UNM women's basketball: Hargrove excited to lead revamped Lobos

It may seem like a stretch to call Alyssa Hargrove the cagy veteran presence in the UNM women’s basketball team’s locker room.

She fits the description better than anyone else on the roster.

Hargrove is getting ready for her second season with the Lobos, one of just two seniors on the roster along with fellow Ohio native and fifth-year player Clarissa Craig. Both have spent considerably more time in other programs than they have at New Mexico.

Still, with the departure of four-year standout Viané Cumber and a few other familiar faces after last season, having a full year under one’s belt qualifies as veteran status. All six returning players are starting their second season as Lobos.

Being that Craig took a medical redshirt season in 2024-25, that leaves Hargrove as UNM’s bastion of experience. She smiled at the description but says she’s ready to take it on.

“We have a lot of new players at pretty much every position,” Hargrove said. “I don’t know if it really comes naturally, but I’m trying to be that voice, a person they can come to and just ask questions. Even though I was kind of in that leadership role last year, just being the (point guard), I feel like I’ve definitely stepped into it this year. Whether it’s leading by example or just helping my teammates out any way I can, that’s my role now.”

Hargrove, a 5-foot-8 combo guard who transferred to UNM from Austin Peay State, received some on-the-job leadership training last season. Hargrove had played off the ball in previous seasons and had to be persuaded to play point guard.

It paid off as Hargrove started all 32 games and led the Lobos in assists (140), steals (69) and 3-point percentage (38.3%). She ranked third in scoring (8.3 ppg), second in blocks (29) and second to Cumber in minutes played (31.2 per game).

Hargrove’s play earned her the trust of both her teammates and the coaching staff — along with a leadership role.

“Alyssa and (sophomore Joana Magalhães) have both stepped up and taken that on,” UNM coach Mike Bradbury said. “They’ve done a good job helping us build chemistry with a lot of new players.”

Hargrove, Magalhães and the Lobos’ other four returnees (Craig, Destinee Hooks, Drew Jordon and Nayli Padilla) took it upon themselves to get the Lobos off to a fast start in 20205-26.

“We had spring workouts together, just the six of us, so we worked together a lot and got really close,” Hargrove said. “We put in a new offense, so really only the six of us completely know the offense right now. But I think having six that really know it and are bought in will help everyone else learn it and move along faster.”

The Lobos, with seven newcomers, made their first public appearance at Saturday night’s Lobo Howl. Hargrove was all smiles as she came down the ramp during introductions, and she’s confident fans will enjoy watching this year’s UNM team.

“We’re definitely way faster,” she said, “so I think that with our playing styles we’ll be able to press a lot more and get up on people. Our transition was pretty good last year, but it’s going to be really fun to watch this year with so many people who can run fast and push the ball. Even our (posts) can sprint the floor.”

As for Hargrove’s on-the-court role, it figures to change from last season. The addition of WBCA JUCO Player of the Year Cacia Antonio probably means Hargrove will not line up as a full-time point guard, but Bradbury says she will take rotations at the position while also getting more shot opportunities.

That’s fine with Hargrove, who sees versatility as one of UNM’s biggest strengths.

“I think with this team we have a lot of players who excel in different areas,” she said. “Just limiting us to one spot, one position might not be good for us as a whole. Having people who can step into different roles will just make us that much better.”

How much better? UNM finished 18-14 overall last season and tied for fourth place in the Mountain West. The Lobos won’t be satisfied with a repeat performance, Hargrove said.

“At least the six returners, I know we all want to win that conference championship,” she said. “Even with Coach Mike, we’ve talked about that being the end goal for this season. We’re working every day toward that.”

HOWLING SUCCESS: Freshman Kaia Foster effectively stole the show for Bradbury’s team at Saturday’s Howl, edging teammate Padilla to win the women’s bracket in the 3-point shooting contest. Foster then hit her first six 3s in a row and defeated Jake Hall of the men’s team in the overall final.

Players enjoyed the event’s mixed format, including men’s and women’s team members teaming up for a skills challenge that included timed passing, dribbling and shooting aspects. Hooks and Chris Howell of the Lobo men’s team went first and posted the best time of the first round, then took on transfers Jessie Joaguim and Tajaviis Miller in the final.

Neither Hooks nor Joaquim wanted to go first, so the two did a quick round of rock paper scissors to determine the order. Hooks won that contest (scissors over paper), but Joaquim and Miller prevailed in the skills challenge final.