Las Cruces grad Deuce Benjamin leaving NMSU after entering transfer portal

LAS CRUCES, Texas - New Mexico State guard Deuce Benjamin has entered the transfer portal.

The Las Cruces native was one of the final players from last season's roster to announce his intention to leave the program.

Benjamin, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, spent just one season with the Aggies.

NMSU's new head coach, Jason Hooten will have a clean slate to build his roster as every player from the 2022-2023 season has left the program.

Hooten takes over for former head coach, Greg Heiar who was fired following allegations of hazing within the men's basketball program.

Benjamin released a statement via Twitter that provide some insight into his decision to leave NMSU.

Benjamin said it was always a childhood dream to be an NMSU Aggie, and that he worked hard to achieve his goal.

Benjamin's father, and Las Cruces head basketball coach, William Benjamin, also played for the NMSU Aggies.

It appears Deuce Benjamin wanted to stay at NMSU, but Coach Hooten felt differently.

In his statement, Benjamin said,"Due to the actions of others (which I will not go into here) that dream changed into a nightmare. Adding insult to injury, Coach Hooten recently informed me that it would be in my best interest to continue my education and basketball career elsewhere."

Benjamin went on to thank the city of Las Cruces for all their love and support during his time as an Aggie.