2006 New Mexico State Aggies Basketball Preview

2006 New Mexico State Aggies Basketball Predictions

Reggie Theus took over as coach at New Mexico State last year. The team went 16- 14 overall and 10- 6 in the WAC, tying for fourth place. This year, New Mexico State looks better. In fact, they are probably the only team in the league that can challenge Nevada for the WAC title.

Point guard Elijah Ingram (13.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.1 APG) should create scoring opportunities and run the offense. However, Fred Peete, a transfer from Kansas State, will compete for the starting point position. Shooting guard Ted Knauber (6.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.9 APG), who’s a fine 3-point man, should see a lot of action. Jonathan Gibson, a sharp shooting freshman, will get playing time.

This is a deep and talented frontcourt, led by Tyrone Nelson (17.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.6 APG)—one of the best post men in the WAC. Justin Hawkins (8.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG), a junior transfer from Utah, will play inside with Nelson. Two transfers will compete to start in the middle—Martin Iti and Hatila Passos. Senior David Fisher (8.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.9 APG) offers solid minutes off the bench.

Theus did a fine job in his first year as a head coach, creating a solid environment where hard work and experience started to payoff. This season, he’ll have to make four transfers gel with the returning players. The coach has a lot more talent than he did last year, making this Aggie team NIT contenders.

The NCAA Tournament is the goal for New Mexico State, but they look to be at least one year away from attaining that mark. Last season, the Aggies generated a 10-game turnaround from the season before—an amazing achievement. They look ready to make more progress.

If you want more info on the 2006 New Mexico State Aggies College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Southern Illinois Salukis and San Diego State Aztecs.