With the 2021-22 NM State men’s basketball season just over two months away, fifth-year head coach Chris Jans has solidified his coaching and support staff for the upcoming campaign.
Wednesday afternoon, Jans announced a pair of position changes and one new hire to his staff for the approaching season.
Following a three-year run as the program’s video coordinator, Sean McClurg has been elevated to the Aggies’ Director of Basketball Operations for the upcoming campaign. In this new position, McClurg will oversee many of the logistical and travel aspects for the Aggies as the team seeks its fourth WAC regular season title under Jans.
“Coach McClurg is very deserving of this promotion,” remarked Jans. “Sean has proven to be a valuable member of our coaching staff from the moment he arrived and he has a bright future in this profession.”
Entering his second season on Jans’ staff, Rian Stubbs was elevated to the position of the team’s Video Coordinator. Last season, as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Stubbs’ was heavily involved in all aspects of the program. Prior to his time at NM State, Stubbs served as the head men’s basketball coach at NJCAA institution Lamar Community College.
“We are excited coach Stubbs has elected to continue to be a part of our basketball program,” Jans commented. “Rian has done a lot of hard work behind the scenes for us and it feels great to reward him with this promotion.”
Joining Jans’ staff for the upcoming season is Darin “DG” Graham. Graham, a fixture in the prep, AAU and college basketball scenes in the San Bernadino and Compton areas of California, will serve as the Director of Player Development. Graham brings a vast array of experience to NM State’s program, most recently as an assistant coach for San Bernadino Valley College from 2019-21.
From 2006-18, Graham worked with the Compton Magic AAU program and coached at the 15U, 16U and 17U Elite levels. During his time in charge of the Magic, both their 15U (2012) and 17U (2017) squads finished a season with the nation’s top AAU ranking for their age division. Graham also enjoyed a 13-year run (2005-18) as the head boys basketball coach at San Bernadino High School.
“Coach Graham will bring a wealth of experience as well as a reputation as an energy giver to our basketball program,” said Jans. “DG is a basketball veteran with a head coaching background that will prove to be beneficial for our program. We are excited to have a new perspective joining our staff as we enter into a new season.”
