ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — They came by the thousands to the corner of University Boulevard and Avenida Cesar Chavez, much as they have for 50 years.
They first arrived in early November and returned with regularity until the first day of March. A handful of them walked with canes. Some of them were mere children beginning their indoctrination into the curious world that is Lobo basketball.
Coach Craig Neal, resplendent in his business suits and shaggy silver hair, would take the stage, walking the stone-gray concrete carpet of the Pit ramp like a nominee for best director in a melodrama – happy to be there, but still hopeful for a win.