Hovering Around New Mexico State

As aggravating as it must be for New Mexico State fans and the Aggies Athletic Department to have to try and hire a coach at the end of June, there has to be some smiles at the knowledge that people outside of New Mexico and the WAC are paying watching to see who they hire to replace Reggie Theus.

Of course, part of that is because there are programs and their fans lurking in a vulture like pose to see if top recruit Herb Pope asks for his release from his Letter of Intent. Not that New Mexico State would be willing to simply let him walk.

[NMSU Athletic Director McKinley] Boston said that no recruit has asked to be released from their commitment to the school. Even if such an event unfolded, Boston said that he would not allow it to happen, at least not until a new coach was named and had a chance to sit down with the players.

"No one has asked to be released and I'm not going to release anyone," Boston said. "That question will take on a new meaning once the coach is named and has a chance to meet with the recruits. A lot can happen between now and the beginning of the school year."

Pope has said he doesn't intend to back out of his commitment, but...

Speaking of letting someone walk, now Sacramento Kings Head Coach Reggie Theus, was able to leave New Mexico State without paying a buyout. Theus had a $550,000 buyout if he went to another college program except for USC and UNLV. The exception also applied to any NBA team.

Previously at Fanhouse:
New Mexico State's Next Move
Reggie Theus to Leave New Mexico State for Sacramento Kings