Editor,
Wyking Jones was a fantastic selection by head basketball coach Steve Alford.
I am very familiar with Alford and Jones. When I went to high school, as a freshman, my coach showed us a shooting instructional film with Steve Alford - this was back in the late '80s.
I played against Jones in high school in California. He played for Banning, in Wilmington, and I played for Redondo Union. Jones was an all-area team selection and an all-star during high school. He was a big name in South Bay sports. In fact, they gave him a nickname in accordance with his team's mascot: "Wyking the Viking."
I have to admit, I was not nearly at the skill level he was - I think during a summer league game he dropped about 27 on me. I'm sure that was definitely not a memorable experience for him, but I can say this: Despite his being much better than me (and accidentally
catching me in the nose with an elbow), he was extremely well-mannered and humble. He was not the type to shake a finger at someone. He even complimented my effort after the game, and he displayed genuine courtesy and concern over my (luckily not broken) nose.
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I don't know much about what he's done since, but from my experience, UNM is getting a consummate professional and a world-class fellow.
Jason A. Graves
Daily Lobo reader
