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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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Pistol Pete, the mascot for the New Mexico State Aggies, performs as they take on the Clemson Tigers in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Reserves

PF – JR Ivan Aurrecoechea

Another top-10 JUCO prospect for this season, the 6’10 forward averaged 13.1 ppg and 11.5 rpg at Indian Hills Community College. He’s a physical rebounder and defender like Jones was a year ago while being more polished as a scorer. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that both JUCO stars star throughout this year for the Aggies. Both Aurrecoechea and Thiam will play a major role in determining the ceiling for the Aggies.

G – SR Keyon Jones

Another JUCO product, Jones averaged 5.2 ppg in 14 mpg off the bench last season. His 42% shooting from deep along with the overall offensive boost he gives off the bench provides what will be a needed scoring lift for NMST.

F – SO Johnny McCants

McCants played in every game for the Aggies last season, playing well in limited action. He averaged a double-double per 40 minutes and will get increased playing time in his second season.

G- JR Shunn Buchanan

A solid playmaker from the perimeter, Buchanan is a solid role player for the Aggies. Not much of a scorer (15 scoreless games last season), the 6’0 guard adds depth in case of injury or other circumstances.

G – JR Clayton Henry

The Palm Beach State product averaged double figures last season at the JUCO level. Henry gives the Aggies more depth on the perimeter and a potential playmaker to use off the bench.

FR – Addison Wallace, Jabari Rice, Derrick JeanLouis, and Robert Brown

All four freshmen have a shot at getting double-digit minutes worth of playing time, especially the guards with there being available minutes. Rice, the 6’4 guard who redshirted last season, is the likeliest candidate.