Two New Mexico State basketball items

In Jason Groves' latest, two items jumped out at us:

*** a freshman point will get the starting assignment for the Aggies

*** Wendell McKines won't play tonight

The Aggies will be a better team if someone on the roster can earn the starting point spot because Jonathan Gibson can then play the '2' and Jahmar Young the '3'. This would allow Gibson and Young to do what they do best -- focus on scoring with passing as an important but secondary concern. But it's still too early to make any predictions.

Plus, Marvin Menzies is in some ways still battling with his guys buying into the true team concept off the court, indicating the necessary level of leadership has yet to develop in Las Cruces. Gibson played less minutes than expected in the opening 'game' for the Aggies due to failing to fulfill a team obligation and now Wendell McKines will be paying the price for some academic issue.

Aggies men's hoops set for exhibition versus Western New Mexico
Jason Groves
Las Cruces Sun-News
11/06/2008

LAS CRUCES — One of the first differences young college basketball players talk about is the adjustment one has to make on the defensive end of the court.

Last year, New Mexico State was second in the Western Athletic Conference in defensive field goal percentage (42.4). In a 98-73 exhibition game victory over Division II New Mexico Highlands last week, the Aggies opponent shot 45.6 percent from the floor.

The Aggies have concentrated their focus on that end of the court in preparation of tonight's final exhibition game against Western New Mexico University at the Pan American Center...

Go here for the entire article.