BMC news and notes

by Mike Rutherford on Dec 21, 2007 7:20 PM EST in News

The big story out of Las Cruces this evening is that New Mexico State starting center Hatila Passos and reserve guard Paris Carter have been suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Since Marvin Menzies won't do it, I'm going to go ahead and disclose that academics more than likely figured into the suspension in some way.

Passos and Carter, along with starting forward Justin Hawkins, returned to Las Cruces after Wednesday night's 83-69 loss at New Mexico, while the rest of the team traveled for Saturday's game at Louisville.

Hawkins, who leads the Aggies (5-8) with averages of 18.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, addressed an academic issue and left for Louisville on Friday. He was expected to play.

School officials said the suspensions for Passos and Carter were prompted by violations of undisclosed team rules. Passos has started all 13 games, averaging 10.5 points. Carter made one start, averaging 6.1 points.

I think the biggest news here is that Hawkins - easily Menzeis' top performer this season - will play. That said, losing their best post player in Passos is an enormous blow for NMSU, especially with WAC play right around the corner.

The other big story in Aggieland today is the news that stud freshman Herb Pope has apparently finally been cleared to suit up. NMSU has not confirmed the report, but if true the addition of Pope should result in an enormous boost in morale for Menzies and an Aggie team that has largely underachieved to this point. I highly doubt we'll see Pope in uniform tomorrow afternoon, but stranger things have certainly happened.

As far as Louisville's big question mark, Brian Bennett reports that Juan Palacios returned to practice yesterday and could play tomorrow.

Pitino said he was surprised that Palacios was able to practice yesterday, and that Palacios played hard and physical. He said he will make a gametime decision on Palacios tomorrow, depending on how he practices today and recovers physically.

Palacios, Pitino said, will be a valuable sixth man off the bench for the Cardinals (6-3) and should definitely be ready by next week if he doesn't play tomorrow.

But will he be wearing the goggles?

Reporters just don't have the courage to ask the big questions anymore.

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