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

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 – JANUARY 29: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Season Outlook

With such an unproven roster, it’s hard to have super high expectations for this year’s Lobo team. That being said, this is New Mexico, and expectations are often ‘a mile high and louder than’ anything.

Paul Weir worked magic with his least-experienced roster back in 2018 – his first season as head coach of the Lobos. It’s not unreasonable to think he could do it again: If he cannot, his seat could start to heat up quite a bit.

I will say, New Mexico’s roster over the last couple of years, though extremely talented, came with its fair share of egos and baggage. Thus far, that does not seem to be the case with this squad, which of course is huge for team chemistry and development. Could that chemistry result in success? Who knows? – But the best teams usually display great chemistry.

The Mountain West is a competitive conference, and travel is brutal. Though fan attendance (or lack of) could make road environments somewhat less daunting, the top five or six Mountain West teams could all make noise come March – so I wouldn’t have New Mexico finishing in the top 5 of the conference quite yet. That being noted, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised to see them finish there. It’s safe to say that these Lobos are just a huge question mark.

The challenging conference slate will demand the Lobos show up for every game, and because of this, I’d cap their ceiling at eleven or twelve wins in Mountain West play. It will come down to a run in March, taking a shot at the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament via the Mountain West Tournament title. That’s being realistic, rather than pessimistic.

And after all the Lobos have been through over the last few years, I think it’s equally fair and relieving to be somewhat patient and reasonable.

Next. Preseason Mountain West power rankings for 2020-21. dark

If given the chance to develop the right way, New Mexico will be right back in the conversation for a league title. In regards to the league, a strong Lobo program can only be good for the Mountain West. I think this is a rebuilding season for the Cherry & Silver. However, I’d be pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.