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New Mexico Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Lobos

By Jacob Salcido

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico Lobos reacts during his team's game against the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center on January 22, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Lobos 74-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico Lobos reacts during his team's game against the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center on January 22, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Lobos 74-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – DECEMBER 04: Makuach Maluach #10 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – DECEMBER 04: Makuach Maluach #10 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Starting Lineup

New Mexico has always had an interesting time with its starting lineup: Head Coach Paul Weir likes to switch things up quite a bit, though last season saw some of his most consistent starting lineups in regards to his tenure with the Lobos.

However, only one of those consistent starters is returning for 2020-21 – Senior forward Makuach Maluach. In total, only four players who saw the court with the Lobos in 2019-20 will return for the coming season. Paul Weir’s lineup (and playing style) will likely see a few shakeups throughout the duration of the year, making it hard to predict a set lineup. With that in mind, let’s take a look at one potentially dangerous (hypothetical) starting 5.

Valdir Manuel – Power Forward

Valdir Manuel is an interesting addition to the team. The 6’10” Manuel was originally committed to a trio of high-major schools, before going the JUCO route, averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds per game in his last season with Harcum College. In recent months, he signed and was later released from his Letter of Intent with Penn State, landing at New Mexico relatively late in the offseason.

Suffice it to say, Valdir Manuel comes with more than a few question marks, but there is no denying his potential. Assuming Manuel can gel well with the team and Weir’s style of play, I would expect to see the former 4-star starting sooner, rather than later. He is not a ‘true’ Center – Assane Ndiaye is the only such player on the Lobos’ roster – But I think Manuel gets the nod here.

Bayron Matos – Power Forward

Lobo fans are steadily anticipating the play of Bayron Matos. The 4-star big man received quite a bit of high-major interest before signing with New Mexico, noting a feeling of comfort with the program. Matos actually enrolled late at the end of the 2020 season but didn’t see the court, red-shirting instead.

Though this was a questionable move by both parties, New Mexico is no less excited to finally get him on the court. Bayron Matos boasts a monster physique and level of athleticism that is rarely seen in freshman within the Mountain West Conference. He should have no trouble adjusting to the college level of play and earning his way into the starting rotation.

He very well could be the X-Factor to this unproven Lobo squad’s success – Yes, his potential is that exciting. Matos could become a household name in Mountain West circles, come 2021.

Makuach Maluach – Small Forward

Senior forward Makuach Maluach is the only returning starter from last season’s Lobo team. Maluach averaged nine points and four rebounds per game in 2020 and is the most experienced player on the roster in regards to familiarity with the New Mexico program. He blasted onto the scene as a freshman and has been steady in the starting rotation since.

For as many question marks as there are surrounding this team, Maluach should be the most consistent player on the court this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Weir shift game plans at times, to revolve around Maluach’s play. Never the loud and vocal star player that New Mexico fans have become accustomed to over recent years, a lot of the team’s success will depend on Maluach’s experience, play, and leadership.

Shooting Guard – Keith McGee

Senior Keith McGee is another returning player from 2020’s Lobo squad, having seen his share of starts, and playing several minutes over the course of the season. I debated having McGee running the floor as point guard, as he’s done for the Lobos at times, often coming in to relieve JJ Caldwell and JaQuan Lyle.

However, he’s a capable shooter, and at first glance, the Lobos don’t have as many pure shooters on this roster. McGee could be dangerous in this role. He hasn’t put up crazy scoring numbers, averaging 5.9 points per game last season – But he has had games where he’s taken things into his own hands and absolutely owned the net. An even bigger increase in minutes could see this become a more consistent occurrence.

If McGee isn’t starting, I would imagine he is the first or second player off the bench. Either way, Mountain West opponents know how dangerous he can be, and the Lobos will depend heavily on his play.

Point Guard – Jeremiah Francis III

North Carolina had a difficult go-around last season. The blue blood lost several key players to injury and had to explore the depth of their roster quite a bit to find answers – Enter Jeremiah Francis III. The four-star recruit saw a few starts as a freshman, averaging 3.3 points a game before running into injury trouble.

Francis decided to transfer out of UNC and has received a waiver to play immediately with the Lobos. After seeing tough competition in the ACC, Francis should be able to adjust well to life in the always-competitive Mountain West. If he can stay healthy, I’d expect to see someone with Francis’ talent to have an uptick in production heading into his sophomore season.