Inspiring the next generation of athletes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico is all about basketball proper now. There’s the highschool state event at The Pit, and the Lobos are tipping off in Las Vegas in the Mountain West Match semifinals.

Tamara Lopez caught up with some native coaches who went from taking part in at The Pit to inspiring the next generation of athletes.

“Man, I like it, I like it. I’ve been ready for us to get again there to play at the degree we’re succesful of.”

Former Lobo basketball participant Dairese Gary says it’s nice to be again in Albuquerque and Lobo nation.

“Individuals are at all times calling me, did you see this, did you see that, and I’m like, yeah, I obtained a giant smile, proud to say that I used to be in a position to play for the college, in order that they’re kicking butt proper now,” he mentioned.

This time he’s teaching at the Albuquerque Basketball Prep Academy.

Proprietor Brandon Mason mentioned they assist gamers attain their goals.

“In the final two seasons we’ve had we’ve put 24 children in school, 4 thus far going Division I, one other Division I commit and we’ve already had just a few children commit Division II,” Mason mentioned.

Together with his son, freshman Brandon Mason Junior, who’s already gotten some severe curiosity.

“Rising up with my dad, I’ve been taking part in since I used to be a bit child so I’ve been taking part in for a extremely very long time so I’ve a robust love for the game so it’s actually like my coronary heart,” Mason Junior mentioned.

So it’s no shock how excited he’s about all of New Mexico’s basketball success this season.

“It’s actually cool to see how profitable New Mexico basketball has been, particularly with Jap profitable the championship and stuff so it’s fairly cool to see how profitable we’ve been.”

Simply days in the past the Jap New Mexico Greyhounds received the Lone Star Convention event, and now they’ll play in the NCAA Division II event beginning this weekend.

That success, partnered with the Lobos’ momentum at the Mountain West event, solidifies the status as a basketball state.

“Every part that New Mexico brings out of state you understand in case you have a look at CBS Sports activities, they at all times present our followers and our followers solely as a result of there’s nothing like that,” Mason mentioned.

Gary mentioned this milestone season takes him proper again to when he performed in The Pit.

“It’s simply one thing that you simply always remember,” Gary mentioned.

The Greyhounds play in the first spherical of the NCAA Division II Match Saturday at 11 a.m. They play Colorado Mesa.