McKines cleared

Bay Area product Wendell McKines participated in his first practice with the NMSU basketball team Tuesday morning.
As you know, Herb Pope and Jahmar Young are still awaiting clearance, and coach Marvin Menzies said last week that both could be cleared by the middle of the week.

"We got word lastnight from director of compliance Braun Cartwright that Wendell has been officially cleared by the NCAA for practice and games for the duration of the season," Menzies said.

McKines is listed at 6-5, but he could be the most explosive athlete on the team. His game right now is suited well for the Aggies, as he is dangerous in the open court and he can get to the basket on the drive. Ball handling and perimeter shooting should improve as his career goes on at NMSU. Menzies said he envisions McKines contributing at the 3 or 4 spots this season, and that he will play in Saturday's exhibition game against Cal-State L.A. at the Pan American Center.

JG