Nine, to be exact.
“I’m real excited. Fired up to start,” second-year UNM head coach Craig Neal said. “I’m going to miss the guys that graduated for sure. We’ve got a good group of guys here — a lot of talent, on paper, but they have to show that on the floor.”
Along with the nine new recruits, the Lobos also have a new strength coach, assistant coach, video coordinator and director of basketball operations.
Neal said freshman Adam Cumber will redshirt, but he won’t redshirt any other players unless circumstances call for it.
Junior college transfer Jordan Goodman attended practice, but did not take part in the drills. Goodman is recovering from knee surgery in the offseason. The UNM coaching staff did not advise the surgery.
“I think what Jordan has realized is the level you have to work to get healthy,” Neal said. “I don’t think he realized that when he got here. He got surgery and was back home for two months and didn’t do a lot.”
Neal said he has a lot of confidence in Goodman and is excited to see him progress early in the season. Goodman averaged 18.1 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per game as a sophomore at Harcum College.
Seniors Hugh Greenwood and Deshawn Delaney will be looked to for leadership this year, Neal said.
“Hopefully it’s by example and they know what they’re going to do,” Neal said. “It’s going to be Hugh’s team, so hopefully we’ll be alright with that.”
More than 350 new season tickets were sold Friday morning. Student tickets will be available on Oct. 20.
“I hope there is a big student turnout,” Neal said. “Our students are important to us, not only because (of) what they bring as far as The Pit excitement and the noise level, but also our kids are students too. I think it’s a good release for students at our University to come to athletic events.”
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Neal said he will be at the ticket office on Oct. 20 just as he was on Friday morning. He said that the fans are very important and he wants to show them the same appreciation.
The Lobos finished 27-7 last season before being bounced by Stanford in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
UNM’s season begins on Nov. 1, when they host Western New Mexico for an exhibition game at The Pit. Regular season play begins on Nov. 14 when the Lobos face Idaho State in their home opener.
Kyle Tomasi is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @KyTo22.
