New Mexico State Aggies

From Hoopedia

NMSU's teams are called the Aggies, a nickname derived from the university's agricultural beginnings. They compete in the Western Athletic Conference. Their mascot was formerly known as "Pistol Pete", but Pete was redesigned in 2005 as part of the university's plan to remake its image on the national stage; his pistol has been replaced with a lasso. NMSU's colors are crimson and white. In 2006, the mascot got his pistol back and is once again known as "Pistol Pete".

Men's Basketball

NMSU Basketball has seen much success throughout the years,even making an NCAA Final Four appearance in 1970. Aggie Basketball has seen 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, 5 NIT Tournament appearances and 13 conference championships. On March 31, 2005, NMSU hired 13-year NBA veteran Reggie Theus as head men's basketball coach after legendary Hall of Fame coach Lou Henson announced his retirement due to health concerns.

In one season, Theus turned the Aggies from a 6-24 squad in 2004-05 to a 16-14 team in the 2005-06 season --matching the fifth best turn-around for a Division-I men's basketball team.