Wen-less but certainly not harmless

Losing Wendell McKines and Hernst Laroche, two starters and major stabilizers on the floor, would set back most teams so it will be fascinating who steps up as replacements in the 2012-13 season for Coach Marvin Menzies.

The Aggies have filled holes from last season (shooters wanted in Las Cruces) but it will be a year of experimentation, at least to a degree, for New Mexico State basketball.

In the middle, it's finally the Tshilidzi Nephawe Show as the 6-foot-10 junior should be the starter and a 30+ minute per game mainstay. 6-foot-11 B.J. West and 6-foot-9 Renaldo Dixon will both enjoy golden opportunities to earn major playing time at the four and the five. In fact, all three prospects have a wide open chance to step forward so it will be fascinating to witness who does and doesn't. 7-foot-5 frosh Sim Bhullar is going to be the topic of a lot of buzz -- actually he already is. Can he stay healthy and how close is he ready to contribute are legitimate questions but the foremost query is how does Menzies use him in an uptempo offense?

Besides West and Dixon, Bandja Sy is also a four prospect. His quickness will be an asset but can he succeed as a back-to-the-basket performer? That's a big question. Plus, his length can be a force defensively against threes but not necessarily fours. Maybe Menzies goes one in and four out when Sy is in as a cornerman. With better shooting consistency, the 6-foot-9 junior will easily earn a starting spot somewhere.

Speaking of threes, is sophomore Remi Barry ready to fulfill his potential as a points producer? More of a dribble-drive game would really help his cause. 6-foot-5 senior Tyrone Watson will probably be a starter -- again, somewhere -- because of his efficiency and the intangibles he provides. Matej Buovac, a 6-foot-7 prep recruit, was specifically signed to pop from outside and 6-foot-5 Temjae Singleton is another three spot candidate.

It's 6-foot-2 sophomore Daniel Mullings as the two starter plus all eyes will be on redshirt sophomore K.C. Ross-Miller's handling of the point.

6-foot-3 JC transfer Kevin Aronis will be stationed at the three point line.

A host of other redshirts are in the backcourt mix: husky 6-foot-5 Eric Weary, 6-foot-1 Terrel de Rouen and 6-foot-3 Emory Coleman.

In summary, it will be critical for Ross-Miller to both stay healthy and perform efficiently from the get-go because there is no other proven quarterback candidate on the roster.

Plus, here's a bit of unsolicited advice to Coach Manzies: have one of Nephawe's teammates elbow him a bit during warmups in order to stoke the fire. When he's inspired, Nephawe is awfully difficult to handle. Him establishing and then maintaining his presence on the court is a must.