365 days ago, New Mexico State had welcomed a new basketball coach. In just one year, the previous coach, who branded himself with just two letters, managed to bring the once-great program to ruins.
This branding decision may have reflected a lack of seriousness and professionalism, which may have contributed to his inability to run the program effectively. As a result, Coach Jason Hooten must now pick up the pieces and rebuild the program from the ground up. This is no easy task, but with a clear vision, a strong work ethic, and the ability to inspire the team, Coach Hooten has the potential to turn things around and restore the program to its former glory.However, now they have another new coach.

The Aggies are looking towards a fresh start with their new coach Jason Hooten, who served as the coach for Sam Houston State for the last 13 years. Coach Hooten ticks all the boxes for an ideal coach. He exudes loyalty, great character, and defense-first mentality while being able to achieve more with less. Although that saying might hit close to home for the Aggies, Coach Hooten is the perfect coach to turn things around.
While some people might argue it’s a lateral jump, the support from administration, a larger fan base, a pay raise, and additional resources make this move worthwhile and logical for Coach Hooten.
Hooten, along with athletic director Mario Moccia and chancellor Dan Arvizu, expressed the difficulty of his decision to depart from Sam Houston after 13 years and 261 victories. The circumstances he faces with his new team make the decision even more challenging. A complete overhaul of the roster seems to be imminent, as the program and culture are in dire need of a reset.
Although a few players may be retained, the task of revamping the roster, adjusting to a new conference, and being competitive in his inaugural year presents a daunting challenge for Hooten. He certainly has his work cut out for him. To be frank, it’s a challenging task that would require someone with a strong will and the ability to face adversity head-on. It takes a special type of person to take on such a task willingly, as it requires embracing the challenges and difficulties that come with it. Only someone who is willing to weather the storm and persevere through tough times would be suited for this kind of role.
Despite the recent turmoil, fans should be excited for this new chapter in the program’s history. Coach Hooten is a qualified coach who has the potential to handle the program and restore it to its former glory. Of course, it may take time to clean up the mess left behind by the previous coach, and fans should not expect an immediate turnaround. However, with patience and support, Coach Hooten has the potential to turn things around and bring the program back to its former success. It’s time to embrace a new era of the program and look forward to what the future holds.
Story by Christian Molinar