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New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Lobo Men’s Hoops with Geoff Grammer

·23 min·2 clips
Lobo basketball faces uncertainty after a coach's departure and eight players entering the transfer portal.
The episode begins with host Lou DiVizio setting the context: Lobo basketball has faced a tumultuous offseason after winning the Mountain West regular season but losing in the conference tournament and NCAA second round. Coach Richard Pitino left for Xavier, and eight players entered the transfer portal. The school quickly hired Eric Olin from UC San Diego. Guest Jeff Grammer, a sports writer covering the Lobos, joins to analyze the situation. Grammer describes Olin as a 'nerd' who emphasizes math, efficiency, and three-point shooting, based on his success at UC San Diego. He explains Olin's 21-year tenure at his first coaching job and his move to UNM for a higher salary and bigger challenge. The conversation shifts to Pitino's legacy, with Grammer noting his emotional farewell and gratitude toward New Mexico. Grammer then discusses the transfer portal, highlighting Donovan Dent's $3 million NIL deal as an example of the new financial realities in college basketball. He addresses Olin's recruiting challenges and contacts, suggesting he may adapt well. Grammer shares the inspiring story of player Nellie Jr. Joseph, who rose from homelessness in Nigeria to become a key Lobo. Finally, Grammer outlines the high community expectations for Lobo basketball, driven by strong fan support and investment, and emphasizes the pressure on Olin to deliver success.

As heard by us

Jeff Grammer frames New Mexico's coaching change through the conference and NIL pressures reshaping Lobo basketball.

New Mexico's Lobo basketball offseason lands as a hard reset after a crowded run of highs and losses: a regular-season Mountain West title, a conference tournament stumble, one March Madness win, a narrow second-round exit, Richard Patino's move to the Big East, and eight roster…

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Why you'd press play

For the Lobo fan trying to make sense of Richard Patino's exit and eight roster players entering the portal.

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