Nobody said it would be easy. And nobody said it would be cheap.
In an effort to offset as much of the non-budgeted costs associated with relocating the Aggies men’s and women’s basketball teams to Arizona to prepare for the upcoming college basketball season, the New Mexico State University athletic department on Sunday launched the “Donate4State” fundraising campaign.
NMSU set a goal of $100,000 for the fundraiser and, as of Monday night, had already cleared $19,000 toward that goal thanks to 66 donors in 24 hours.
Due to the state’s public health order that prohibits teams from being able to practice or play games in New Mexico as COVID-19 numbers continue to erupt across the state and nationwide, the Aggies are now practicing in Phoenix while the University of New Mexico Lobos went east and relocated to West Texas.
NMSU coach Chris Jans on a video conference with media on Monday said he wasn’t surprised as he has come to expect an outpouring of support from Aggies fans.
“We are humbled and grateful for the contributions that people are making and will probably continue to make to help us have a basketball season,” Jans said. “We would love to be able to bring some joy and have something for people that really love the Aggies to do during this pandemic.”
Those interested in donating can do so online at Donate4State.com.
NMSU says the move, just for lodging, eating, practice facilities and regular COVID-19 testing, will cost an estimated $100,000 just for the men’s basketball team’s five-week commitment to stay at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix (the women’s team is practicing in Tucson, but is not staying out of state for as long as the men).
Those who donate will become “honorary letter winners” for the school with those donating $100 or more getting a varsity letter patch and a personalized letter winner certificate.
Cost estimates for the NMSU women’s team haven’t been shared with the Journal yet and the final contract for the NMSU men’s basketball team at the Arizona Grand has not yet been released.
BROWN LEAVING: Junior Darreus Brown has parted ways with the program, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported Monday.
The 6-foot-2 guard joined the Aggies as a walk-on in September after transferring from Clarendon College, where he averaged 8.4 points and 1.4 assists per game last season.
New Mexico State is set to play Arizona Christian on Friday at 4 p.m. in Glendale, Arizona.
