Gov. Bill Richardson declared Tuesday Lobos Appreciation Day.
After Monday's win against Utah, Richardson wanted to acknowledge the basketball team for the good season it has had, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesman for Richardson's office.
"The governor is a huge fan," Gallegos said. "It was a big win for the Lobos."
The proclamation stated the UNM men's basketball team "showed determination and resilience during its 65-54 win over conference rival Utah Utes, ranked 13th in the nation."
Coach Ritchie McKay was also mentioned in the proclamation for earning "his 20th victory for the first time in his nine-year coaching career."
McKay said the proclamation from the governor is an honor.
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"The players and coaches will receive that with great humility," he said, adding that he is impressed with Richardson and the work he has done for the community.
"I'm glad we can add a small part to that community," McKay said.
Danny Granger was one player mentioned by the governor in the proclamation, which said Granger "provided crucial leadership by rallying his teammates and proving he can compete against the best talent in the nation."
Danny Granger Sr. said he is proud of what his son has accomplished as a forward for the Lobos.
"I think that is great," he said. "I really do. He's gone through some adversity with his knee injury and everything. But he was able to rally back and do what he had to do."
Granger said his son has become an integral part of the team and deserves to get recognition.
"He has star quality, and I'm not just saying that because he's my son," he said, adding that the whole team has allowed the Lobos to do well this season.
"Some players can impact a team, and he's doing that," Granger said. "I'm really excited."
The basketball season isn't over, but Gallegos said the proclamation was the governor's way of congratulating the team on a job well done so far.
"The Lobos have been playing well as of late," he said. "By clearing this hurdle, they are well on their way of doing well in the postseason."
McKay agreed with Gallegos and said the program has made significant strides in the past three years.
"I see this as a way of encouraging us to keep plugging on, because there's a lot of growth for the future," McKay said.
Granger said the camaraderie of the basketball team and athletics staff is what allowed for a successful season.
"I don't think my son could have gone to a better university," he said.
Lobos Appreciation Day will only be recognized this year, not annually, Gallegos said.
Gallegos said Richardson issues these proclamations periodically to recognize individuals, or, in this case, a team.
"He did one last year for the women's basketball team," he said. "He invited them up to the governor's mansion to recognize their accomplishments."
Granger Sr. said he was at the game when Danny Jr. injured his knee and remembers being worried for his son's future.
"The doctors told me they wouldn't know until the next morning, and I was relieved when they said he would be OK," he said. "When he was born, he wasn't an NBA player. He was Danny Granger, and I'd be proud of him no matter which way he went."
