Over the weekend, the UNM men's basketball team went camping.
But this year, the Lobos tipped off without a mix of thunderous dunks and without the high-flying athleticism because they were missing their emotional spark plug: J.R. Giddens.
The senior, who left to pursue his NBA dreams, was instrumental in last year's rebuilding process. He averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Despite being J.R.-less, the mood surrounding Lobo camp was particularly upbeat.
Senior Daniel Faris said he looks forward to stepping up in Giddens' absence.
"J.R. was a great part of our team last year," he said. "He was our leader, and someone needs to fill that hole. And if that's me, then I'll take that role on. But we have a lot of other seniors - Tony (Danridge), Chad (Toppert). It'll be a good group effort."
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Danridge, who was forced to take an entire season off due to injury, is set to come back this year after redshirting to extend his eligibility.
In 2006-07, Danridge averaged 12.5 points per game, while shooting 50.9 percent from the floor.
While the Lobos look forward to what Danridge can contribute on the court, Faris said he's personally excited to welcome Danridge back.
"Tony's my best friend," he said. "I love that guy. I'm happy he's going to be back. He's been playing really great, and I think he's going to have a great senior year."
Another Lobo anxious for camp to start was Phillip McDonald, who just signed with UNM.
"This is going to be a great opportunity," he said. "Show those guys what I got."
McDonald is rated 88th on a list of 150 top high school prospects across the country. He averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks per game for Cypress Springs High School in Texas.
If McDonald can average anything close to those numbers in college, the Lobos and UNM fans alike will definitely be McLovin' it.
Listed at 6 feet 5 inches and 200 pounds, McDonald said he feels most comfortable as a shooting guard.
"Most point guards are shorter than me," he joked.
But UNM still has Dairese Gary, and now Nate Garth, who does feel comfortable being the floor general.
"I feel like there's a lot of pressure on me being able to keep everybody happy because we have a lot of talent this year," Garth said. "But I feel like we're going to jell and put it together."
Luckily, Garth has an experienced point guard in Gary to show him the ropes.
"People think we are going to be going at it pound-for-pound," he said. "But me and Dairese are actually good friends. So, he's going to help me a lot. We're a different type of point guard. So, we have a lot to offer each other, both on and off the court."
That relationship has included Gary teaching him the nuances of the Division-I level, Garth said.
"Personally, off the court talking to me about teachers and relationships and how valuable they are," he said. "Being positive when the camera's on, when it's not on. Just all the things that need to be known for a freshman point guard to give me an opportunity to play."
Granted it's just a camp, but Garth said the talent level at UNM is electrifying.
"It's very exciting," he said. "The new guys, we bring in some athleticism, but they bring a lot more experience, strength and toughness. So, put that together. And just the anticipation. I mean, for weeks I couldn't sleep knowing I'm coming out here. New Mexico - Albuquerque - it's going to be crazy."
