes. I also think this team is primed to run, run, run and with the depth they have. Dominique is going to be a stud, no doubt a very gifted player. Team ball is going to run a lot of teams off the court.

[mikexom]

I really would love to see the Lobos force their strength (unending string of quality guards/forwards) on every team they play, primarily by full court man to man pressing by our three guard/SF's. I know last year had we done that to SDSU (issue there was keeping Dairese fresh), we kill their one PG and drop SDSU twice, this year no excuses. With long athletic guards/SF's that we have, we need to force the other teams to test their benches early in the game and disrupt rhythms. During Colson's time, Hunter Greene really made a name for himself in a disruptive press, we have like 4 or 5 Hunter Greene types now (long quick guards) that should be shuttling in all game just wreaking havoc!

[LoboColo]

Every year people talk about playing 10 players, but that's virtually unheard of in college basketball. Usually you have an eight man rotation, or maybe nine.