LOBO WOMEN HOLD OPEN PRACTICE

Coach Mike Bradbury’s crew will be working out during a busy afternoon session today at Dreamstyle Arena, and the public is invited.

The curtain doesn’t officially go up for the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team until next week, but fans will be able to get a peek behind it today.

Coach Mike Bradbury and the 2017-18 Lobos will make their first public appearance in an open practice/scrimmage at 3:30 p.m. at Dreamstyle Arena. UNM’s look has changed considerably since the team’s last home appearance in late February.

New Mexico’s roster includes two eligible transfers and five freshmen along with just six players who saw action during an injury-filled 15-15 season in 2016-17. The new faces will help the Lobos employ a new up-tempo, high-pressure style, and Bradbury is looking forward to giving fans a glimpse.

“Our players can’t wait to get out in front of the fans,” Bradbury said. “They’ve put in the work, and I think we’ll be an exciting team to watch. It’s time to go public.”

The Lobos received good news this week when junior post Jaisa Nunn (knee) received medical clearance and returned to full practice. Nunn was one of three UNM players to suffer season-ending ACL tears last season. Junior Emily Lines was fully cleared earlier this month, while sophomore Mykiel Burleson is participating in drills but is not yet cleared for contact.

Nunn, who averaged 10.4 points and 7.0 rebounds in 21 games last season, should be ready to play in Wednesday’s exhibition game against Eastern New Mexico, Bradbury said. The 6-foot-3 Nunn is one of just two posts on UNM’s roster along with 6-2 junior transfer Erica Moore.

Nunn projects as a starter for the Lobos, along with senior guards Cherise Beynon and Tesha Buck and freshman point guard N’Dea Flye. UNM’s fifth starting spot remains up for grabs, and Bradbury’s guard-happy style will allow for nearly any of the other players to claim it.

“It’s coming down to the wire,” Bradbury said. “We’ll see who wants to work the hardest the next week or so.”

Today’s open practice will include player introductions, chalk talk, raffles and an autograph session on the arena floor. Season-ticket packages will be available for purchase. Fans are asked to enter through the arena’s northeast entrance.

NOTE: The Mountain West’s preseason women’s basketball polls and player awards are scheduled to be announced Wednesday.