LAS CRUCES, N.M. (July 30)-The New Mexico State men’s basketball team begins practice for the preseason trip to Canada, Monday, Aug. 2. The Aggies are traveling to Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 8-16, and are allowed 10 practices prior to the start of exhibition play.

In Montreal, the Aggies are slated to open the tour against McGill University and Vanier College, Aug. 10. NM State then faces McGill and Dawson College, Aug. 11, and a professional team in Montreal, Aug. 12, before meeting Carleton University in Ottawa, Aug. 13-14. Dates and games for the exhibition trip are subject to change.

“It’s feels a little weird to get off of the recruiting trail and jump straight into practice,” Menzies said. “It’s a positive just a little different but in a good way. Usually after the July recruiting period there’s a lull that’s filled with other responsibilities but it’s going to be nice to practice and see how the pieces are going to fit.”

The Aggies have three Canadian players on the roster including junior guard Hernst Laroche (Montreal, Quebec), sophomore forward Tyrone Watson (Hamilton, Ontario) and incoming freshman guard Christian Kabongo (Toronto, Ontario). The preseason trip allows incoming freshman center Tshilidzi Nephawe and Kabongo to gain valuable experience before official practice begins in October.

Last season, the Aggies were 22-12 with a WAC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Crimson and White return three starters, senior forward Wendell McKines, junior center Hamidu Rahman and Laroche along with junior forward Troy Gillenwater and senior guard Gordo Castillo.

The NCAA permits a foreign tour every four years along with 10 practices prior to the trip. Before the 2006-07 season, the Aggies traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for a four-day tour.