LAS CRUCES, N.M. - NM State continues to build its 2025-26 roster with the addition of guard Chris Terrell, becoming the 11th player set to suit up for the Aggies next season.
Chris Terrell | Gr. | G | 6-0 | Horn Lake, Miss. | Horn Lake High School | Delta State
In 2024-25, Terrell established himself as one of the premier two-way guards in all of Division II basketball. He started all 30 games for Delta State and averaged 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a nation-leading 3.5 steals per game, leading all of Division II in that category. He shot 47.6% from the floor and 77% from the free throw line, scoring 20 or more points in 20 games. Over the course of just two seasons with the Statesmen, Terrell eclipsed the 1,000-point mark, solidifying his status as one of the program's most productive scorers in recent memory.
Terrell's most explosive outing came in a road win over Auburn Montgomery (AUM), where he erupted for a career-high 42 points, going 12-20 from the field, 5-10 from three-point range, and 13-14 from the foul line.
Terrell's standout season helped lead the Statesmen to a 17-13 overall record, including a 12-10 mark in Gulf South Conference play, and their first appearance in the GSC Tournament semifinals since the 2018-19 season, where they ultimately fell to Alabama Huntsville. His efforts earned him First Team All-GSC honors as well as a spot on the GSC All-Tournament Team.
In his first season at Delta State (2023-24), Terrell made an immediate impact, starting 28 games and averaging 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. He recorded nine games with at least four steals and posted a season-high 30 points against Valdosta State.
Before arriving at Delta State, Terrell played three seasons at Meridian Community College, where he averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 61 career appearances. In 2022-23, he helped lead Meridian to its first NJCAA National Tournament appearance since 1999. He also helped them secure back-to-back 20-win seasons and consecutive trips to the NJCAA Region 23 championship game - solidifying its place as one of the most accomplished groups in program history.
QUOTABLE | Head Coach Jason Hooten
"We are extremely excited about the late addition of Chris to our roster. Throughout my career, we've had great success with guards from Mississippi, and we believe Chris has the tools to follow that tradition.
He brings the potential to be a tremendous on-ball defender, with the pressure and tenacity that define our playing style here at NM State. His speed, quickness, and athleticism are qualities we felt we lacked at times last season, and his presence will immediately help elevate our backcourt.
Chris is coming off an outstanding season at Delta State, where he was well-coached and showcased his ability to score, facilitate, and impact the game on both ends of the floor. We've seen former Division II players thrive at this level, and we believe Chris is poised to do the same.
He will give us another scoring threat at the guard spot while also having the ability to make his teammates better. We're thrilled to have him join the Aggie family!".
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