What is going on at New Mexico State?

In 2021-22, Chris Jans led the New Mexico State Aggies to their third NCAA Tournament appearance in five seasons. Their previous two trips ended in the Round of 64, but thanks to Teddy Allen’s 37-point outing against UConn to kick off March Madness, the Aggies prevailed over the Huskies 70-63. Despite falling to Arkansas in the following round and losing Chris Jans/Teddy Allen to in the offseason (Mississippi State and West Virginia), New Mexico State seemed to be on an upward trajectory.

Fast forward to February 10th, 2023, however, and the Aggies’ program was in complete disarray 24 games into the year (9-15 record). You see, New Mexico State’s season came to an abrupt end once new hazing allegations within the program came to light. According to the University, the allegations warranted the coaching staff being placed on paid administrative leave. On June 28th, it was revealed that Deuce Benjamin and Shak Odunewu, who were both victims of sexual assault, would receive an $8 million settlement from the school. Benjamin and Odunewu filed the lawsuit in April and alleged that three players on the team sexually assaulted them on multiple occasions. They also mentioned that despite knowing being aware of the pain that Benjamin and Odunewu were suffering, the coaches chose to behave as though they were oblivious to it all. In fact, Odunewu was able to recall a time when he observed Benjamin getting sexually assaulted and turned to a coach for assistance. Instead of jumping in and being a responsible adult, the coach responded to Odunewu’s request by laughing and asking “What do you want me to do about it?”

Although it’s unclear if Greg Heiar was the coach who was referenced in that story, he was fired after spending just one season as New Mexico State’s head man. So where do the Aggies go from here? Well, Jason Hooten, who coached at Sam Houston State for 13 years, took over for Heiar on March 24th and will have to work with a brand-new New Mexico State roster in 2023-24. Is anyone expecting the Aggies to win the WAC and return to the NCAA Tournament next season? Probably not, but as long as they’re able to get through a full season without any issues and be competitive in the conference, they’ll be back on the right track as a program.