Although it’s been less than two weeks since the University of New Mexico hired Paul Weir to coach the men's basketball team, there have already been a few changes in the program.
Coaching Staff
On Thursday, Weir announced the hiring of Marc Hsu as an assistant coach. Hsu, just like Weir, is formally from NMSU.
"Marc is one of the best young recruiters in the country," Weir said on a statement. "I watched him build a championship team at Bakersfield and then he helped form one of the best mid-major recruiting classes in the country this past year at New Mexico State.”
Weir described him as a “tireless worker” who he believes will do “amazing things” at UNM.
Prior to being with the Aggies, Hsu was at CSU Bakersfield under Rod Barnes for three seasons. His career as a coaching assistant has surpassed 10 years, as it first began during the 2005-06 season at Barton County Community College.
The year before that, Hsu was the volunteer assistant men's basketball coach at Cabrini College, the same place where he got a bachelors of science in business administration with a minor in sports science.
Players
Xavier Adams, who had his 2016-17 season come to an early end due to an ACL tear, announced on April 13 that he will be leaving UNM to move closer to his family.
During his three years as a Lobo, Adams made 77 appearances and 14 game starts. He averaged 3.9 points with a shooting percentage of 46.7 from the field.
Prior to Weir’s hiring, five players had announced their intent to transfer. However, not all five might be making the move after all.
On Tuesday, Sam Logwood went to twitter to imply that he will most likely be staying one more year at UNM.
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As for new players, all three who had signed National Letters of Intent with former Lobo coach Craig Neal were granted their release.
However, Weir has wasted no time in recruiting.
“Recruiting is like shaving,” Weir said during his introductory press conference on April 11. “If you don't do it one day, you look like a bum.”
On Monday, the head coach announced the signing of guard Troy Simons for the upcoming season. Weir said Simons would make a good fit for the program because his strengths in the offense are something the Lobos could benefit from.
"His shooting ability immediately helps chip away at one of our biggest areas of concern,” Weir’s statement read. “His toughness also lends well to how hard and aggressive we want to play. This is an exciting first step in what I hope to be a truly exceptional recruiting class."
Simons will be transferring from Polk State, a junior college in Winter Haven, Fla. The guard will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. With a 40.6 shooting percentage from the field, Simons, became the national junior college scoring champion during the 2016-17 season.
Isabel Gonzalez is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. She mainly covers men’s soccer and basketball. She can be reached at sports
@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @cisabelg.
