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

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: Ian Baker
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Ian Baker

Starters

AJ Harris

The 5’9″ guard played about 14 mpg before electing to transfer from Ohio State. He’ll come in to replace Baker at the point guard position and become the new primary ball handler. A once highly-recruited player will have his shot with the Aggies.

Sidy N’Dir

It speaks to the overall depth of the team when you can lose such a big piece and still dominate the league. N’Dir had a great start to last season, averaging over 13 ppg before suffering a season-ending injury after just nine games. The 6’2 Frenchman is a great shooter and comes in as one of the better athletes in the WAC.

Zach Lofton

The replacement for Huggins, Lofton was dismissed from Minnesota before becoming the SWAC player of the year at Texas Southern. He averaged 16.8 ppg and 3.9 rpg to lead his team to the tournament last season. While the SWAC is considered one of the worst conferences in Division-I, Lofton’s numbers should still be similar in his final season.

Jemerrio Jones

This JUCO transfer was the unsung hero of last year’s team, averaging 9.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg. He’s an underrated playmaker as well, finishing second on the team with 3.0 apg. Top-5 in both rebounding and overall player efficiency in the conference, Jones is a stat stuffer who wins games.

Eli Chuha

Arguably the best returning frontcourt player in the WAC, Chuha nearly averaged a double-double in conference play. He averaged 12.4 ppg and 8.8 rpg, good for third in the league. His 61% field goal shooting was tops in the WAC and he is a preseason contender for conference player of the year.