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New Mexico State Basketball: 2017-18 preview for the Aggies

By Tristan Freeman

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico State Aggies is interviewed by Western Athletic Conference digital correspondent Jessie Punch (R) while being embraced by Ian Baker (L) following the team's 70-60 win over the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico State Aggies is interviewed by Western Athletic Conference digital correspondent Jessie Punch (R) while being embraced by Ian Baker (L) following the team's 70-60 win over the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico State Aggies is interviewed by Western Athletic Conference digital correspondent Jessie Punch (R) while being embraced by Ian Baker (L) following the team’s 70-60 win over the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Head coach Paul Weir of the New Mexico State Aggies is interviewed by Western Athletic Conference digital correspondent Jessie Punch (R) while being embraced by Ian Baker (L) following the team’s 70-60 win over the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

New Mexico State basketball has dominated the WAC since its creation several years ago. Will another NCAA tournament berth be in their near future?

The Aggies of New Mexico State have quietly become one of the better mid-majors in the country. There hasn’t been as much talk about the team, though, due to the lack of credibility the Western Athletic Conference has in the basketball community.

Last year showed how much more talent this program has compared to everyone else in the league. Even after losing star player Pascal Siakam early to the NBA, New Mexico State still finished last year with a 28-6 (11-3) record. The highlight of the season was their record 20-game winning streak during the season.

While Grand Canyon was unable to participate in the conference tournament, Cal State Bakersfield had stepped up to contend with the Aggies. Like most years, New Mexico State won the tournament title and advanced to the Big Dance, where they fell to Baylor in the first round.

The success has come at a cost, though, as the basketball program has become a revolving door for coaches. Marvin Menzies left for UNLV and this off-season Paul Weir exited for those hated Lobos. The new coach this season is Chris Jans, a former Wichita State associate head coach. He’ll have to replace the team’s top two scorers in stars Ian Baker and Braxton Huggins.

One of the ways the Aggies have been replenishing their talent pool has been through transfers. Whether it’s grad transfers, JUCO, or regular, New Mexico State has created a roster that will compete once again for the WAC title.