ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico athletic department and men’s basketball program are saddened by the loss of former Lobo great, Mel Daniels, who passed away Friday.
“It really saddens us to hear Mel passed today,” said head coach Craig Neal. “Mel was one of the greatest Lobos of all time. He played for coach King and started the basketball tradition here, with his teams playing the first years in The Pit. He had a longtime ABA career and is a Hall of Fame player.
“In my first season here I had him come speak to the team, because Mel meant a lot to me. When I was working in Toronto as a scout on the road, he always took care of me and found a way to help me. He’s a man of great character and integrity. He’s going to be really missed. We lost a great one today in Mel Daniels.”
Daniels is undeniably one of the best players in school history. He was UNM’s first All-American, earning the honor in 1967. His individual accolades as a Lobo include All-WAC in 1966 and 1967. Over the course of his career, he led UNM to a 54-28 record and led the WAC in scoring his senior year.
Following his collegiate career, Daniels would go on to become one of the all-time greats of the ABA. He was named ABA Most valuable Player as a member of the Indiana Pacers in 1969 and 1971, and led the Pacers to three ABA championships.
Daniels passed away at the age of 71 and was survived by his wife CeCe and his family.
