Scrimmage notes

Daniel Mullings and the Aggies scrimmaged on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Niki Rhynes

Decent turnout on Saturday for the Aggies Crimson vs. White scrimmage.

One person in attendance was 2013 prospect Josh Braun, a 6-5 wing from the Phoenix area. This was Braun's first official visit with offers from NMSU San Diego, Weber State to name a few. Has taken a number of unofficial visits to Santa Barbara, Irvine, Northern Arizona. Here is a link to a ranking of Arizona prospects from January that ranks Braun No. 4 despite the fact that he suffered a torn ACL last spring. It didn't stop him from attending Westwind Prep this year, where he will return to the court after surgery on May 24. Interesting note on the ranking was that Joe Boyd, another Phoenix prospect was an Aggies commit last year but is now committed to Drake, a team NMSU handled last year.

"It's been very humbling and opens your eyes," said Braun when talking about his injury and the road to recovery. 

Braun said he doesn't plan to sign early next month. He is a 4.4 GPA student who says his strength is shooting. He was a productive player at Boulder Creek High School (22 and 10 last year) the past three years but a big year at Westwind against Junior College competition and other prep schools should increase the interest in the young man. 

"Menzies has recruited me since my freshman year in high school. He has always been nice toward me and my family. I have known about the program. They are always improving. The tournament is definitely a factor. As a young player, you dream about playing in the Tournament."

Onto the scrimmage itself. 

The teams were mixed throughout the course of the 32 minute game but some extremely unofficial stats. 

Sim Bhullar 7 points, 1-2 FT

Bandja Sy 20 points

KC Ross-Miller 5 points

Terrel de Rouen 8 points

Chili Nephawe 8 points 2-2 FT

Matej Buovac 4 points

Daniel Mullings 15 points 4-7 FT

Renaldo Dixon 13 points 4-4 FT

BJ West 9 points 2-2 FT

Tyrone Watson 6 points

Things I noticed....

Aggies hit at least 10 3s that I counted. I may have missed some from either Weary or Aronis, but the Aggies clearly have more people this year able to hit the perimeter shot. de Rouen made a 3, West made one, Dixon hit one, Sy knocked one down as well. Wouldn't say it's a strength, but outside shooting will be more of a compliment this year I feel. At least there are guys who can come in and not allow teams to pack the paint.

More room to operate could be big for this year's club as I was impressed with my first look at KC Ross Miller, who I believe may have the jump on de Rouen to start with. de Rouen certainly belongs here, but Ross Miller seemed more in control. He looks like he prefers to get into the lane and once there has impressive vision, setting up Sy on one occasion in transition. 

Hard to tell anything from a defensive standpoint from a scrimmage. Sim Bhullar blocked nearly everything close to him. You have to wonder if he can block BJ West and Chili Nephawe, how often will he be up against that kind of size in the WAC. Bhullar had a couple put backs and a 6-foot hook shot dropped for him with his right hand. He also kicked the ball out a couple times if nothing was there which is good to see from a center instead of forcing a bad shot up.

You could tell who the seniors where. Tyrone Watson and Bandja Sy were the best players on the court to me. Watson looked good either trailing from the power forward spot or directing traffic in the half court. Sy did a little big of everything, knocking down 3s and getting to the rim. Could be a dominant player in the WAC if he's motivated every night. 

I think Renaldo Dixon played very well. Doesn't look lost on defense and has versatility offensively. BJ West could have a role with this team. Very energetic player. Knocked down a 3. A lot of big bodies though for playing time. Daniel Mullings was solid on Saturday. He played some point guard, made some good things happen but had some turnovers trying to force things. Like I said, Mullings didn't stand out to me but perhaps we are a bit spoiled. He was very solid on Saturday.