New Mexico State basketball's problems require a coaching change. Minnesota was the only Big Ten team to be winless on the road, going 010 in the regular season.[9]. Zac Al-Khateeb is a content producer for The Sporting News. On Nov. 19, forward Mike Peake was allegedly involved in a pre-dawn shootout on the University of New Mexico's campus while in Albuquerque for a game against the school, New Mexico State University officials said. A 17-year-old was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and conspiracy in connection to the shooting, and no additional arrests have been announced. LAS CRUCES, N.M. Former New Mexico State basketball players Deuce Benjamin and Shakiru Odunewu, along with current Las Cruces High Basketball Coach William Benjamin, filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the university, two of its coaches and three players alleging hazing allegations against members of the men's basketball team made earlier this year were actually sexual assault. Terms of Service, Lobo Basketball Adds Forward Mustapha Amzil, Jemarl Baker, Jr. to Join Lobo Basketball, Tru Washington Signs with New Mexico Mens Basketball, The University of New Mexico Lobos License Plate, Lobo Radio Network Broadcasts Live via TuneIn Radio, UNM Institutional Spot: Unexpected on Purpose, (Two NCAA Tournaments, 2014 NIT Champions), (First winning season in 12 years, 10 win improvement from 2011-12), (Two NCAA Tournaments, 2008 and 2009 Elite 8). Paul Weir was hired for a base salary of $275,000, Chris Jans had a base salary of $270,000 when he was . Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines |, KVIA-TV FCC Public File | FCC Applications |, Breaking News . 15, climbing to No. at Eastern New Mexico University. Aiken and Bradley pinned him down and pulled his pants and underwear down to his ankles. He also was named the NABC District 7 Coach of the Year and Reggie Lynch was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Academically, 14 student-athletes under Pitino earned Academic All-Big Ten honors over his first seven seasons, including a school-record five in 2019-20. Police claimed Peake, who was ultimately suspended from the team as police investigated the shooting, placed his gun, phone and tablet in the car. The matter is still under investigation by law enforcement. . Additionally, FIU reached the Sun Belt Tournament Title game as a four seed, before falling to Western Kentucky in the tournament championship game, 6563. 24 Maryland. The ESPN report specifies that it was unknown at the time how the phone, gun and tablet were moved in the hours immediately following the shooting. Louisville was the No. All rights reserved. 11 Purdue again in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. The Golden Gophers earned a No. Along the way, the Golden Gophers knocked off three top-20 teams in No. Assistant Coach (Hitting Coach/Recruiting Coordinator) . At times, some were around when the attacks were going on and they did nothing to look into what was happening nor to stop it," the lawsuit alleged. New Mexico State has fired men's basketball head coach Greg Heiar amid an investigation into the program, the school announced Tuesday.. Entertainment "NM State has a rich tradition of basketball success dating back over a century and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue that success. He has also been a part of three Elite Eight runs and one Final Four berth as an assistant. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Severe Weather Heiar worked extensively with the Shocker backcourt, which saw Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet earn All-American honors, and both eventually signed NBA contracts following the 2016 season. NM State Collection. "I want to extend my sincere thanks to President Stokes, Eddie Nuez and David Williams for extending this opportunity. . Heiar reportedly responded to the police request by saying he first needed to ensure his players didn't first need an attorney present. A lot has happened in those three weeks. One of the brightest young coaches in college basketball, Richard Pitino enters his second season leading the New Mexico men's basketball program in 2022-23. The Raiders' NJCAA Division I National Championship was the culmination of a remarkable turnaround from the previous campaign. To see the kids that Ive coached go on to be successful, you know, in their daily lives, thats probably one of the things that I enjoy the most, said Coach Brazil. The incident remains under investigation by state police. Under Pitino, Minnesota players were awarded All-Big Ten honors twelve times including Nate Mason, who was named First Team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media in 2016-17. Oturu was also the first to be as high as third team since Quincy Lewis was a third team pick in 1999. Coach Eloy Brazil said his coaching career has been incredible. Winners of the Big East regular season title, Louisville also won the Big East Tournament title, defeating Syracuse in the title match. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. In an announcement made Sunday by NM State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia, Greg Heiar (pronounced "higher") has been named the head coach of NM State's men's basketball program. That season Pitino guided the Gophers to an 117 record in the Big Ten, which was Minnesota's most wins in conference in 20 years. The most comprehensive coverage of New Mexico Lobos on the web with highlights, scores, game summaries, and rosters. The report detailed how the teammates allegedly held the accuser down and "removed his clothing exposing his buttocks and began to 'slap his a'" while also allegedly touching his scrotum. Deuce Benjamin has yet to meet with investigators, according to the complaint. Pitino was fired Monday by Minnesota after eight seasons at the school. In his entire coaching career, Brazil has earned 656 total wins. 22 Wisconsin (on the road) and No. In his first season with Florida, the Gators went 21-13 overall, making it to the NCAA Tournament as a 10-seed where they would lose 99-92 in double overtime to BYU. Furthermore, Wichita State was also among the national statistical leaders over that six-year stretch: T3rdin defensive field goal percentage (.390) ", The 27th bench boss in the history of the program, Heiar succeeds three-time WAC Coach of the Year Chris Jans - an individual Heiar served with on staff at two institutions (Chipola College in 2003-04 and Wichita State from 2011-14 and 2015-17). Brandon Travis, 19, and three other University of New Mexico students allegedly lured Peake to the campus to assault him, New Mexico State Police said. According to a statement issued by New Mexico State police the following day, four students from New Mexico lured Peake to the Albuquerque campus in the pre-dawn hours ahead of a basketball game between the two teams. Defendants Aiken, Bradley and Washington, Vicarious Liability Under Theory of Aiding in Agency Plaintiffs Benjamin Jr. and Odunewu vs. Defendent NMSU, Violation of New Mexico Civil Rights Act Plaintiffs Benjamin Jr. and Odunewu vs. Defendent NMSU. ", "Over the last 48 hours, our staff and membership have been working to find a solution that best protects every WAC student-athlete and institution," Thornton said. Conference tournament champion. At Kirkwood, Heiar's play helped his team to its first NJCAA Tournament appearance in the history of the program. In his first season with Florida, the Gators went 21-13 overall, making it to the NCAA Tournament as a 10-seed where they would lose 99-92 in double overtime to BYU. 4 in the country prior to the 2019 season. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Since doing so, Jans has ushered in an unprecedented run of success in Las Cruces by winning an . The lawsuit also alleged Benjamin suffered mental abuse. In his two seasons at Southern Miss, Heiar saw the Golden Eagles post a pair of 20-win seasons, along with reaching the Conference USA semifinals in 2009-10 and making a postseason bid in the 2010 CollegeInsider.com Tournament. He has been a part of seven NCAA Tournaments, including two as a head coach. I have known Chris Jans for almost 30 years and hope to build upon what he achieved at NM State over the last half-decade. "William was very upset and tried to reach Coach Heiar and Athletic Director Mario (Moccia), who did notreturn his calls," according to the complaint. 18thin total points scored (15,882) Lobo Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of New Mexicans, and I cannot wait to get started.". At just 38, Pitino has the time to rebuild his brand in the profession and position himself for another shot at a high-profile job. [3] During his time at Florida, they advanced to two NCAA tournaments including one Elite Eight appearance in 2010. Former Nebraska coach Tim Miles was also reportedly in the running for the New Mexico job. 25 Florida before losing in the Final Four to No. "Richard Pitino is a proven winner with a track record of success on the court, including deep tournament runs and wins over nationally ranked programs, as well as proven success off the court by creating a tremendous student-athlete experience and supporting them as they earn their degrees. Pitinos success isnt just as a head coach, as he has been a part of several deep NCAA Tournament runs as an assistant and as an associate head coach. NM State Athletics Insider Podcast Series. Richard Pitino has been hired as the next head coach of the New Mexico men's basketball program less than 24 hours after Minnesota announced his firing, the program announced on Tuesday. Oturu was also the first to be as high as third team since Quincy Lewis was a third team pick in 1999. In 2020-21, Minnesota climbed up to No. The 24 wins marked the second time in his career that his team surpassed the previous school record for wins. Coach Brazil mentioned while the wins are fun, the real reward has been working with so many students. The report adds other alleged incidents of unwanted sexual touching occurred in July and August 2022, both in the team locker room and on road trips. The native of Boston, Massachusetts went to Providence, where he earned a B.A. While attending Santa Fe College, he started thinking about coaching and minored in it. He is the son of St. Johns University head coach Rick Pitino. Heiar will be formally introduced to the Las Cruces and NM State communities Monday (March 28) afternoon at 4:00 p.m. during his introductory press conference. "Greg's coaching background is aligned with this program's blueprint of success which has resulted in multiple wins over Power Five programs and our biggest rivals in addition to multiple WAC titles, WAC tournament titles and NCAA Tournament success. Twice Pitino had players named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and twice players were named to the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. Phone. For his father and Basketball Hall of Fame coach, see, FIU Panthers men's basketball head coaches, Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball head coaches, New Mexico Lobos men's basketball head coaches, Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Coach of the Year, Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball, 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, "BREAKING: New Mexico has hired former Minnesota coach Richard Pitino, sources told @Stadium. He will be introduced 4 p.m. Monday at the Pan American Center in a news conference open to the public. Phone. Minnesota then beat SMU 65-63 for the NIT title. Head Coach. On March 21, 2019, in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, No. According to the court documents, "Taylor laughed in his face and said, 'What do you want me to do? Academic Support Program & Services Center. Heiar hails from Dubuque, Iowa, and he and his wife, Jessica, have one daughter, Alexis. A second assault on Odunewu, the lawsuit alleged, occurred during a bus ride on Nov. 12, 2022 and involved Aiken, Bradley, and Washington. Peake's phone was later located in Las Cruces, in the possession of an unnamed administrator. That squad was ranked the entire season, getting as high as No. 19 Iowa. Arvizu said the players and coaching staff were called back to the school in Las Cruces and interviewed by university personnel specially trained to conduct investigations into hazing incidents. 5 Michigan State. The New Mexico State Board of Regents, former head coach Greg Heiar, former assistant coach Dominique Taylor and former players DeShawndre Washington, Doctor Bradley and Kim Aiken Jr., were named . Regardless, the filing of the report prompted Arvizu to launch a university investigation into the basketball team; at the same time, NMSU placed Heiar and his staff on paid administrative leave and suspended team activities. Updated: Jan 2, 2023 / 06:52 AM MST. School personnel were "recently informed of new allegations" involving the potential violations of school policy, the Las Cruces university said in a statement. His first NCAA Tournament berth with the Golden Gophers came in 2016-17, when he led Minnesota to a 24-10 record. In this July 21, 2020, file photo, a New Mexico State player shoots a three at a pre-season practice for the NMSU men's basketball team in Las Cruces, N.M. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The following season saw Louisville ascend to No. Hes now returned to coaching the Cimarron Rams. During his visit to Los Lunas High School, University of New Mexico men's basketball Pitino talked with the News-Bulletin about the state of the program as he enters his third season at UNM. Richard and his wife Jill are the parents of two daughters, Ava and Zoe, and a son, Jack. The allegations are unrelated to a fatal shooting involving one of the men's basketball team players that occurred in Albuquerque late last year, the school said. In the past week, former New Mexico State basketball players Deuce Benjamin and Shakiru Odunewu, and Bejamin's father, William Benjamin, sued the Board of Regents, former head coach Greg Heiar . "That's why I was so heartbroken and sickened to hear about these hazing allegations. In response to the assault taking place, one of the coaches turned around and yelled out, Stop playing around," the lawsuit alleged. Names tossed around to replace Paul Weir at New Mexico. In a section titled "The Downward Spiral of the NMSU Basketball Program," the lawsuit details events that led to the fatal shooting on Nov. 19, 2022, of a student at University of New Mexico . The Official Athletic Site of the New Mexico Lobos, partner of WMT Digital. For complete coverage of NM State men's basketball as the Aggies prepare for year one under Heiar, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Men's Basketball), Twitter (@NMStateMBB) and Instagram (@NMStateMBB). ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Head Coach Richard Pitino of The University of New Mexico men's basketball team announced a Lobo staff update Tuesday that included the addition of Eric Brown as assistant coach, Dan McHale as special assistant to the head coach and Nick Michael as strength and conditioning coach. Minnesota was selected as an at-large into the 2019 NCAA Tournament, earning a 10-seed. In a statement on the university's website, the Board of Regents announced it will hold a closed-door meeting on Tuesday on matters that "may include discussion of personally identifiable information about individual NMSU students.". Heiar will become the 27th head men's basketball coach at NMSU. A win over No. Richard William Pitino (born September 16, 1982) is an American college basketball coach who is the head coach of the New Mexico Lobos men's team. Defendants NMSU and Heiar, Sexual Assault, Battery and False Imprisonment Plaintiffs Benjamin Jr. and Odunewu vs. The Golden Gophers defeated Pitinos former school, Louisville, in the First Round before falling to No. Feb 23 Win. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. 5 Michigan State and No. Copyright 2023 New Mexico State University Athletics / All Rights Reserved. "The important thing sometimes is for the student-athletes and you know to just be able to maybe have a different opportunity where things are different and it's clear andyou know starting over for everybody maybe might be the best thing at times," Hooten said. Along the way, the Golden Gophers knocked off three top-20 teams in No. It is a great day for Lobo Basketball and for everyone who loves our program and our University, said Director of Athletics Eddie Nuez. 24 Maryland. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. University of New Mexico Director of Athletics Eddie Nuez has announced that Richard Pitino, who has been a part of several championships and Power 5 programs, has been named as the 22nd head coach of the Lobo men's basketball team. Minnesota then beat SMU 65-63 for the NIT title. At the time of the above interview, NMSU had only officially signed two players - freshman Keylon Dorsey and JUCO transfer Jaden Harris. It humiliates and degrades someone and has the potential to cause physical and emotional harm, or even death. New Mexico announced Tuesday the hiring of Pitino as its men's basketball coach. In 2011-12 as associate head coach, the Cardinals went 30-10, advancing all the way to the Final Four. 19 Iowa. "My wife Jill, our children and I are very excited to join the Lobo Family," Pitino said. Only Arizona's Tommy Lloyd (.914), Gonzaga's Few (.837), Kansas . 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Pitino was named Minnesotas head coach in March of 2013 after one season as the head coach at Florida International in University Park, Florida. Pitinos success isnt just as a head coach, as he has been a part of several deep NCAA Tournament runs as an assistant and as an associate head coach. They slapped his bare buttocks and he felt fingers inserted into his anus while his scrotum was simultaneously squeezed.". 25 Florida before losing in the Final Four to No. 1 in both polls. Through his six years as an NCAA Division I men's basketball coach, Jans' record of 143-44 (.765) allowed him to boast the nation's fifth-best winning percentage among active DI head coaches. That moved the Cardinals to No. Between Louisville stops, Pitino spent two seasons at Florida coaching under Billy Donovan. Warning: The following article contains detailed allegations related to sexual assault, bullying and gun violence. "We're in pretty good shape for as many people as we've brought in we've either got a commitment or a signing," Hooten said. The Lobos had three all league performers in Mashburn, House and Newcomer Morris Udeze (Wichita St Transfer). The Golden Gophers picked up five wins over nationally ranked opponents including No. That Louisville team was ranked for every week of the season, save one, and finished the year ranked No. 11thin total rebounds (7,372) The New Mexico Lobos men's basketball team represents the University of New Mexico, competing in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in NCAA Division I.The university established basketball as a varsity sport in 1899 and began competing with regional colleges after establishing an athletics department in 1920.. Lobo basketball first achieved national prominence after Bob King was hired as head . Just one year after a dismal 8-21 campaign, Pitino led FIU to an 18-14 record and a third-place finish in the Sun Belts East Division. In 2011-12 as associate head coach, the Cardinals went 30-10, advancing all the way to the Final Four. Additionally, five players were drafted into the NBA G League. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. University of New Mexico Director of Athletics Eddie Nuez has announced that Richard Pitino, who has been a part of several championships and Power 5 programs, has been named as the 22nd head coach of the Lobo mens basketball team. KVIA. The Official Athletic Site of the New Mexico Lobos, partner of WMT Digital. ", The chancellor added that the school will work to "ensure that support systems are in place to prevent this from happening again.". He is the son of St. Johns University head coach Rick Pitino.After attending St. Sebastian's School in Needham, Massachusetts, Richard Pitino . "Through investigation, agents later learned that Travis had conspired with a 17-year-old female and two of Travis's male friends, all UNM students, to lure the 21-year-old victim to UNM campus and assault him," the New Mexico State police statement said. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) - After a scandal-plagued men's basketball season for New Mexico State University, new coach Jason Hooten is vowing a dramatic change in culture. Lobo Basketball holds a special place in the hearts of New Mexicans, and I cannot wait to get started.. The Lobo basketball coaching search should end in Chicago, with three names surfaced so far and a big decision looming. Two former New Mexico State University (NMSU) men's basketball players filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against former head coach Greg Heiar, three former NMSU players, assistant head coach Dominique . In New York, he led his team to a 67-64 overtime win over Florida State in the NIT Semifinals to break the school record for wins in a season with 24. It was made public last night that the University of New Mexico will part ways with current men's basketball coach Paul Weir at the end of the season. Dan E. Arvizu, chancellor of New Mexico State University, said he decided to terminate coach Greg Heiar earlier on Tuesday, after learning of the hazing allegations involving the students on the team. Richard Pitino is a proven winner with a track record of success on the court, including deep tournament runs and wins over nationally ranked programs, as well as proven success off the court by creating a tremendous student-athlete experience and supporting them as they earn their degrees. The national title was Northwest Florida State College's third in the history of the program, giving the program the third-most national titles among all NJCAA Division I programs. 8 Wisconsin, No. UNM finished the season losing seven of their last nine conference games and finished with a 22-12 overall record and a 8-10 conference record and an NIT appearance. [4] With only six players remaining from the previous season, and not all of them on scholarship, Pitino cobbled together a team and coached a high-pressure defense that finished eighth in the nation in steals. Another former New Mexico coach, Dave Bliss, won NCAA Tournament games with the Lobos in four straight seasons from 1996-99, and was then hired by Baylor in the Big 12 -- although his tenure with the Bears then ended in scandal. My wife Jill, our children and I are very excited to join the Lobo Family, said Pitino. 10 in the polls. "This action is clearly needed, especially after receiving additional facts and reviewing investigation reports related to the hazing allegations involving student-athletes on the team," Arvizu said in a statement on Sunday, adding that it's "time for this program to reset.". The Benjamins and Odunewu are asking for compensation over damages,as well as punitive damages leveled against NMSU over allegations of negligence. 5 Michigan State and No. The program canceled its season over the weekend as the . Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire. Dr. Paul Weir coached his last game as the New Mexico basketball head coach this past week. '", More: Jason Hooten takes over New Mexico State men's basketball program. ESPAOLA, N.M. (KRQE) - A women's college basketball coach in New Mexico was arrested for allegedly pulling a gun on one of his former players; a woman he claims he was having a relationship . 12 as the team started out 13-3. From there, Louisville defeated No. "This is the perfect time for a transition in Lobo Basketball," Weir said in a news release sent out the Albuquerque Journal. "It is a great day for Lobo Basketball and for everyone who loves our program and our University," New Mexico athletic director Eddie Nuez said in a release. Heiar's tenure at Chipola began as an assistant coach under then-head coach Chris Jans in 2003-04. Hes known for making a signature gesture during games.

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