Complete Stadium Release
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Winners of each of the last three Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regular season titles, the NM State men's basketball team once again received validation that it possess not only some of the best players but some of the best coaching talent in the league.
Noted college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman unveiled his list of the top five assistant coaches in the WAC Wednesday morning and among the best were NM State associate head coach James Miller and assistant coach David Anwar. Miller was rated the league's top assistant coach while Anwar checked in third on Goodman's list.
Goodman, a Stadium Basketball Insider, has been releasing his list of top assistant coaches in each NCAA Division I men's basketball conference throughout the summer. For each conference, Goodman polled at least 20 coaches (primarily assistants) and asked for them to name the top assistant coaches in their respective leagues.
What they're saying about Miller
NM State head coach Chris Jans | "I've always felt the best litmus test for an associate head coach was how a program would fare if the head coach took a sabbatical. New Mexico State wouldn't miss a beat because of James Miller. He has no weaknesses and we are fortunate to work with him. He can do it all at a high level, period."
WAC assistant coach | "If results matter, it's hard not to include the associate head coach on a team that has gone 31-1 in the last two WAC regular seasons. All the guy has done at the Division I level is win. Omaha, Arkansas State, North Texas, NMSU. NMSU has a great staff, but Miller is a big reason they've dominated the league the past two years."
What they're saying about Anwar
NM State head coach Chris Jans | "Coach Anwar is a special coach — actually, he is a special person! Anyone that knows "Philly Dave" will agree. Yes, he is an elite recruiter, relationship builder, loyal and underrated on the floor, but it's his A-plus in the 'human category' that separates him. Dave is the most well-liked person in our organization for a reason."
WAC assistant coach | "David Anwar keeps me up at night. I am constantly thinking how I can upgrade our current roster and make it as good and as deep as NMSU has. His on-the-court coaching is really good, but his fierce and hard-working recruiting skills have helped produce All-WAC conference players and has helped Coach Jans remain at the top of the WAC conference. I truly believe David Anwar is the best recruiter in the WAC conference."
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