ALBUQUERQUE ? The temptation for New Mexico basketball coach Ritchie McKay existed daily. How couldn't it? College coaches are paid steep salaries to win, and when you combine that with working in the fishbowl that is this hoops-crazed town, pressure becomes far more inflated.
And still, there was a young man's future to consider.
"In no way would I ever jeopardize his career," McKay said. "He has a chance to make a whole lot of money in the future. My commitment to him when he came here has never changed. I wouldn't sacrifice a couple of wins for his long-term gain. That's not me."
So the Lobos were vigilant with Danny Granger ? even when he begged to play at BYU last week ? and now have him back.
San Diego State's pursuit of a road victory here suddenly became a lot tougher with the return of Granger, one of the top two players in the Mountain West Conference.
The Aztecs, who opened their trip by losing at Air Force, meet the Lobos tonight at 6 PST in The Pit.
Granger, a 6-foot-8 forward who averages 18.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, underwent minor knee surgery on Jan 10 and missed three conference games, all losses. But he played 35 minutes in a win against Nevada-Las Vegas on Saturday, showing the expected lapses from such a layoff and yet still managing 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.
Yep. He really is that good.
"Yeah, I was a little rusty," Granger said after the game. "But I'm glad to be back. I think my being out there drew extra attention and freed some of the other guys up. . . . Whenever you have an injury, part of the healing is mental. Some of the things I was hesitant to do, wondering how the knee would feel. But it was good throughout the game."
When he is healthy, Granger rivals Utah center Andrew Bogut as the best Mountain West ball offers this season. Think about it: The Lobos were 14-2 before Granger was hurt in the conference opener against Wyoming. Without the senior, they lost consecutive road games to Air Force, Utah and BYU.
Over the last two seasons, New Mexico is 26-13 with Granger and 3-6 without him. His legs aren't all there yet from this recent injury. Granger made just 4-of-12 shots against UNLV and missed all six three-point shots.
"I'm not sure if there are any benefits from not having Danny in relation to others having to play more significant roles," McKay said. "I just know our team is better with Danny Granger on the floor. He's a great player.
"He might not be playing at the same speed yet as when he (was injured), but his presence is often enough. He is very versatile and because of his confidence, we become a harder team to defend."
It has been difficult for SDSU to win here, regardless of which bodies New Mexico plays. The Aztecs are 4-22 against the Lobos in The Pit, having won only once since 1984.
But opportunity ? as slight as it might be ? seems to present itself tonight. Not only is Granger less than 100 percent, but starting point guard Kris Collins is gone for the season with a broken foot and junior forward David Chiotti is hobbling with a hip flexor.
"They're a better team at (home) than on the road," said Aztecs coach Steve Fisher. "When they get on a run, it's scary."
When they have Granger, ditto.
And still, there was a young man's future to consider.
"In no way would I ever jeopardize his career," McKay said. "He has a chance to make a whole lot of money in the future. My commitment to him when he came here has never changed. I wouldn't sacrifice a couple of wins for his long-term gain. That's not me."
So the Lobos were vigilant with Danny Granger ? even when he begged to play at BYU last week ? and now have him back.
San Diego State's pursuit of a road victory here suddenly became a lot tougher with the return of Granger, one of the top two players in the Mountain West Conference.
The Aztecs, who opened their trip by losing at Air Force, meet the Lobos tonight at 6 PST in The Pit.
Granger, a 6-foot-8 forward who averages 18.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, underwent minor knee surgery on Jan 10 and missed three conference games, all losses. But he played 35 minutes in a win against Nevada-Las Vegas on Saturday, showing the expected lapses from such a layoff and yet still managing 11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks.
Yep. He really is that good.
"Yeah, I was a little rusty," Granger said after the game. "But I'm glad to be back. I think my being out there drew extra attention and freed some of the other guys up. . . . Whenever you have an injury, part of the healing is mental. Some of the things I was hesitant to do, wondering how the knee would feel. But it was good throughout the game."
When he is healthy, Granger rivals Utah center Andrew Bogut as the best Mountain West ball offers this season. Think about it: The Lobos were 14-2 before Granger was hurt in the conference opener against Wyoming. Without the senior, they lost consecutive road games to Air Force, Utah and BYU.
Over the last two seasons, New Mexico is 26-13 with Granger and 3-6 without him. His legs aren't all there yet from this recent injury. Granger made just 4-of-12 shots against UNLV and missed all six three-point shots.
"I'm not sure if there are any benefits from not having Danny in relation to others having to play more significant roles," McKay said. "I just know our team is better with Danny Granger on the floor. He's a great player.
"He might not be playing at the same speed yet as when he (was injured), but his presence is often enough. He is very versatile and because of his confidence, we become a harder team to defend."
It has been difficult for SDSU to win here, regardless of which bodies New Mexico plays. The Aztecs are 4-22 against the Lobos in The Pit, having won only once since 1984.
But opportunity ? as slight as it might be ? seems to present itself tonight. Not only is Granger less than 100 percent, but starting point guard Kris Collins is gone for the season with a broken foot and junior forward David Chiotti is hobbling with a hip flexor.
"They're a better team at (home) than on the road," said Aztecs coach Steve Fisher. "When they get on a run, it's scary."
When they have Granger, ditto.
