New Mexico State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Aggies

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Head coach Chris Jans of the New Mexico State Aggies hold up the net after defeating the Grand Canyon Lopes 72-58 in the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: The New Mexico State Aggies celebrate with the trophy after defeating Grand Canyon Lopes 72-58 in the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Starters

PG – JR AJ Harris

After leaving Ohio State, Harris had a good first season with the Aggies, averaging 9.4 ppg and 2.9 apg in 28 mpg. His low shooting efficiency limits how much New Mexico State can lean on him offensively but Harris can certainly help facilitate the new cast of players as a ball handler.

SG – SR Jojo Zamora

His averages of 6.9 ppg in 20 mpg as mostly a starter won’t wow many but Zamora was on a Utah team with Kyle Kuzma and others which pushed him down the being the fourth or fifth option at times on the court. After transferring and sitting out a season, the 6’2 guard has a chance to be the top perimeter threat for New Mexico State. At 36% three-point shooting, Zamora can spread the floor for an Aggies team who may lack that from other guards.

SF – JR CJ Bobbit

Another transfer who sat out and is set to make an impact is Bobbit, who averaged 10.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg at Denver two years ago. At 6’7 and 210 pounds, he’s a versatile forward whose shooting ability allows him to be a solid wing player. Depending on how other frontcourt players perform, Bobbit may have to spend some time banging around with the other bigs.

PF – SR Eli Chuha

After going from a starter to the bench, the rising senior forward should get back to around averaging 12.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg as he did as a sophomore. Chuha doesn’t scare players in the paint as he’s not a shot blocker but he’s still the best-proven post player on the team.

C – JR Mohamed Thiam

The Aggies have had tremendous success with Junior College transfer big men and hope that the 6’9 forward/center continues that trend. Thiam averaged 19.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg on 47% shooting in route to being named to the Third-Team JUCO All-American team. He could easily be one of the standout transfers in all of college basketball if given the minutes.