Following up on a story that HoopDirt.com first reported a back on July 19th (New Mexico Dirt)…
It’s now been made official as New Mexico Head coach Paul Weir has announced the hiring of assistant men’s basketball coach Brandon Mason. Mason returns to the Lobos after spending the last three years at different institutions, most recently with UNLV’s men’s basketball program.
“Brandon is a perfect fit for our program,” said Weir. “His familiarity with this program, conference, and state make him tremendously valuable to us right now. I am excited for his potential as a coach and can’t wait to watch him grow here as Lobo.”
Mason was previously on the New Mexico staff, spending two seasons as the video coordinator. Following his stint with the Lobos, he was an assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands for a season before joining Marvin Menzies staff at New Mexico State.
In his role with Aggies, Mason served as the basketball staff’s liaison to university development and athletic administrators. He coordinated 6th Man Club events, such as the annual Marvin Menzies’ 6th Man Open, Tipoff Banquet, and other special events. In his first season back at his alma mater, he aided New Mexico State to its second straight WAC Championship as the Aggies finished with an overall record of 23-11 and a 13-1 WAC mark. The Aggies were invited to the NIT for the first time since he played in it in 2000.
Most recently, Mason followed Menzies to UNLV and was the Runnin’ Rebels Director of Player Personnel.
Mason played for the Aggies from 1999-2003, averaging 9.1 points and 3.2 rebounds during his career. He is part of the New Mexico State 1,000-Point Club, scoring 1,051 point in his four seasons playing in Las Cruces. He was also twice named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Mason went on to play professionally in both the United States and overseas, finishing his career in Lebanon for Byblos Sporting Club. He also helped the Albuquerque Thunderbirds win the 2006 NBA D-League Championship and also played for the Gallup Talons of the ABA.
Mason earned his bachelor’s degree in individualized studies in 2009 from New Mexico State, with a minor in hotel, restaurant and tourism management.
