New Mexico Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Lobos

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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – FEBRUARY 29: Abel Porter #15 of the Utah State Aggies dribbles against Kurt Wegscheider #30 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Assane Ndiaye – Center

Assane Ndiaye is joining the Lobos via Kilgore College. He boasts a 7’1’’, 240lb frame, and is the only ‘true’ Center on this New Mexico roster. It’s been some time since New Mexico has had a player of Ndiaye’s size (Think Obij Aget). He didn’t put up monster stats in his last season with Kilgore College, but that could possibly be attributed to some injury trouble in his recent past.

I don’t see Ndiaye starting immediately, but the Lobos will definitely look to take advantage of his height in the paint, on both sides of the ball. If he can stay healthy, it will be interesting to see how he develops in his time with the Lobos.

Rodgerick Brown – Small Forward

Rodgerick ‘Rod’ Brown is an exciting addition to this Lobo squad. Brown began his collegiate career at Wichita State, red-shirting his first year, and seeing a limited role on the court in his official freshman season. He transferred to Pearl River Community College, where he averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds a game for a team that saw quite a bit of success on the court.

It was difficult leaving Brown out of my starting 5, but I would imagine he will see his way into the regular rotation. If he can replicate his production and play at this level, the Mountain West may have to be put on notice.

Saquan Singleton – Shooting Guard

Like Rod Brown, Saquan Singleton is another promising addition to this year’s New Mexico roster. Singleton lands with the Lobos, hailing from Hutchinson Community College. He averaged 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game in his last season with HCC. This Lobo team is short on guards, so it will be interesting to see how Paul Weir adjusts his playstyle; he’s relied heavily on his guards in the past.

That being said, if Singleton isn’t starting, I’d expect to see him get plenty of playing time coming off the bench. The Lobos sure could take advantage of his passing ability. With such an interesting mix of players, ball movement will be crucial to the Lobos’ success.

Javonté Johnson – Shooting Guard

Much like Bayron Matos, Javonté Johnson is a recruit that a lot of Lobo fans are excited about. The 3-star true freshman put up impressive scoring stats in high school, and the buzz around him implies that this will carry over to his play in college. Paul Weir has never been reluctant when it comes to playing his freshman and seeing what they’re capable of.

Again, this New Mexico squad is relatively thin on guards – If Johnson can capitalize well on his playing time, it won’t be long before he finds a consistent role in Paul Weir’s game planning. He’s someone to keep an eye on.

Kurt-Curry Wegscheider – Shooting Guard

Kurt Wegscheider is the player I’m most excited to see of this bunch. The sophomore saw quite a bit of playing time in his first season with the Lobos, even earning a couple of starts. Though his stats weren’t remarkably impressive (1.9 points, 1.3 rebounds per game), there was a noticeable difference when Wegscheider was on the court.

His defensive presence and effort were felt, especially considering New Mexico struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball. I can only assume Wegscheider continues to improve as he develops with this team. Will he be a consistent and reliable piece to this New Mexico puzzle? The answer to that question could be the difference-maker in more than a few games for the Lobos.