1-on-1 with new NMSU Men’s Basketball Coach
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- In the span of five months, the NMSU Men's basketball program was involved in a deadly shooting, three players on the team were accused of sexually assaulting at least two other players, the program was suspended, the head coach fired and a lawsuit filed.
Now new head coach Jason Hooten is tasked with rebuilding the program to its former glory.
ABC-7 spoke 1-on-1 with coach Hooten roughly three weeks into his tenure.
A lot has happened in those three weeks. All but one player from last season's roster has announced what they intend to do with their future and none of them are returning to NMSU.
Hooten told ABC-7 it wasn't necessarily his intention to come in to wipe the slate clean.
"The important thing sometimes is for the student-athletes and you know to just be able to maybe have a different opportunity where things are different and it's clear and you know starting over for everybody maybe might be the best thing at times," Hooten said.
At the time of the above interview, NMSU had only officially signed two players - freshman Keylon Dorsey and JUCO transfer Jaden Harris. On Monday, the school also announced the signing of Jacksonville State and Wichita State transfer Clarence 'Monzy' Jackson.
"We're in pretty good shape for as many people as we've brought in we've either got a commitment or a signing," Hooten said. "I think we're right on track."
