New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball

The New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball team is the intercollegiate basketball program that represents New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The school competes in the Western Athletic Conference of Division I of NCAA and plays their home games at Pan American Center.

The Aggies have been to 13 NCAA Tournaments, including three Final Fours. They won two national championships (1960 & 1970). In addition they were runners-up for a third championship in 1962 and made four Elite Eights appearances during this era as well. Their most recent tournament appearance was 2017 when they earned an automatic bid by winning the WAC Tournament Championship game over Cal State Bakersfield 66–60 on March 11th, 2017 before losing to Baylor Bears 78–66 in round one of the Big Dance..

In 2019 under coach Chris Jans, NMState went 30-4 overall with a 16-2 conference record and captured its first regular season outright title since 2010 while setting numerous individual records along the way en route to being ranked as high as #13 nationally according to AP Polls . A year later due largely from injuries suffered throughout the season NMSU again won it’s second consecutive regular season outright title under Coach Jans but fell short against Grand Canyon Antelopes 68–63 for 2020 WAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship despite having previously defeated them twice earlier that same year . With this win GCU secured an automatic berth into 2020 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament which ultimately was canceled due COVID19 pandemic outbreak leaving both teams without opportunity compete for National Title..

Throughout history many players have suited up wearing Crimson Red jersey playing hard court battles across US representing proud tradition started back 1937 , some notable ones include: Sam Lacey 5x NBA All Star; James Moore 2nd Round Draft Pick 1979 ; Greg Grant 1987/88 CW Player Of Year; Jimmy Collins former Chicago Bulls Head Coach ; Wayne Cooper 3rd Round Draft Choice 1982 ; Sim Bhullar 7’5″ Canadian center who became 1st player ever birth India heritage play NBA among others ..

Today behind leadership athletic director Mario Moccia NMState continues building strong foundation towards achieving greater heights within realm college sports programs providing necessary resources support student athletes achieve academic excellence , physical fitness improvement skills development needed become successful professionals future ahead ..