State of New MexicoAmerica’s basketball program ended its search for a coach on Friday, officially announcing the hiring of Jason Hooten of Sam Houston State.
Sources say Aggies joined Hooten earlier in the week and was able to close the deal despite Sam Houston’s efforts to keep him away from its internal rival.
“I believe Coach Hooten is a great fit for the State of New Mexico,” said sporting director Mario Moccia. “Throughout his coaching career, he has demonstrated the ability to build tough, defensive-minded teams. It is important that his programs are always modeled on personality and integrity.”
Hooten joined the Aggies after 13 seasons at Sam Houston State, where he went on six 20-win seasons and at least 18 wins in each of the last 10 seasons. He guided the Bearkats to the regular-season Southland championship in 2019 and was also the top seed in this season’s WAC tournament.
Before becoming head coach of Sam Houston, Hooten was the Bearkats’ assistant coach for six seasons.
With the hire of Hooten, New Mexico State hopes to turn the page after a bad season that has left a cloud over the Aggies’ show. They canceled their season in February after there were allegations against three players. A police report cited three players for wrongful imprisonment, harassment and the offense of having sex with a teammate.
Three months ago, a New Mexico state player, Mike Peake, shot and killed a New Mexico student in what police called an act of self-defense. Multiple investigations have been conducted to determine whether the coaches and staff members cooperated with police and provided evidence following the shooting.
Hooten replaces Greg Heiar, who was sacked shortly after the season was canceled in February.
