Taylor arrived in Las Cruces in fall of 2013 and redshirted to get better acquainted with balancing school and basketball.
“Of course I wanted to play,” Taylor said with a grin. “That’s just the competitive spirit I have. However, I knew it was best to sit out a year and get used to my surroundings.”
Menzies is excited to bring Taylor into the fold.
“Matt Taylor is a solid person on and off the floor. He’s a great person to have in the locker room and he’s mature beyond his years,” head coach Marvin Menzies said. “He is a big-time person when you add his athleticism and drive to be better. I’m excited to see him grow in an Aggie uniform.”
Off the court, Taylor is majoring in business management and dreams of owning his own trucking company and carrying on the family business. Taylor “grew up around trucks and has fixed engines before” and it’s one of his passions.
During his younger years, Taylor showcased his ability to play multiple instruments and music is still a major part of his life.
“I played the trumpet, piano and drums and I was in the band. I was pretty much a nerd,” Taylor said with laugh. “I really enjoy music and it’s still an important part of my life.”
During the 2014-15 season, NM State will compete in 17 home games including games against I-10 rivals UTEP and Rio Grande rivals New Mexico. The home season also includes seven Western Athletic Conference games.
“This season, I’m really looking forward to be given the opportunity to become a leader on the court,” Taylor said. “It would also be great to help the team win a conference championship and be a part of that experience.”
Taylor credits basketball for helping him reach goals, such as earning a scholarship at NM State.
“Basketball isn’t the only part of the equation,” Taylor said. “Basketball has not only helped me reach my goal of playing college basketball, but it has also given me the opportunity to earn an education and become a better person.”