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New Mexico State Basketball: A program looking for a fresh start in CUSA

By Jason Burgess

Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; New Mexico State Aggies head coach Chris Jans talks to his team in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; New Mexico State Aggies head coach Chris Jans talks to his team in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Mexico State Basketball
New Mexico State Basketball Mario McKinney Jr. (4) and guard Clayton Henry Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Players transfer for a fresh start, and some coaches change jobs for the same reason, but it’s not often you look at a program and say, “They could use a fresh start.” That is certainly the case for New Mexico State Basketball who will make the move from the WAC to Conference USA this upcoming season. New Mexico State is a storied program with plenty of basketball history, but to say the last year plus has been trying for all involved with the Aggies’ program would be an understatement.

New Mexico State is one of two WAC members, the other being Sam Houston State brought in to replace the six member institutions that left for the American. The move to Conference USA offers the Aggies the chance at a fresh start, from a basketball perspective it should represent a step up in competition over the WAC (although how big of a step might be up for debate).

After what the school and more specifically the basketball program has been through since this time last year, has likely left those affiliated with the team ready to back on the floor again and just get back to basketball. The 2022-23 school year may just be winding down but I am not sure there is another team in college basketball more eager to get started on 2023-24 than the New Mexico State Aggies.

Over the last couple of years, no school or basketball program has emulated the roller coaster that can be college athletics and real life than New Mexico State, but they are ready for the ride again, even if it means they have to start at the bottom.