LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- New Mexico State University is honoring its 1970 basketball team this weekend in Las Cruces.

It's a moment for which many players have waited years as they receive their final four rings.

A formal dinner and ceremony is Saturday night, but Friday, team members gathered to remember what happened almost 40 years ago.

“I feel like I am the luckiest guy here. There was an extra uniform. I put it on. The coach didn't have the guts to tell me to take it off,” said Tom McCarthy, who now lives in Dallas.

In 1968 and 1969, the University of California Los Angeles beat NMSU in regional games, but 1970 was different.

“For the first time in the organization, the NCAA decided to put teams in different regions, so we went against them in the final four,” said coach Lou Henson.

Even though UCLA beat them again, the players earned a final four ring, which wasn't a tradition like today.

One player-turned-coach organized the gathering to award the rings and make up for lost time.

“It's really been great to see them. I'm anxious to see some more like Jeff Smith, who we haven't seen since 1972,” said former player Rob Evans.

Players said they had hoped for a ceremony like this for a long time.

“That ring probably means more to us than anything. I mean, kids that wear rings now, it's just a ring. To us it is something to reflect on,” said former player Lonnie LeFever.

“It means a lot to me. I've always wanted a ring,” said former player Charlie Criss.

The 1970 loss was tough to bear, but recent losses for the team include former players. Bill Moore died just weeks ago. Milton Horne died a few years ago. Their spouses and children will receive their rings.

“They'll get a chance to see some of the things their dad talked about and some of the people he talked about,” Evans said.

Saturday’s ceremony and dinner is open to the public beginning with a 7 p.m. happy hour.

Tickets are available for $50 at the Pan Am ticket office.

The number is 575-646-1420.