LAS CRUCES, N.M.-New Mexico State men’s basketball head coach Marvin Menzies has inked his first recruit after Wendell McKines signed a grant-in-aid letter, Wednesday, Aug. 1. McKines is a 6-5 forward from San Pablo, Calif.
The Richmond High School graduate led the Oilers to a 22-9 finish and a North Coast Section Division II Championship in 2007. McKines averaged 35.0 points 15.0 rebounds and 3.4 blocks as a senior. He is No. 6 on all-time scoring list in California with 3,034 career points.
“It’s rare you get such a quality player at such a late date,” Menzies said. “I’m extremely pleased with his decision and we’re looking forward to him contributing early. He’s a very strong rebounder and an extremely athletic, gifted player, which will be conducive to the style of play we plan on putting on the floor.”
McKines has an impressive resume that includes the San Francisco Chronicle Metro Area and Contra Costa Times Boys Player of the Year honors. He was also a first team all-state selection and Alameda/Contra Costa Athletic League Co-Most Valuable Player. ESPN lists McKines as the No. 22 small forward in the Class of 2007 while Scout.com has him at the No. 37 power forward spot.
Statistically, McKines ranks in the top ten in four categories in California. He is the No. 4 career rebounder (1,523), No. 6 career scoring average (30.3) and No. 9 season scorer (1,080) in addition to the No. 6 position on the all-time scoring list, which includes the likes of New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd. McKines reached the 40-point or more plateau 11 times and scored over 50 points twice.
Last season, NMSU was 25-9 and won its first WAC Tournament title. The Aggies also made their 17th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since the 1998-99 season.
Courtesy: Rebecca Craig
