Jason Groves blogs about NMSU hoops + our commentary

Jason Groves blogs about last night's game for the Aggies and writes a bit about the sidelined Christian Kabongo.

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PTW still believes Kabongo has WAC MVP potential but obviously his attitude and judgment are MAJOR impairments at the moment.

He is unstoppable at penetrating into the paint and also has the long lankiness that the best defenders possess but does his presence on the court enhance the effectiveness of his teammates?

Simply put, not at this point.

Additionally, Wendell McKines (especially) and Hernst Laroche depart after this season, meaning the Aggie leadership mantle(s) will be open for the earning. This will be a critical transition for Coach Marvin Menzies and his program. Yes, conference play is now front and center but the real question Menzies is facing is does he believe Kabongo will be a positive or negative factor in next season's evolution? Will he help or hinder the development of the team's personality and mindset? Will whoever steps forward as leader want Kabongo on the court?

Whether this aspect is applicable or not is open to question but Myck Kabongo, Christian's cousin, is the starting point at Texas as a freshman. He's averaging 9.9 points per game, leads the Longhorns in free throw attempts with 80 and possesses a 71/41 assist-to-turnover ratio. Here's a November 20 Jeff Goodman-written article on him.

Surely the two have talked, many times. May the younger influence the elder. Quickly.