It is very rare that events live up to the hype. It is even more rare that events exceed the hype. That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised on Sunday night at the first ever, Lobo Basketball alumni all-star game. It was special. I didn’t know what to expect. Attendance was really good (about 9500 people), excitement was through the roof and the entertainment value was much better than I thought it would be. I think the novelty of this being the first time something like this took place was a big factor in how good this was. Having guys like Ruben Douglas and Eric Chatfield playing in the Pit for the first time since they left UNM years ago was a big piece of the puzzle. The rosters were great. I don’t know if you can replicate the excitement and quality of the event every year, but it looks like they are going to try. From what I hear, talks are already underway to stage another one of these events next year. I don’t know if something like this can sustain and get better annually, but I hope I’m wrong. I think every other year or every third year would be perfect, but if the former players want to come back and do this…..and more importantly, Lobo fans want to see it and continue to enjoy it, I hope it happens every year. It was a magical night in a magical place. You don’t get that very often.
