Albuquerque Journal

Is Alford's Crew Flying Coop?
By Mark Smith, Journal Sports Writer

University of New Mexico men's basketball coach Steve Alford has pretty much finished his recruiting for the 2008-09 season.
   
At least, as far as getting players.
   
Recruiting a new coaching staff, however, may be a different story.
   
While Alford remains silent on the prospects of his assistants, he may soon have as many as four openings to fill.
   
And that doesn't count Mike Roberts.
   
"I will comment at the appropriate time," is all Alford would say Friday about his staff.
   
According to numerous coaches around the country, UNM associate head coach Craig Neal has been offered a position with the Milwaukee Bucks under new coach Scott Skiles. One even called me Friday to inquire about Neal's current position at UNM, saying Neal's decision whether to accept an offer was expected to come Monday.
   
The Journal Times in Racine, Wis., is reporting the Bucks have at least four openings for assistants.
   
Is he going?
   
If he tells you, let me know what he says.
   
The guy who in late February publicly stated the staff was "not going anywhere" hasn't returned calls from the Journal.
   
On Friday, his agent, Mike Barnett, didn't return calls, either.
   
Why an assistant coach is trying for another job is being kept secret is a mystery. It's a natural progression.
   
Neal, who last year signed a four-year contract with UNM for $252,000 a year, unsuccessfully tried for the head coaching spots at both Missouri State and Toledo in recent weeks. Neal denied he had applied at either school, but would anyone have blamed him for leaving New Mexico to become a head coach?
   
Now, if the NBA is indeed his calling, who would fault Neal for heading back to the league in which he once played and coached? It should be a feather in Alford's hat for an assistant to have that kind of success.
   
Still, UNM athletics director Paul Krebs says he's convinced Neal is staying put— and not because they are negotiating an extension.
   
"I don't think he's going anywhere," Krebs said. "... The idea he gets an extension is not a reason why an assistant is staying or leaving. We're talking about an assistant coach. Craig's decision will be based on whether (Milwaukee) is a good opportunity or not."
   
Miller time?
   
Another of UNM's feathers could get plucked as well. Assistant Ryan Miller might be in the running for a spot under Memphis coach John Calipari. If Calipari remains in Memphis.
   
While much needs to shake out— including whether Calipari heads to the NBA— Miller says he's been contacted by Calipari, a guy he worked under for three seasons at Memphis.
   
"He asked me if I had any interest," Miller said Friday. "I said 'I'd talk to coach (Alford) and get back to you.' He hasn't offered me a job. I worked there for three years. I don't know how far it's going."
   
If Miller gets an offer from Memphis— where his brother, Mike, plays NBA ball— it seems like a no-brainer. The Tigers, who played in this season's national championship game, would offer Miller a chance to move closer to an eventual head coaching position. Would anyone blame him for that?
   
Miller says he should know more within the week.
   
On the road again
   
Meanwhile, Alford needs to fill the director of operations and video coordinator positions, vacated this week by Silvey Dominiguez and Trey Trotter, respectively. Neither departure was announced to the media by the school.
   
On Friday, Dominguez, a former longtime assistant coach, was on the road back to Loveland, Colo.
   
When asked if he would return to UNM if either Neal or Miller leaves, he said "that would be up to coach Alford."
   
Dominguez, 55, is a UNM and Grants High graduate who was an assistant coach for nine schools from 1979-2007. Is he confident he'll get back into the business?
   
"No, no I'm not," he said. "I'd like to get back, but I'm not confident I will."
   
Dominguez didn't say why he was leaving, just that "I'm starting with a blank slate."
   
No matter what, Alford won't be starting with a blank slate. Assistant Chris Walker looks locked into place, and he's the main reason the Lobos signed five stellar recruits last fall.
   
Thus, filling the other spots shouldn't be too difficult.
   
Besides that, Alford doesn't have to worry about filling the most controversial opening at UNM right now (Roberts).
   
That's up to Krebs and Learfield Communications.