Sophomore forward Patrick Dennehy was the first UNM men's basketball player to depart the program since head coach Ritchie McKay arrived, but he might not be the only player to leave.
One of McKay's first decisions as the coach transpired Sunday, announcing that Dennehy was dismissed from the team. Several players, including freshman forward Jamaal Williams, may follow Dennehy.
McKay, who was hired March 29, said he and his staff dismissed Dennehy because he left an individual practice without permission.
"We just had a disagreement in our practice setting where Patrick chose to walk away," McKay said.
The coach said he did not want to go into the details of the event, but it was severe enough to warrant his departure.
"He made a decision that I think he didn't really want to make," McKay said. "But at the time of it, based on how he felt or the emotion of the decision, he chose to leave a situation where he wasn't supposed to leave."
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McKay said Dennehy later asked to be re-instated in a meeting with him and his staff, but the group decided that they had to bring closure to the situation.
"We had to make sure our program was being protected and our players were being held accountable," he said.
It is not the first time Dennehy has walked away from his team. In a loss Feb. 9 against the Air Force Academy, he stormed off the court during a timeout with three minutes remaining after a shoving match with several teammates and never returned.
"Certainly there is some history that we had knowledge of, but this incident (in practice) was isolated in nature during his time with us," McKay said. "We felt the magnitude of this warranted our decision."
Dennehy might not be the only Lobo out the door. Williams and incoming freshman Ashanti Cook have expressed interest in leaving the program.
"I anticipate the returning players to return," McKay said. "However, we are working through some issues our players have concerns about. Obviously the more time we spend together, the more likely our guys will feel that we as a staff are invested in them and their future."
McKay said Williams is considering transferring.
"Jamaal has or, is or was thinking about it," he said.
But McKay added that he expects Williams to be part of the team next season.
"We obviously want Jamaal to continue his career at the University of New Mexico," he said. "Our staff is excited about the prospect of coaching him, and I anticipate us having that opportunity."
McKay also hopes to get the chance to coach Cook, who signed a national letter-of-intent in the fall to play for UNM. But since the coaching change following former coach Fran Fraschilla's resignation March 17, Cook has expressed interest in playing for another school.
McKay said he met with Cook and his parents in Los Angeles Sunday night to discuss the situation.
"They said they were going to think about it," McKay said. "I am going to give them that opportunity to think about it. This is a big decision for their family. Obviously, we want him."
It has been a busy last couple of days for UNM basketball, with former point guard Marlon Parmer not allowed back on the team, the Dennehy situation and other players considering leaving. But McKay said he wants to find players who will improve the team's chemistry.
"The message we are trying to convey is that we are a team," he said.
The late signing period starts Wednesday, but McKay said UNM will not sign any new players.
