Johnny McCants signs letter of intent to play basketabll at NMSU
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – One of the most highly-touted basketball players in the state of New Mexico declared his allegiance to New Mexico State with the stroke of a pen on Tuesday.
Johnny McCants signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Aggies in a ceremony at Oate High School.
McCants averaged almost 20 points per game and more than 12 rebounds each contest as a senior, earning him a spot on the 6A all-state team, as voted on by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.
He led the Knights to an appearance in the 6A state semifinals.
McCants is expected to redshirt upon his arrival at NMSU, meaning he likely won’t play until the 2017-18 season. He says he’ll use that extra time to work on any shortcomings in his game.
“I’m gonna work on my ball handling, my defense, and my shot more. I’m not gonna stop,” said McCants. “Every day I’m just gonna keep on going and going. I’m gonna stay after hours and do anything I can for myself and my team.”
McCants was known for his versatility in high school and had the ability to play all five positions at that level – something that certainly caught the eye of the Aggies.
He had other offers to play junior college basketball, but decided he wanted to stay home in Las Cruces when the Aggies made him an offer.