The Lobos will host Western New Mexico in the first exhibition game of the 2014-15 season. Second-year head coach Craig Neal said the team is coming together well and is finally finding its rhythm, even with nine new faces on the roster.
“I think it’s time for our guys to play against other people,” he said Thursday. “The last three or four practices haven’t been very good; (they) haven’t played very well, and I think they’re just tired of playing against each other.”
Neal said this year’s team differs from last year’s with regard to how chemistry affects their play on the court.
“Last year’s team, I took over a ‘well-oiled machine’ that we just were trying to keep going in the right direction,” he said. “This year’s team is like I took over a program that was not very successful when I went somewhere else.”
Senior guard Deshawn Delaney said he is excited for the new run-and-gun offense the Lobos have instilled this season.
“I’m a run-and-gun type of guy,” he said. “When I was playing in Chicago, that’s basically what we do, so that will help me out a lot.”
Neal said he has thrown in about 10 percent more offensive sets this year as opposed to years past. He said he wants to throw it all at them at once and see what sticks with the players.
There is a chance that the team will play a three-guard set with two posts, but there is also a possibility of using a four-guard set with one center throughout the season.
“It could be a unique situation that we’re just kind of working through right now,” Neal said.
Senior guard Hugh Greenwood will be looked upon for scoring this year — something he hasn’t grown accustomed to in his past three years as a Lobo.
“I think he’s shooting 51 percent from 3-point range in practice and he’s shooting the ball a lot more,” Neal said. “I think he’s excited for it; I’m excited for him.”
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The starting lineup for Saturday’s game includes Greenwood, Delaney, sophomore guard Cullen Neal, redshirt sophomore forward Devon Williams and sophomore center Obij Aget.
Cullen Neal said that his role has changed since being placed into the starting lineup, but he is ready for the challenge.
“I feel like I just have to be more assertive this year,” he said. “I just feel like I have to come in this year, be more assertive and make plays for my teammates.”
Fans will get the first look at five of the nine new faces on Saturday evening. Craig Neal said he plans to make a lot of substitutions, but the team’s play is going to be very basic.
Craig Neal said he is impressed by the way Williams has been practicing as of late.
“Devon has been terrific. If he can sustain that, it will be great for us,” he said. “He’s played at a very high level and he deserves it because he’s been patient, he’s bought into the program and he’s done a lot of good things.”
The team will also host Adams State on Nov. 7 in the final exhibition game of the season before opening regular season play on Nov. 14 against Idaho State at The Pit.
Kyle Tomasi is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @KyTo22.
