(04-30-2017 09:55 AM)dancingNMSUaggie Wrote: (04-30-2017 06:55 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote: OK, "if" Coach Jans can retain the current remaining roster AND signees, it is not all gloom and doom for NMSU's program.
There are some big "ifs" but if Jans can navigate treacherous waters this summer, NMSU does have enough talent to still win the WAC.
Here's what I KNOW. Gnahore has a catastrophic knee injury. Weir was already going to get rid of him because of it. Figueroa, Robinson and Simmons are not coming. Jury still out on Hadley. Chuha and Harris still might leave. Perfect storm for Grand Canyon and Utah Valley to win WAC this year. I should clarify on Figueroa. He was enrolled but has already transferred to a junior college. Thanks Weir you bastard.
OK, let's say what you've stated has occurred, I guess the first important thing for Jans is to secure Ndir's, Harris, and Chuha's commitment to his program. With them three and the remaining roster Jans has a solid starting line up. But Jans now need to build a bench and at a minimum has four scholarships to fill (currently). In this case, I would rather Jans go after mostly grad transfers and JC players rather than him sign freshmen from a depleted 2017 class. He can then re-intensify his efforts for the 2018 class. Although, I would like for Jans to keep Gabe Hadley in the fold if possible.
1. AJ Harris... 5'9... 164-lbs... So... PG
0. Joe Garza... 6'0... 175-lbs... Sr... PG (walk-on)
2. Sidy Ndir... 6'2... 185-lbs... So... PG/SG (recovering from injury)
3. Gabe Hadley... 6'3... 177-lbs... Fr... SG (commitment tentative???)
4. Jalyn Pennie... 6'5... 185-lbs... Sr... SF (possible early graduation)
5. Jemerrio Jones... 6'5... 175-lbs... Sr... SF/PF
6. Johnny McCants... 6'7... 198-lbs... Fr...SF/PF
7. Eli Chuha... 6'7... 228-lbs... Jr... PF
8. Marlon Jones... 6'7... 222-lbs... Jr... PF (recovering from injury)
9. Johnathon Wilkins... 6'10... 218-lbs... Sr... PF/C (possible early graduation)
Probably starters...
AJ Harris
Sidy Ndir
Jalyn Pennie or Jemerrio Jones
Eli Chuha
Johnathon Wilkins or Marlon Jones
It's still a decent line up. With Sidy, Eli, and AJ on board, NMSU on is still in the hunt for the WAC Championship; but no longer the favorite. Jans will needs some decent gains with his new arrivals. The transfer (Dickerson) from South Dakota State would but a good pick up; if Jans can make it happen.
I'm not happy with recent events but I don't put this on Jans in the least. I just pray Jans is as good as advertised as a tactician and he can muster up some good recruits in these late stages of the spring signing period. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.