New UNM men's basketball coach Ritchie McKay took little time to show his impact on the program, announcing Sunday that he would not re-instate former point guard Marlon Parmer and dismissing sophomore forward Patrick Dennehy from the team.
McKay, who was named the Lobo coach March 29, has stressed several times his desire to bring a family atmosphere to the team. Now that team will not include Parmer and Dennehy. Both players were two of the most vocal and troubled Lobos this past season. Parmer quit the team in January but was interested in coming back under the new coach, while Dennehy had an on-court confrontation with teammates in February.
After several individual meetings with players, McKay announced the departure of Dennehy due to conduct unbecoming of the program and its goals and desires.
"Patrick has given UNM two good years, but due to circumstances since I have taken over the program, we have decided that it is in Patrick's best interest for him to pursue a different path," McKay said in a press release. "We wish him well in future endeavors."
Dennehy started 28 of 30 games this season, averaging 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds.
His most memorable and tumultuous moment at UNM was in a game Feb. 9 against the Air Force Academy on the road. Dennehy mishandled a pass from Eric Chatfield late in the second half, sparking a heated argument among Chatfield, Tim Lightfoot and Dennehy. The sophomore pushed several teammates before a timeout was called with three minutes remaining. During the timeout, he left the floor and never returned.
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Dennehy was never punished for his actions and later then-coach Fran Fraschilla announced that Dennehy suffered from an undisclosed medical condition.
McKay also announced that Parmer, who quit the team citing verbal abuse from former coach Fraschilla, will not be invited back onto the team. Parmer said he was interested in playing for UNM after Fraschilla resigned March 17.
"After vacillating for several days, we have decided not to re-instate Marlon Parmer," McKay said. "We are appreciative of Marlon's desire to return to the Lobo basketball program, but after gathering all the facts, we have come to the conclusion that it is time to bring this chapter in Marlon's career to a close. We are supportive of him and hopeful that he continues to play basketball. We wish him well and thank him for his contributions."
Parmer said he is not surprised by the decision and supports it.
"I am not disappointed, I have no hard feelings to the coach," Parmer said. "He is a new coach and he wants a fresh, new environment. I understand he wants to do what is best for the team. I wish the best for all of them. Now, I have to look out for myself."
One of Parmer's main detractors was Dennehy, who was very vocal about his displeasure of the way Parmer played.
Parmer did not want to comment on Dennehy's departure, only to say that he wishes Dennehy good luck wherever he goes.
Parmer said he now will turn his attention to the NBA draft, which is June 27.
"After talking with my family, we have made the decision that the best situation for me is to test the waters and put my name in the NBA draft," he said.
He added his decision to enter the draft is not because of lack of options. Parmer said several schools have expressed interest in him transferring to a school to play basketball. He said he will not hire an agent, leaving the door open to return to school.
"I want to see what is out there," he said. " I have talent. I just want to try this and see what happens."
