University of New Mexico Hosted Lobo Howl
The annual basketball event introduced fans to the upcoming season's men's and women's teams at The Pit.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you believe annual university team kickoff events strengthen community and family traditions in your area?
The University of New Mexico held its annual Lobo Howl event on Friday night in Albuquerque. The showcase featured player introductions along with three-point and dunk contests for both basketball squads.
Why it matters
The event allowed fans to connect with the men's and women's basketball teams before the official start of their seasons. It marks the final preseason opportunity for supporters to engage with the players at The Pit.
The Lobo Howl featured competitive events including a three-point contest and a dunk contest, which featured former player Kenny Thomas as a judge.
The players
University of New Mexico
This is a public research university that maintains athletic programs competing in the Mountain West Conference.
Kenny Thomas
He is a former professional basketball player who played for the University of New Mexico Lobos during his collegiate career.
The details
The festivities at The Pit included player introductions for the UNM men's and women's basketball teams, alongside fan participation opportunities. Former Lobo star Kenny Thomas served as a judge for the high-flying dunk contest that headlined the entertainment portion of the night.
Timeline
The Lobo Howl event took place on October 9, 2026.
The men's and women's teams are scheduled to open their seasons on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Lobo Howl serves as the official ramp-up for the UNM basketball program before teams head to Mountain West media events. This kickoff sets the tone for the season as players move from exhibition showcases to regular season competition.
Fans should prepare for the season openers on November 2, when the women's team faces Seattle and the men's team plays Utah Tech. These games represent the first official opportunities for the teams to secure wins that impact early-season standings.
The takeaway
The Lobo Howl functions as an important bridge between summer training and the start of competitive basketball. Fans can use this time to scout new roster additions before the official season tip-off in November.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments regarding Basketball in the region.
Live Poll
Do you believe annual university team kickoff events strengthen community and family traditions in your area?
