New Mexico State Aggies
Western Athletic Conference (17-15, 9-7)
Seed: #
RPI: 117
Big Wins: 12/14 UTEP (90-78), 2/7 at Nevada (62-60), 3/12 vs Boise State (80-70)
Bad Losses: 11/30 at Long Beach State (77-82), 1/24 at Idaho (57-67), 2/26 at Louisiana Tech (71-80)
Coach: Marvin Menzies
Probable Starters:
Hernst Laroche, Freshman, Guard, 5.8 ppg, 4.3 apg
Jonathan Gibson, Junior, Guard, 14.1 ppg, 2.1 apg
Jahmar Young, Sophomore, Guard, 17.9 ppg, 3.2 apg, 4.0 rpg
Wendell McKines, Sophomore, Forward, 12.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg
Hamidu Rahman, Freshman, Center, 6.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Gordo Castillo, Sophomore, Guard, 4.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg
Troy Gillenwater, Freshman, Forward, 12.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 bpg
Why They Can Surprise:
New Mexico State snuck into the postseason play on the shoulders of Jahmar Young and Jonathan Gibson. The Aggies have a potent offense that usually will rely on the three-point shot. Young is the most prolific shooter on the team and he connects on 2.2 long balls per contest. The 6-5 sophomore is much more than simply a shooter. He will attack the basket very effectively and is also a decent rebounder and a solid passer.
Gibson shoots 38.7 percent from long range, which is not quite as impressive as Young’s 42.1 percent, but it is certainly not bad either. Gibson will not attack the basket quite as much, but he is still a dynamic scorer who averages 14.1 points per game. Gordo Castillo is also a good shooter and can provide a spark off the bench and knock down a three ball or two.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The Aggies usually get open looks from beyond the arc due to the scoring of forwards Wendell McKines and Troy Gillenwater and center Hamidu Rahman. McKines and Gillenwater both average over 12 points per game and have the capability to stretch out the defense with their outside shooting ability. Rahman spends most of his time hanging out under the basket, but he is not a great rebounder. McKines averages 10.0 rebounds per game, but nobody else eclipses five per contest. NMSU does not lack size, yet their lack of depth does not help, but they are consistently outrebounded
Who To Watch:
It is Hernst Laroche’s job to get all those scorers the ball. The 6-1 Canadian has done an amazing job for a freshman. He dishes out 4.3 assists per game and only turns the ball over 1.8 times. The team as a whole commits its fair share of turnovers, but Laroche does not deserve hardly any of the blame. Laroche has not scored much this season, but he can when his team needs him to do so. However, with four players who average over 12 points per game, rarely is there the need for him to score. The only problem Laroche might run into is because of his lack of experience in big games. Yet, in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament semi-finals against top seeded Utah State, Laroche only committed one turnover in 33 minutes of play.
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 76.4 (44th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 74.6 (306, 9)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.6 (51, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 43.2 (164, 5)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.8 (111, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 39.8 (16, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 70.8 (111, 4)
Rebound Margin: -3.2 (288, 9)
Assists Per Game: 14.2 (90, 3)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.7 (157, 4)
Joel’s Bracket Says:
