After three years of covering this team, I wouldn't be surprised if somehow the shorthanded Aggies find a way to end a seven-game losing streak at the Pit.
It seems like at some point each season, a light goes on and the Aggies win a game they probably shouldn't. Last year, it was at UTEP.
That light has come on for some players, although I think depth or a lack thereof is the Aggies biggest weakness thus far. Their starting five is fine and Castillo has adjusted better to his role off the bench, but after that, not so much. I think Renaldo Dixon has passed Abdoulaye N'Doye and BJ West as far as big guys off the bench, and that could pay bigger dividends whenever Hamidu Rahman returns from injury, regardless of what Wendell McKines ends up doing.
Rahman is a game time decision on Saturday after failing to make it through an entire practice the past three days.
I wasn't all that impressed with the Lobos, but they should shoot better at their own place and they are a solid defensive team, but don't have anyone who can guard Gillenwater. Despite his poor shooting performance in the second half, I want to see Gillenwater just as aggressive offensively from here on out, maybe just not settle for the early 3 so much late in games.
The Aggies haven't been swept by both rival schools since 2002 I believe. They could take a hit attendance wise if they lose this one.
Can they pull it out?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Injuries
Wendell McKines indicated on his Twitter account that he could be leaning to sitting the season out.
"It's already december .. That means hoop season is in 11 months. (wink wink) "
At some point upon Marvin Menzies return from California, they will meet but perhaps Wendell has made up his mind. Hoping to talk to the man himself at some point.
Menzies will likely not be in Albuquerque on Saturday, as services for his father are scheduled to be on Saturday. If that's the case, I was told Paul Weir will be the gameday coach against his former boss at Iowa. Not sure on that yet, but it's what I was told on Tuesday and Weir does scout the Lobos.
Hamidu Rahman returned to practice on Tuesday. he tried to go on Friday but it didn't go well. I spoke to him before practice on Tuesday. He said he plans to play on Saturday. The Aggies could certainly use him.
"It's already december .. That means hoop season is in 11 months. (wink wink) "
At some point upon Marvin Menzies return from California, they will meet but perhaps Wendell has made up his mind. Hoping to talk to the man himself at some point.
Menzies will likely not be in Albuquerque on Saturday, as services for his father are scheduled to be on Saturday. If that's the case, I was told Paul Weir will be the gameday coach against his former boss at Iowa. Not sure on that yet, but it's what I was told on Tuesday and Weir does scout the Lobos.
Hamidu Rahman returned to practice on Tuesday. he tried to go on Friday but it didn't go well. I spoke to him before practice on Tuesday. He said he plans to play on Saturday. The Aggies could certainly use him.
Monday, December 6, 2010
McKines update
Was informed that after meeting with his doctor, Wendell McKines will not be able to practice for at least 2-3 weeks. He's still rehabbing the broken foot he suffered on the first weekend of practice and is still walking in a boot.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Food for thought
I was informed before the game that Marvin Menzies' father passed away on Friday. I know his father had a heart attack last month. It's unfortunate and quite frankly I can't imagine how he is on the sidelines right now.
Dixon
Renaldo Dixon checked in with under six minutes in the first half, meaning he will not redshirt this season.
Recruiting visits
Two recruits are on hand this weekend.
6-5 wing from El Camino Real HIgh in California Temjae Singleton and 6-11 Keanau Post from Westland Prep in Phoenix, Canadian born have each been offered by NMSU.
Lobos come to town
I don't know what to think about tonight's game. I know that I like the Aggies a lot more with Hamidu Rahman in the lineup, which is up in the air after not practicing all week. Rahman against UNM freshman Alex Kirk could have been a matchup the Aggies could use to put the Lobos on their heels.
The Aggies can probably guard the Lobos man to man, but I don't think the Lobos can punish them in the zone like other teams the Aggies have played. Phillip McDonald is certainly capable of knocking it down and he had a career game here last year, but Dairese Gary is 7 of 20 and backup Jamal Fenton is 10 of 26 from long range. The 3 has hurt the Aggies against UTEP, we will see if UNM can use it as well.
UNM transfer Emmanuel Negedu seems like he's starting to get more time inside, along with AJ Hardeman. Either way, the Aggies could still have an advantage in the post with Troy Gillenwater, who will see a more normal matchup tonight after playing against Julyan Stone the past two games.
The Lobos certainly have the depth advantage, playing as many as 11 at times while Steve Alford tries to figure out his roster. The Lobos biggest strength I think at this point is their balance with no Hobson or Martinez.
The Aggies can probably guard the Lobos man to man, but I don't think the Lobos can punish them in the zone like other teams the Aggies have played. Phillip McDonald is certainly capable of knocking it down and he had a career game here last year, but Dairese Gary is 7 of 20 and backup Jamal Fenton is 10 of 26 from long range. The 3 has hurt the Aggies against UTEP, we will see if UNM can use it as well.
UNM transfer Emmanuel Negedu seems like he's starting to get more time inside, along with AJ Hardeman. Either way, the Aggies could still have an advantage in the post with Troy Gillenwater, who will see a more normal matchup tonight after playing against Julyan Stone the past two games.
The Lobos certainly have the depth advantage, playing as many as 11 at times while Steve Alford tries to figure out his roster. The Lobos biggest strength I think at this point is their balance with no Hobson or Martinez.
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