Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Theus leaving town

We knew it would come sooner or later. Unfortunately for Aggie hoop fans it came sooner as Reggie Theus will move on to Sacramento to coach the Kings.

What are your thoughts? Me, well, I’m surprised. I didn’t think he would get offered the job. And I really don’t know what he will do on the NBA level. He’ll be able to relate to the players. But from an X’s and O’s standpoint he could get into trouble. Pro basketball is all about in-game adjustments and Theus will have to play the chess match with some of the best coaches in the world on a nightly basis.

NMSU finds itself in a corner. McKinley Boston will have to bring in a coach who can keep the program moving in the right direction but finding one with Theus’ popularity or appeal is close to impossible. What will it mean to the current roster, the team’s standing in the WAC and the recruits being brought in? Will the fan base suffer? Only time will tell really. And ultimately, it will all be dictated by if the team continues to record victories. Some answers we’ll find out in the coming days and weeks. Others will take months.

As for coaching candidates, Arkansas assistant Rob Evans appears a likely option due to his ties to NMSU. He has former head coaching experience at Ole Miss and Arizona State. Tony Benford, an assistant at Nebraska and a Hobbs native, could also get some consideration. Glynn Cyprien and Ronnie Thompson, son of John Thompson, could also get a look. Obviously a member of the Aggies current assistant staff is always a viable alternative as well. And I’m sure Boston has some tricks up his sleeve, or at least would hope so.

Lets get some comments going, stir the pot a bit. If the blog is not your thing you can also get your comments out by emailing me a tfeinberg@lcsun-news.com. The community responses will be published on our Web site each day in the sports section.

4 comments:

Crimsonstorm.org admin said...

Yes..RT did some great things at NMSU, however I'm happy he's gone.
NMSU needs coaches who belive in taking there teams to the next-level year--in--year out...& be here for the long haul, that was not RT.

This move however allows NMSU to go out & get the "right guy" who'll keep this train rolling for years to coming.

Stability is the key & NMSU has planning for this day for a very long time.

Anonymous said...

Main post missed some key individuals up for the job...assistants at USC, Texas and Texas Tech for instance. Boston is really good at taking care of his programs...he'll come through for Aggie Nation. That is where everyone got it wrong...it wasn't "Reggie" Nation...it IS Aggie Nation. One coach doesn't define who we are...our fans and university do. I agree with crimsonstorm...the right hire is not someone with a lot of flash that is constantly looking to the next level...it is a spirited, competitive coach that wants to build this program for the long term. Go Aggies!

Anonymous said...

Dick Hunsaker is the best guy if he would be interested. He beat Rob Evans Arizona State team with his Utah Valley State Team. He is the answer for the long term success of the program. Grew up in New mexico, played at UTEP for Haskins. His Ball State team went to Sweet 16. Proven winner, one of the top coaches in country. Dr. make the call.

Teddy said...

I like the Hunsaker call. I must say, I've never heard of him but it's scrapiron and knowledgable. Nice posts ya'all, glad I didn't get raked over the coals for the fifth consecutive blog day