Lobo Basketball fans emotions bubbled over on Monday morning after the 86-69 loss at Colorado State on Tuesday night. That loss followed a tough four-point loss on Saturday at Air Force and is the team’s fourth loss in their last six games. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised at the calls who claimed that UNM needs to change its head coach. But then again, maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised. Tuesday’s game was bad. It was a bad loss, it was a below-standard effort by the team and just not a good look all around for a team that feels it can make a run in the conference tournament that is just two weeks away. But I’m not on board with the “fire the coach” crowd. I think Craig Neal has gotten this team better and has recruited a young base of talent to make a run at the league championship and NCAA tournament next year. I am of the belief that any job/promotion brings with it a learning curve. The Lobos start three sophomores and two juniors; they are one of the youngest teams in America. They have been inconsistent this year…this is absolutely true. And inconsistency fosters frustration because fans see glimpses of a really good team. Therein lies the definition of a young team. I think the program is headed in the right direction, just not quickly enough for many fans. Next year is going to be a big year for this program…and this coach. But I absolutely believe Craig Neal will be….and should be the man next year.
