$New Mexico\'s 5 Most Important Players for 2014 NCAA Tournament$

New Mexico's 5 Most Important Players for 2014 NCAA Tournament

By John Lloyd

New Mexico's 5 Most Important Players for 2014 NCAA Tournament

Craig Neal — The Lobos are on a bit of a hot-streak due to their winning of the Mountain West Conference Tournament. A senior-laden squad, the Lobos use length and shooting at every position to frustrate opponents into taking contested jumpers. If the Lobos can get over the hump and actually win a NCAA tournament game, then coach “Noodle” Neal will be in the good-graces of UNM faithful. These five players are critical to that effort.

5. Deshawn Delaney

Deshawn Delaney

5. Deshawn Delaney

Deshawn Delaney — Deshawn Delaney is the typical New Mexico wing player, shooting threes and defending the opponents’ best player. He has a weird matchup against Stanford’s length.

4. Hugh Greenwood

Hugh Greenwood

4. Hugh Greenwood

Hugh Greenwood — The Australian has a tendency to shoot too much at times, but when he’s on, the Lobos definitely benefit. He does a lot of ball handling now for the bench and off-ball guard for the starters. Hugh Greenwood is a great role player.

3. Alex Kirk

Alex Kirk

3. Alex Kirk

Alex Kirk — Captain Kirk is the big man you see when you watch the Lobos play. He’s a hard-nosed defender and rebounder who has shooting touch out to the three-point line. He is scoring 14, rebounding nine and blocking three shots a game.

2. Kendall Williams

Kendall Williams

2. Kendall Williams

Kendall Williams — A stud at both guarding his position and playing his position, Williams provides 6-foot-6 of passing, ball handling and shooting ability. As a point guard, he is a matchup nightmare averaging 16 and five on the season.

1. Cameron Bairstow

Cameron Bairstow

1. Cameron Bairstow

Cameron Bairstow — There is no doubt about New Mexico’s game plan: Feed Bairstow the rock -- anywhere. He can score from outside, down low and can get to the line at will. He's one of the most underrated players in the country.

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New Mexico Lobos

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