While it may be too soon for many UNM students to start thinking about college basketball, the heat is rapidly rising for second-year head coach Ritchie McKay.
With five months until tip-off, McKay and the Lobos face an uncertain future draped with unanswered questions. The only certainty is that next year's squad will have a distinctly new look and feel.
UNM will add seven new faces to the 2003-04 roster including new recruits Justin Benson, Ryan Wall and Lenny Miles. The Lobos will also welcome the services of four transfers in Alfred Neale, Billy Feeney, Danny Granger and Troy Devries.
This list of newcomers includes three true freshman, one sophomore transfer and three junior transfers. To make things even more complicated, Granger and Devries are not eligible to play until the end of the fall semester because of NCAA transfer rules.
As the transformation continues the team must also say goodbye to some household names. Ruben Douglas, who will try and crack the NBA this summer, along with Chad Bell, Jamaal Williams and Michael McCowan are all gone. Williams bolted for the University of Washington and Bell left to attend the University of Nevada. McCowan is still undecided.
The only veteran leadership returning to the program will come from senior guards Ryan Ashcraft and Javin Tindall. While Ashcraft has been part of the program for three years, last season was the first time he played consistent minutes. Tindall on the other hand became a Lobo just a season ago after transferring from Redlands Community College in Wichita, Kan. The two soon to be seniors have combined to start just 38 games in their UNM careers.
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Adding to the confusion is the status of sophomore sensation Mark Walters. Walters, who was runner-up for newcomer of the year in the Mountain West Conference last season, recently tore a ligament in his knee during individual workouts and is out of action for 4-6 weeks. He had successful knee surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, but only time will tell if he can return to his freshman form.
Questions and rumors still surround the health and future of senior guard Senque Carey. Carey has been cleared to play by his doctor and has stated that he would like to finish his college career as a Lobo. Team officials have expressed their doubts about the comeback and the NCAA Clearinghouse still hasn't cleared Carey for a sixth year of eligibility.
Add to the list of question marks is top recruit Sean Phaler, a 6-foot-8-inch forward from Orange, Calif. Phaler is still undecided on his college destination and has said that the Lobos are ranked high on his list. He originally signed with the UCLA but was released from his scholarship when the Bruins new head coach decided that Phaler would not fit into his system.
UNM has no scholarships remaining for the 2003-04 season, therefore if Phaler were to become a Lobo, he would be responsible for his tuition before he could earn a scholarship in the spring.
The Lobos are coming off their first losing record in 20 years and only the fourth losing campaign by a UNM squad since 1962-63. Last season's record of 10-18 marked the fewest wins and most losses for the Lobos since the 1979-80 team went 6-20.
McKay's first year was filled with adversity but he managed to win over the hearts of fans with his team's gusty play and determination. Year two is a whole new ball game, with more pressure, expectations and responsibilities on the horizon. McKay will be challenged with a loaded bench of inexperienced and unproven players, so he must find a way and a will to turn around a depleted program.
The heat has been turned up. McKay and the Lobos need to respond and deliver.
