The news of Mike Dunbar retiring — and leaving — the Aggie football program was discouraging and disappointing.
In my eyes, this is an indictment on the program. Dunbar and every other assistant on the coaching staff is underpaid when compared to their counterparts on a national scale. How can you build a winner if you have a constant revolving door at key coaching positions such as this? You can't. You're either going to attract young coaches who are learning on the job or veteran coaches who have experienced better and aren't happy.
Dunbar clearly picked a bad time to go — a month away from spring practice for a coach entering his second year with the program, a critical year for DeWayne Walker and his entire coaching staff. Bad timing on this one Mike.
But at the same time, I just get the feeling Dunbar grew tired of trying to push a boulder up a hill for less than $80,000 annually. He has nothing to prove — a long-time assistant coach on the college level. Why deal with the headache?
He chose not to, and now the Aggies are left holding the bag. Pretty soon they'll hire their fourth offensive coordinator in the last four years.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Local recruiting for Aggie hoops
Following my Jim Coleman post, the topic came up about local recruiting for Aggie basketball in general.
Two Oñate senior guards are currently borderline Division I prospects in Tim Jacobs and Terrel de Rouen.
Considering all Aggies, should these kids be looked at for scholarship offers from the program?
From my understanding, both have received interest with de Rouen garnering slightly more. Again, from my understanding, no scholarships have been offered.
Terrel is very athletic, with a long wingspan and high hops. At just over 6-feet tall and wiery, he seems to have a couple more inches to grow in him. He’s a great competitor, which can boil over at times. With that being said, he’s instilled that fiery nature in his Oñate teammates, which all-in-all has been a positive for the program. His jump shot is spotty. He has swagger on the court and is driven.
Jacobs is much more understated — steadier in nature, less flashy on the court. He is a true point guard. He understands the game — he has an innate sense for where all 10 players are on the floor. He has a good feel for the tempo of a game and can affect the outcome without scoring a single point. His jump shot isn’t consistent at this point and his athleticism doesn’t jump off the court. He’s a good kid who steers clear from trouble and seems to do well in the classroom.
Inconsistent shooting is correctable in the offseason simply by getting in the gym and putting up jumpers. I have no doubt both players will work on this craft.
In the end, they’re local kids. Could they make an impact on the Aggies? That’s for coach Marvin Menzies to decide during the recruiting process.
Right now they have one scholarship available which seems will be going to 6-foot-7 wing player Remi Barry. They have a need at point guard — Hernst Laroche will be a senior next season and the team hasn’t had a suitable backup this year. And no matter what a starter will need to step in when Laroche departs.
The team will also need improved shooting — Gordo Castllo, their one classic catch-and-shoot player — is a senior.
They also need to put more fans in the seats — I don’t think anyone would dispute that — and local players will help in that effort, to a point.
Another scholarship or two could open up depending on if the Aggie roster sees any turnover during the offseason. At the end of the day it’s about doing what’s best for the program and getting wins in the process.
I think de Rouen and Jacobs will be fine college players, but at what level and where? Should the Aggies bring them on board?
Two Oñate senior guards are currently borderline Division I prospects in Tim Jacobs and Terrel de Rouen.
Considering all Aggies, should these kids be looked at for scholarship offers from the program?
From my understanding, both have received interest with de Rouen garnering slightly more. Again, from my understanding, no scholarships have been offered.
Terrel is very athletic, with a long wingspan and high hops. At just over 6-feet tall and wiery, he seems to have a couple more inches to grow in him. He’s a great competitor, which can boil over at times. With that being said, he’s instilled that fiery nature in his Oñate teammates, which all-in-all has been a positive for the program. His jump shot is spotty. He has swagger on the court and is driven.
Jacobs is much more understated — steadier in nature, less flashy on the court. He is a true point guard. He understands the game — he has an innate sense for where all 10 players are on the floor. He has a good feel for the tempo of a game and can affect the outcome without scoring a single point. His jump shot isn’t consistent at this point and his athleticism doesn’t jump off the court. He’s a good kid who steers clear from trouble and seems to do well in the classroom.
Inconsistent shooting is correctable in the offseason simply by getting in the gym and putting up jumpers. I have no doubt both players will work on this craft.
In the end, they’re local kids. Could they make an impact on the Aggies? That’s for coach Marvin Menzies to decide during the recruiting process.
Right now they have one scholarship available which seems will be going to 6-foot-7 wing player Remi Barry. They have a need at point guard — Hernst Laroche will be a senior next season and the team hasn’t had a suitable backup this year. And no matter what a starter will need to step in when Laroche departs.
The team will also need improved shooting — Gordo Castllo, their one classic catch-and-shoot player — is a senior.
They also need to put more fans in the seats — I don’t think anyone would dispute that — and local players will help in that effort, to a point.
Another scholarship or two could open up depending on if the Aggie roster sees any turnover during the offseason. At the end of the day it’s about doing what’s best for the program and getting wins in the process.
I think de Rouen and Jacobs will be fine college players, but at what level and where? Should the Aggies bring them on board?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Jim Coleman
The Aggies are showing serious interest in Tularosa boys basketball sophomore Jim Coleman.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Coleman is long and lanky. He is a strong ballhandler with either hand. He has good court vision and is Tularosa’s point guard. It is very conceivable that Coleman could grow another two, three inches, which would make him a possibly 6-5, 6-6 PG on the next level.
“They just told me I’ve got to play hard and keep my grades up and they’ll keep looking at me,” Coleman said.
“They’re interested.”
Coleman said NMSU likes the way he handles and pushes the ball and that the school would like to see him continue to improve on his jumpshot.
Coleman is Tularosa’s second-best player behind his older brother Emery, who’s a senior at the school.
Obviously a player being recruited out of Tularosa is rare which makes Coleman’s situation interesting. The consensus is that the Wildcats are the top team this year in Class 2A, although the team just lost on Friday night at Mesilla Valley Christian School.
At this point Coleman hasn’t received much interest from other schools, although expect other regional programs to come looking.
There is also word that the Aggies have interest in another in-state sophomore, Clovis point guard John Dawson. He stands at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds. He’s averaging 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Coleman is long and lanky. He is a strong ballhandler with either hand. He has good court vision and is Tularosa’s point guard. It is very conceivable that Coleman could grow another two, three inches, which would make him a possibly 6-5, 6-6 PG on the next level.
“They just told me I’ve got to play hard and keep my grades up and they’ll keep looking at me,” Coleman said.
“They’re interested.”
Coleman said NMSU likes the way he handles and pushes the ball and that the school would like to see him continue to improve on his jumpshot.
Coleman is Tularosa’s second-best player behind his older brother Emery, who’s a senior at the school.
Obviously a player being recruited out of Tularosa is rare which makes Coleman’s situation interesting. The consensus is that the Wildcats are the top team this year in Class 2A, although the team just lost on Friday night at Mesilla Valley Christian School.
At this point Coleman hasn’t received much interest from other schools, although expect other regional programs to come looking.
There is also word that the Aggies have interest in another in-state sophomore, Clovis point guard John Dawson. He stands at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds. He’s averaging 8.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Mayfield players coming to NMSU as preferred walk-ons
Mayfield High School had a ceremony in their weight room on Friday announcing Matt Ramondo and Brandon Betancourt signing with their respective colleges — Michigan State and New Mexico State.
The football program also announced three more players going to NMSU as “preferred walk-ons.”
That would be Brock Baca, Andrew Zapien and Devante Minor.
Baca, a standout linebacker and kicker on MHS, will push for playing time in the kicking game. He could get a look as a kickoff specialist or as a long-range field goal kicker.
Zapien, an offensive lineman and lead blocker for the Trojans, will get a shot at linebacker at NMSU.
Minor, a defensive back, will get a crack at safety.
The Aggies have done a nice job going after New Mexico players. They signed three from in-state on Wednesday and will bring on these additional walk-ons. If nothing else, it's a good PR move for the program. If these kids can come in and make an impact, even plug some holes, it will be even better.
The football program also announced three more players going to NMSU as “preferred walk-ons.”
That would be Brock Baca, Andrew Zapien and Devante Minor.
Baca, a standout linebacker and kicker on MHS, will push for playing time in the kicking game. He could get a look as a kickoff specialist or as a long-range field goal kicker.
Zapien, an offensive lineman and lead blocker for the Trojans, will get a shot at linebacker at NMSU.
Minor, a defensive back, will get a crack at safety.
The Aggies have done a nice job going after New Mexico players. They signed three from in-state on Wednesday and will bring on these additional walk-ons. If nothing else, it's a good PR move for the program. If these kids can come in and make an impact, even plug some holes, it will be even better.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Aggie defensive line/linebacker corps
The New Mexico State Aggies bulked up along their offensive line during 2011 Signing Day.
But what about their defensive line? This unit had nine sacks last year and NMSU couldn't stop the run.
The team added defensive end Sean Brown and tackle Abram Holland. Brown is a junior college transfer from Chabot College while Holland will be a true freshman from Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, NM.
Don't be surprised to see the Aggies move some things around at the defensive tackle position. Tommy Stuart and David Mahoney — two players brought in last year — will need to produce. Both didn't make an impact, with Stuart injuring his knee at Idaho and not taking the field the rest of the year.
Augafa Vaaulu held his own as a true freshman and has size.
But also keep an eye on some offensive linemen — namely Dejuan Yates and Dylan Lusk — to get moved to the defensive line to provide some more beef up front.
The team signed just one linebacker, that being Alexander LaVoy who can step in and compete at middle linebacker. That might help, but the program is also expecting Dylan Davis and Anthony Joyner, two sophomores who played on special teams last season, to step up.
The team was one of the worst in the nation at getting to the quarterback and stopping the run last season. Both of those things will need to change, which means the team will need better play along its front-seven.
But what about their defensive line? This unit had nine sacks last year and NMSU couldn't stop the run.
The team added defensive end Sean Brown and tackle Abram Holland. Brown is a junior college transfer from Chabot College while Holland will be a true freshman from Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, NM.
Don't be surprised to see the Aggies move some things around at the defensive tackle position. Tommy Stuart and David Mahoney — two players brought in last year — will need to produce. Both didn't make an impact, with Stuart injuring his knee at Idaho and not taking the field the rest of the year.
Augafa Vaaulu held his own as a true freshman and has size.
But also keep an eye on some offensive linemen — namely Dejuan Yates and Dylan Lusk — to get moved to the defensive line to provide some more beef up front.
The team signed just one linebacker, that being Alexander LaVoy who can step in and compete at middle linebacker. That might help, but the program is also expecting Dylan Davis and Anthony Joyner, two sophomores who played on special teams last season, to step up.
The team was one of the worst in the nation at getting to the quarterback and stopping the run last season. Both of those things will need to change, which means the team will need better play along its front-seven.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Jeremy Buurma, Robi Trigo set to sign
For Las Cruces High football fans, quarterback Jeremy Buurma and lineman Robi Triego are set to sign letters of intent on Wednesday.
Buurma will sign with Eastern New Mexico while Trigo will sign with Fort Lewis College.
Signing will take place outside the LCHS gym at 10:30 a.m.
Buurma will sign with Eastern New Mexico while Trigo will sign with Fort Lewis College.
Signing will take place outside the LCHS gym at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Don't count out Las Cruces High
The Las Cruces High School boys basketball team has gotten off to a sub-par start in District 3-5A play with a 2-2 record.
The team beat Alamogordo to start things off, then lost in overtime at home to Oñate — a game that lived up to the hype.
LCHS fell on the road at Mayfield despite a dominant first half showing. Friday night they barely squeaked by Gadsden in double overtime.
The Bulldawgs have had trouble when teams have thrown a counterpunch — twice LCHS has blown double-digit leads during district play. The first was a 13-point fourth-quarter lead against Oñate and the other an 11-point halftime advantage vs. Mayfield.
All while the District 3-5A race is as competitive as anticipated. The Knights hold a 3-0 league record — and a No. 1 ranking in the state — while Mayfield is 2-1 after a disappointing Friday loss at Alamogordo. The Knights and Trojans square off on Tuesday.
LCHS should still be right there in the end. The Bulldawgs have as much talent as Oñate and more size in the paint. They also have a solid head coach in William Benjamin. They are a young team and are still experiencing growing pains.
The Knights have arguably the two best players in the state in point guard Tim Jacobs and shooting guard Terrel de Rouen. And while Mayfield will forever be competitive under head coach Tommy Morrow, they aren't as skilled as their two crosstown rivals this year.
Las Cruces High faces a big Friday night game this week against Alamogordo. They can't overlook the Tigers with the Knights looming on their schedule again next Tuesday.
I would still keep my eye on the Bulldawgs. They have the talent to make a lot of noise in the District 3-5A race and in the state tournament. Don't let the choppy start in league play fool you.
The team beat Alamogordo to start things off, then lost in overtime at home to Oñate — a game that lived up to the hype.
LCHS fell on the road at Mayfield despite a dominant first half showing. Friday night they barely squeaked by Gadsden in double overtime.
The Bulldawgs have had trouble when teams have thrown a counterpunch — twice LCHS has blown double-digit leads during district play. The first was a 13-point fourth-quarter lead against Oñate and the other an 11-point halftime advantage vs. Mayfield.
All while the District 3-5A race is as competitive as anticipated. The Knights hold a 3-0 league record — and a No. 1 ranking in the state — while Mayfield is 2-1 after a disappointing Friday loss at Alamogordo. The Knights and Trojans square off on Tuesday.
LCHS should still be right there in the end. The Bulldawgs have as much talent as Oñate and more size in the paint. They also have a solid head coach in William Benjamin. They are a young team and are still experiencing growing pains.
The Knights have arguably the two best players in the state in point guard Tim Jacobs and shooting guard Terrel de Rouen. And while Mayfield will forever be competitive under head coach Tommy Morrow, they aren't as skilled as their two crosstown rivals this year.
Las Cruces High faces a big Friday night game this week against Alamogordo. They can't overlook the Tigers with the Knights looming on their schedule again next Tuesday.
I would still keep my eye on the Bulldawgs. They have the talent to make a lot of noise in the District 3-5A race and in the state tournament. Don't let the choppy start in league play fool you.
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