LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State’s new men’s basketball coach said Sunday his focus is on rebuilding the culture of a program that was shut down in midseason after back-to-back scandals.
“I think they made a statement when they hired a guy like me,” said Jason Hooten, who came from Sam Houston State and was introduced in a pep-rally setting at the Aggies’ arena.
Flanked by athletic director Mario Moccia and chancellor Dan Arvizu, Hooten said the decision to leave Sam Houston after 13 years and 261 wins was a difficult one. It was certainly made more challenging given the situation he inherits.