New Mexico basketball: 2019-20 season overview of the Lobos

New Mexico Basketball: 2019-20 season overview of the Lobos

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - FEBRUARY 29: Corey Manigault #1 of the New Mexico Lobos goes up for a dunk against Justin Bean #34 of the Utah State Aggies during their game at Dreamstyle Arena - The Pit on February 29, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Lobos defeated the Aggies 66-64. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – FEBRUARY 29: JaQuan Lyle #5 (R) talks to Zane Martin #0 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Key Players

JaQuan Lyle, G, Sr.

Whenever he was healthy, JaQuan Lyle was the star of the show. He was the only Lobo nominated to an all-conference team (honorable mention). He averaged the 11th most points in the conference and the 2nd most assists. That assist number is also somewhat misleading because it was JJ Caldwell who was racking up most of the assists for the first third of the season.

I believe the only thing that kept him from getting a better spot in the all-conference voting was the injury that cost him a decent chunk of the season. His senior season was unfortunately marred by injury issues and that party he threw, but if there’s anybody out there who thinks transfers are the problem for the Lobos and Lyle won’t be missed next year, then they are absolutely wrong.

Makuach Maluach, G, Jr.

Since he arrived at New Mexico, Makuach Maluach has been the definition of consistency. Over his 3 years with the team, he has averaged 9.6, 9.9, and 9.6 points per game. The Lobos have also been able to depend on him for reliable effort and some kind of scoring contribution, even if it is extremely rare for him to have an offensive explosion. This year, that dependability has been more important than ever. The Lobos lacked stability throughout the year, but Maluach was the one guy that they could always depend on to put in a strong effort and play well while doing it. He should thrive as a leader of this team in his senior season.

Corey Manigault, F, Sr.

When Carlton Bragg’s legal issues left the Lobos unbelievably thin in the front court, Corey Manigault stepped up to the plate in a big way. He finished the season second on the team in points, rebounds, and steals per game. Those numbers likely aren’t even actually indicative of just how big of an impact he had after Bragg’s suspension because he played way more minutes down the stretch and much more regularly contributed for the Lobos. Manigault’s performances were huge for Lobos from the start of January and kept them from being completely devoid of an inside presence in conference play.