NMSU addresses men’s basketball coaching vacancy

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State’s Director of Athletics, Mario Moccia, addressed the media Monday on the school’s search for a new men’s basketball coach.

The coaching vacancy comes after former coach Marvin Menzies took the UNLV job over the weekend.

Moccia did not name a replacement, but did offer insights into what the school would be looking for in the successor to Menzies.

Two of the biggest components were the ability to beat New Mexico and draw bigger crowds to home games.

The Aggies have lost four straight against the Lobos.

“I will put it out there – we have to be better competitively against UNM. That is a big deal with me. And over the last decade, I think I went back 10 years, we’re four and 16 [against UNM),” said Moccia. “I want someone who’s going to bring a plan and say here’s how we’re going to be much more competitive with those guys.”

Moccia also stated that the school expects to maintain its position as the WAC front-runner year in and year out.

The director of athletics went on to say that a number of division one coaches have already reached out to him regarding the opening.

However, Moccia stated that coaching experience, or a lack thereof, will not be a major factor in the school’s decision.

Associate head coach Paul Weir has been rumored to be in position to take the top job if he is interested. However, no such guarantee was made at the press conference on Monday. Weir is considered the “interim” head coach, though the title has not officially been bestowed upon him.

Moccia stated that Weir would be considered a finalist already, if he’s interested in the job.

“[Paul and I] had a chance to talk yesterday, and I told Paul that if he wanted to, he would automatically be in our finalist group and get every consideration,” said Moccia. “And I think Paul and I have a good enough relationship that he knew that was an honest assessment of things.”

Meanwhile, NMSU guard Ian Baker announced his plans to test the NBA Draft waters.

Baker will not hire an agent, meaning he will be allowed to work out for NBA teams and then return to NMSU ten days after the NBA combine.

“I just feel like it’s best for me to find out some things I’ve got to work on so that I will be ready for that level, whether that’s right now or later on,” said Baker. “So, I just think it’s a positive thing to do.”

Pascal Siakam was not made available to the media to address whether he will look to turn pro or return to the school.

Meanwhile, Marvin Menzies issued the following statement on his website to NMSU and UNLV fans:

“We want to thank all the New Mexico State University families, friends, colleagues and fans over the last nine years for your sincere and wonderful support of our family and program. I have been offered and have accepted the position of Head Men’s Basketball Coach at UNLV. The next chapter will allow us to continue our dedication to making sure our young men become mature prosperous adults and also making sure they graduate with the experiences of winning and teamwork that will last them a lifetime. I know lots of you have reached out to wish us well with this new chapter, and please know that we sincerely appreciate all the love and support. In coming weeks, we will be working to build upon the legacy of the UNLV and the Runnin Rebels program, and it will take all of our dedication and your support to make our new UNLV basketball program ‘Marvelous.’ We are so excited and look forward to seeing you out in support of our program during the upcoming 2016-2017 season.Thank you for all your love and support. Sincerely,Coach Marvin Menzies.”