‘Humble and hungry’

NMSU coach excited to sign Oñate star

Bulletin report

The fact Oñate High School basketball standout Johnny McCants was going to stay in town to play for New Mexico State University has been known for a while.

When NMSU head coach Paul Weir announced the news recently, he said the former Knight star was “an exciting addition. “His combination of length, athleticis, and shooting ability are attractive on so many levels,” Weir said. “But what separates him to me is how important it is to him to wear our jersey. To want to be an Aggie is going to be a hallmark of our program for years to come.”

McCants, a graduate of Oñate, is ranked No. 1 in the state of New Mexico according to MaxPreps.com, while Rivals.com has him listed as a three-star recruit. The 6-7 forward also led the Knights to the state semifinals his senior season, guiding OHS to a 25-5 overall mark and 8-0 record in district play.

He was named the District 3 Player of the year for the second year in a row after averaging 19.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 4.9 blocks and 2.6 steals in his senior campaign. McCants was a Gatorade Player of the Year finalist after tallying 22 double- doubles to go with his three triple-doubles this year.

McCants was named to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association 5A/6A All-Star Team for the south, which will take place on Thursday, July 28, at Eldorado High School. He was also named to the 2016 NMHSCA 6A All-State team after leading the Knights to the state semifinals.

As a junior, McCants earned second-team all-state honors after leading OHS to the state playoffs. Oñate finished that season 15-14 overall and 5-3 in district play – which was good for second place.

“He is well coached, humble and hungry,” Weir said. “And when you put all that together you have a tremendous acquisition for our team.”