Lobo basketball fans were hit with major news on Monday morning, when it was announced that polarizing guard Cullen Neal, son of head coach Craig Neal, will transfer out of the program. Cullen will complete his degree this summer, transfer somewhere as a graduate student and be eligible to play next year. For Cullen, unfortunately I think this is for the best. I would like to see this young man enjoy basketball and the college experience and that was just not possible anymore at UNM. I have never seen this fan base turn on a player… a player who is from Albuquerque, like they have on this young man. I understand Cullen is polarizing; he is animated, cocky and has rubbed people the wrong way. But this former Eldorado High School star wanted to be a Lobo. He opted out of other opportunities to play at UNM, for his father, in a place he loved. And to make things worse, SOME Lobo fans are kicking him while he’s down and taking shots at him as he is leaving. I hope Cullen Neal finds a hoops home that embraces him, lets him thrive, grow and have fun again. And wouldn’t it be poetic justice if, somewhere, in some tournament, Cullen met the Lobos and hit the winning shot. Karma has a funny way of evening things out. Good luck Cullen. Go have
