It’s Heiar time in Las Cruces.
One week ago, after losing to Arkansas in the Round of 32, New Mexico State lost its head coach to Mississippi State. And all kind of speculation arose on who would become the 27th head coach of the Aggies.
On Monday afternoon, New Mexico State held a press conference to introduce Greg Heiar as the new head coach.
Heiar has 22 years of coaching experience under his belt. And at all levels, as well. Heiar is coming off a 2021-22 season in which he led Northwest Florida State College to the JUCO national title and a 31-win season. There have been steps at East Tennessee State, LSU, Wichita State and Southern Miss.
During his time at Wichita State, Heiar worked with both Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet who earned All-American honors. And Heiar was part of the 2013 Wichita State Final Four run. Perhaps the bigger claim is Heiar served with Chris Jans at two institutions, Chipola College in 2003-04 and Wichita State from 2011-14 and 2015-17.
“I am grateful to Chancellor Arvizu and Mario Moccia for entrusting me as the leader of one of the most respected college basketball programs in the nation,” commented Heiar. “NM State has a rich tradition of basketball success dating back over a century and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue that success. I have known Chris Jans for almost 30 years and hope to build upon what he achieved at NM State over the last half-decade. My family and I can’t wait to call Las Cruces home.”
Officially official ?@CoachGreGHeiar – the 27th head coach in our program's history. #AggieUp pic.twitter.com/LRfKYpKshR
— NM State MBB (@NMStateMBB) March 28, 2022
Flagg, Woods to Play in 3x3U National Championship
Two of the WAC’s best players in 2021-22 will get a chance to shine at the NCAA Final Four this weekend. Sam Houston G Savion Flagg and GCU G Holland Woods will both compete in the event this weekend in New Orleans. Both will play on the MWC/WAC squad. The first game is set for 6:35 p.m. CT on Friday against the CAA/NEC squad.
Flagg was a First Team All-WAC selection in 2021-22 after averaging 18.6 point and 8.1 rebounds per game. Woods averaged 14.8 points per game for the Lopes while shooting 38% from 3-point range. Both are transfers from Power 6 schools. Flagg transferred to Sam Houston from Texas A&M while Woods came to GCU via Arizona State.
Watch Savion Flagg represent the WAC, April 1st-3rd in New Orleans at the @3X3UHoops National Championship! Congratulations and good luck Savion!
(Game Schedule Below)https://t.co/lOgYYXJ68M pic.twitter.com/JGNfjRZrPV— Sam Houston Men's Basketball (@BearkatsMBB) March 28, 2022
Another player out of the WAC will be competing in New Orleans this weekend, as well. GCU F Sean Miller-Moore gets a chance to show off his dunk skills. Miller-Moore will compete in the 2022 College Slam Dunk Championship. You can watch Miller-Moore compete on Thursday at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN.
????’?? ???? ?? ? ???????? ?????. @RugzyMontvna and @TheGreatBoodini have been selected to participate in the 2022 College Slam Dunk Championship and 3X3U National Championship in New Orleans.
?: https://t.co/Tyd25sBJSX pic.twitter.com/vBc5UyZeSf
— GCU Men’s Basketball (@GCU_MBB) March 28, 2022
Another Big Name in the Portal
First it was Utah Valley big man Fardaws Aimaq. Then, a pair of Tarleton starters in Montre Gipson and Tahj Small. Add in First Team All-WAC selection Darrion Trammell to the mix. And now, another big name in the WAC had joined the long list in the transfer portal.
I’m Forever Blessed ??, God Never makes mistakes ! He will lead me in the right path ! All I ask is that You forever #BETon10 ima Aggie forever ❤️This will forever be my Home.#ERAof10?? pic.twitter.com/P1NUXOUStC
— Sir Jabari Rice© (@_jabariii) March 29, 2022
Sir’Jabari Rice is a Second Team All-WAC selection in 2021-22. Rice averaged 11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Aggies. A guard that is super competitive and always in the gym, Rice did about everything for the Aggies. From playing out of position most of the 2021-22 season to defending some of the best point guards in the WAC. Rice’s contribution to New Mexico State’s run to a WAC regular season and tournament title and a win over UCONN in the Round of 64 will not go unnoticed. Rice has left the option open to return to Las Cruces.
Utah Valley Guard Moves North
Second Team All-WAC selection Maria Carvalho left Utah Valley and has signed with Utah State.
Utah Valley WBB transfer Maria Carvalho (5-8 JR guard, Lisbon, Portugal) has landed at Utah State https://t.co/OK1by7WSZK pic.twitter.com/xY2z3JMmSI
— Raoul (@Raoul_000) March 28, 2022
Carvalho led the team in assists, was second on the team in scoring at 13.6 points per game and played the most minutes for Dan Nielson. During her time at Utah Valley, Carvalho averaged 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
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