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 11: The Western Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament championship trophy is shown with the tournament logo at half court before during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Expectations for 2018-19

One aspect of New Mexico State that gets little mention is how stout their defense has been. They were a top-15 scoring defense and uses their physicality and toughness to overwhelm more finesse opponents. That defense will be even more important this season, as the Aggies offense will be in question.

Unlike the last few seasons, there’s no clear go-to scorer for the team. Harris isn’t a volume scorer and Chuha may also be limited. And as talented as the JUCO transfers are, it’s never a sure thing that the talent translates to D-1 Basketball, even in the WAC.

One past Aggie team this season looks similar to is the 2014-15 one, who had no individual player average more than 13.2 ppg but had six different guys score at least 8.2 ppg. That kind of balance can be just as good as having a go-to guy, especially since the other teams in the league can’t match that kind of production.

Even if New Mexico State does take a step back, there’s a good chance the other top WAC teams do as well. Seattle keeps top scorer Matej Kavas but loses basically everyone else. Grand Canyon won’t have their program hero Joshua Braun anymore either. And while those teams do bring in some good talent, it’s not as good as what the Aggies have on paper.

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Whether someone breaks out, or it’s via a collective effort, look for New Mexico State to continue their winning ways in the WAC. It may be a rougher path than normal but the Aggies should still make their annual trip back to the NCAA Tournament.