The Aftermath

So New Mexico has guaranteed a conference title, a number 1 seed in the MWC tournament, probably player of the year, certainly coach of the year, and that their history of classless behavior by their basketball program will continue.  This time, the behavior was displayed by their coach, Steve Alford.  For those who followed him at Iowa (that would probably only be me...), this comes as no surprise.  He was always a punk.  However, that is what makes him such a perfect fit at New Mexico.  It was also what made me worried when I heard he was coming to New Mexico: just what THAT program needs, replace a classy guy who can't win with a classless guy who may or may not be able to win...

For those of you who missed what happened (and if you watched the game you probably did since they NEVER talked about it), here is a summary, based on what Sportscenter discussed, what Alford said happened, what Jim Rayburn (BYU Sportsbeat writer) and Greg Wrubell said happened, and what Youtube videos show:

With about 50 seconds left, Darington Hobson threw an intentional elbow into Jonathan Tavernari's chest.  JT wanted the official to make a call and went nuts when he didn't.  Hobson came over for a handshake following the timeout and JT wanted nothing to do with it.  Then, going through the handshake line after the game, Alford walked alongside Tavernari, talking to him.  In the words of Alford, he wanted to congratulate him on a great career.  At some point the conversation turned heated, both parties clearly at fault.  At the end of the conversation Alford could be heard saying: "I'll see you in Vegas too, punkass."  Followed shortly by (Alford still): "you're an asshole."  At which point Coach Dave Rose pulled Tavernari from the line and sent him to the locker room.  At the request (and escort) of the Athletic Director, JT went to the Lobo locker room to apologize to Alford for his inappropriate behavior.  I agree, what JT did was inappropriate, both during and after the game.  However, what Alford did was inexcusable.  You are a major D-I coach.  This is a college kid, playing basketball, 22 years old.  He doesn't know better.  You should.  Of course, Alford played for, and was mentored by, Bob Knight, so let's just be glad he didn't try to choke JT or throw a chair at him...

I would be surprised if anything more than a reprimand was issued by the league.  Alford, in the MWC at least, is a first-time offender.  But the MWC is going to have to figure out how to handle New Mexico in the future.  They have a lot of characters on the team, but not a lot of character.  History is on my side as well.  It has been a program of thugs, supported by the most raucous and unsportsmanlike fans in the West.  Throw in Alford now and it's amazing there haven't been more issues with the officials and the league.  Roman Martinez is, by far, the class of the program.  The guy is a baller.  He works hard, he plays the game the right way, and he treats his opponents with class and respect.  Every time an opponent gets on a run, he hits a three.  He is also the ONLY player on the team that is not an Alford recruit.: they are definitely going to have issues with taunting and dirty play next year, with an entire roster full of Alford's guys.  I have seen Darington Hobson on several occasions get warned for his "passionate" celebrations.  Dairese Gary has been clean so far this year, but has had multiple run-ins with players and officials the first two years he played under Alford.

It will be interesting to see where New Mexico goes from here.  I believe in Karma, and Alford might not have very much of it going into the tournaments.  Barring a screw job by the Selection Committee, they should be able to advance to the Sweet 16.  New Mexico will certainly get a 3-seed in the NCAAs, most likely in the South Regional, which finishes up in Houston.  I would guess their first pod will be in Oklahoma City.  If they win the MWC Tournament, they might be able to move up to the 2-line.  The only way they play down to a 4-seed is if they lose to TCU to close the season and get bounced in round 1 at the conference tournament.  Neither is likely and both happening is beyond unlikely.  BYU is currently a solid 4-seed, but they can play their way down to the 5-line if they lose again in the regular season (at Utah and at TCU) or lose in the second round of the MWC Tournament (which looks like it will be against UNLV).  If they win at Utah and at TCU, and advance to the MWC finals, they are a lock for a 4-seed.  I think even winning the conference championship would leave them at a 4 seed.

As it stands right now:
New Mexico is guaranteed the #1 seed.  3-seed in the NCAAs.
BYU needs 1 win to clinch #2 or a UNLV loss.  4-seed in the NCAAs.
UNLV and SDSU are fighting for 3/4.  UNLV holds the tie-breaker currently.  I suspect they will tie in the standings, and UNLV will get the 3 seed in the tournament.  They will get BYU in round 2, which is a better place for BYU to play them.  UNLV is UNBEATABLE in the Final.  You must knock them out early.  With each game, they get a larger fan base.  Either UNLV or SDSU will make the tourney between 10-12 in the seeding.  I doubt both will make it unless they play each other in the MWC Championship game.  The other gets a 1 or 2-seed in the NIT.
CSU-Utah are fighting for the 5/6.  Utah is a game-up, but they play the final game of the year in Fort Collins.  Utah can clinch the 5th seed with a win in either of their final two games and a CSU loss at SDSU.  Neither will make the NCAAs.  Both are possibilities for the NIT (assuming Utah is above .500).  They will definitely both play in the postseason, even if it is the CIT (former CBI).
TCU is solidly in 7th and is very unlikely to move up with its final games against New Mexico and BYU.  No postseason beyond the MWC tourney.
Wyoming and Air Force have clinched the 8/9 play-in game.  No postseason beyond the MWC tourney.