At Mira Monte High School in Bakersfield, Calif., Huggins was the first student-athlete to sign with a Division I school – in any sport.
Huggins, a 6-foot-5-combo guard who was the Varsity Player of the Year, averaged 32.3 points per game for the Lions as a senior, which ranked third in the state, according to MaxPreps.
“Braxton is a competitive and solid player who will progress rapidly in his new structure and environment,” head coach Marvin Menzies said. "He's a smart and heady kid."
“I feel that my strength is my ability to shoot the ball and my explosiveness,” Huggins said. “I like to score but I pride myself on playing defense well. Everything starts on the defensive end of the court.”
Knowing about New Mexico only from the hit show “Breaking Bad,” Huggins said, “It’s a lot different from Bakersfield but I like it because it’s smaller and I’m able to focus on academics. It will be fun to play back home in front of my friends and family when we go to Bakersfield this season.”
Huggins is undecided on his major but wants to focus his career on helping others in the community.
“I could see myself as a special education teacher, coach and active in the community. It’s hard to go through life without help, and I want to be there for people that need the motivation to succeed.”
NM State’s reputation and chance to play for a NCAA tournament team enticed Huggins to join the Aggie basketball family.
“The coaching staff and the tradition are just a couple of reasons why I decided to come here,” Huggins said. “I feel that I’m a good fit and can help the team achieve their goals of winning the WAC and making a run in the NCAA tournament.”
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 schedule also includes seven Western Athletic Conference games.