New Mexico Player Quits

Sophomore forward Michael McCowan has quit the New Mexico team, saying it “wasn’t the right situation for me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with the coaching staff or my teammates. It was just not the right situation,” he said Wednesday.

The 6-foot-7 reserve transferred to New Mexico from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., before the 2002 fall semester.

He played in 18 games and scored 13 points -- 12 coming in back-to-back games against Wyoming and Western New Mexico.

“We’re certainly disappointed that Michael has made this decision,” New Mexico Coach Ritchie McKay said. “Michael was very well-liked by the coaching staff and his teammates. We all wish him the best in the future.”

McCowan’s departure leaves the Lobos with nine players, seven on scholarship and two walk-ons. New Mexico (9-15 overall, 3-8 in the Mountain West Conference) is at its scholarship limit for the 2003-2004 season, so it will not be able to fill the spot left by McCowan.