Hobson's difficult journey ends at UNM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - New Mexico Lobos guard Darington Hobson found out Monday that he's a finalist for the prestigious John R. Wooden award.

For Hobson, it's another accolade that's come in this magical year. However, his journey to the Land of Enchantment was a long, hard battle.

He arrived on campus with plenty of attention.

"Obviously talented like he is now, loves the crowd like he does now, but he's a great kid off the court and a good player," Hobson's high school coach Alan Huss said.

Nothing came easy for Hobson, as he attended numerous high schools, prep school and junior college.

"I trusted a lot of people that you know, I probably shouldn't have. And that's how I was in the predicament I was in. So you know I stuck it out and there were many times I felt like quitting," Hobson said.

UNM Head Coach Steve Alford recognized his difficult run to the Cherry and Silver.

"He doesn't qualify out of prep school, and now he's got to go to junior college, where he becomes a junior college All-American, did a great job there. But it's been a long time getting to place where he could play division one basketball," Alford said.

When Hobson finally made it to UNM, it was the end of a long journey and his dream to play big-time basketball came true.

"Once I got here and sat in my room, you know, I just cried for an hour and a half, two hours, thinking about all the stuff I've been through and all the people telling me I'd never get to this level, and finally, I finally got there," Hobson said.

Hobson said all the ups and downs have taught him a lot about life.

"To never take anything for granted, to never quit and to keep faith in God. I'm just soaking it all in, still soaking it in, just having fun and this is the funnest I've ever had playing basketball since I've been alive," he said.

The Lobos are mighty glad the guard decided to stick it out.