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Some coaches enter their first year with a program in disarray.
As an outsider to the program, sometimes a coach may have to encourage his players to buy in to the new system. Players may reject the system and transfer, making it a rebuilding effort.
Craig Neal doesn’t have that problem. In fact, he’s got quite the opposite. Neal, entering his first-ever head coaching gig, leads a New Mexico squad returning most of its starting lineup.
The two big men — Alex Kirk and Cameron Bairstow — have been touted as being among the best frontcourts in the country. The duo averaged nearly 22 points and 15 rebounds per game, and they gained loads of international experience at the World University Games in Russia.
Bairstow gained even more international flair as a member of the Australian National Team. Every time the Aussie steps on the floor, he always appears to be bigger than the last time. It never ceases to amaze.
Then there’s Kendall Williams, the defending Mountain West MVP award winner. The guard will be looked upon to be the vocal leader for the squad and he has the credentials and on-court talent to do so.
His experience, his crown from last year, his 13.3 points-per-game average and his 46-point effort against Colorado State propelled Williams into a spot as preseason favorite. The departure of UNLV’s Anthony Bennett, San Diego State’s Jamaal Franklin, Colorado State’s Colton Iverson and former running mate Tony Snell helped Williams’ cause.
To run the point, Hugh Greenwood returns as well. The experience he gained last year in facilitating UNM’s offense goes a long way.
He didn’t always lead the team in scoring, but he proved that he could hit outside shots when needed, especially late in games.
Sure, Snell left UNM to become a first-round pick for Chicago, but there’s still plenty in the tank. Transfers Arthur Edwards and Deshawn Delaney, along with first-year player and coach’s kid Cullen Neal, should assist that void.
Another benefit for Craig Neal is the fact he isn’t a stranger to this program. He had been around the program for six years under Steve Alford’s tutelage.
Say what you will about Alford’s departure, but there’s six locations in college basketball who, when they call, you answer the phone and entertain the offer. Unfortunately for Lobo fans, UCLA happens to be on that list.
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Neal has repeatedly thanked Alford for the experience to work with him, and Alford helped bring Neal to New Mexico in the first place. In other words, no Alford could have meant no Noodles.
Since Neal already has experiences with this group, there shouldn’t be that awkward transition from the coach who recruited you to some new guy they brought in to coach. For many of these players, Neal spearheaded the recruitment effort and brought them to UNM. He’ll have his first chance to coach the Lobos he recruited this Saturday at The Pit at 7 p.m. versus Eastern New Mexico in a preseason exhibition.
Neal knows the current state of New Mexico basketball because he’s been in the state. That should give him a leg up over many other new head coaches. Having the 23rd ranked team in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 doesn’t hurt, either.
Not a bad first gig.
